Can Protein Shakes Cause Gallbladder Problems?

Gallbladder disease is common in the United States, according to Cleveland Clinic.

While it can occur regardless of diet, the foods you eat and avoid often play a role in gallbladder health.

For instance, foods rich in soy and whey protein, such as protein shakes, may affect the health or function of this organ in some people, depending on whether they have a related food allergy or intolerance.

If you have questions about the relationship between your diet and gallbladder health, consult your healthcare provider.

Protein and Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is a small, sac-like organ under the liver that stores bile and aids in the digestion of fats, explains Cleveland Clinic. Therefore, it’s not directly involved in the metabolic breakdown of dietary proteins.

A diet high in fat and low in fiber may increase the risk of gallstones, says Mayo Clinic, but there’s little clinical evidence to suggest that protein, including whey and soy, can cause this condition.

Unless you’re allergic to a specific source of dietary protein or find that your digestive system doesn’t tolerate a particular protein food well, there’s no need to limit or eliminate your intake of it if you have gallbladder disease.

The Role of Food Allergies

While not a direct or primary cause of gallbladder issues, food allergens can potentially irritate the gallbladder, according to research. Soy is a common food allergy, says Cleveland Clinic. Some people with a cow’s milk allergy struggle with whey as well, reports a study.

However, neither whey nor soy typically pose problems for people who don’t have food allergies.

Whey and soy have different origins but offer similar health benefits.

According to Cleveland Clinic, whey protein is sourced from animal-based milk and contains a complete array of all nine essential amino acids.

Soy protein, on the other hand, is derived from the soybean plant. It also serves as a complete and high-quality source of dietary protein, says MedlinePlus, making it an excellent plant-based alternative to whey.

If you think you may be allergic to either protein source, consult your healthcare provider for an allergy test. Symptoms of food allergies include abdominal pain, diarrhea, hives, and breathing difficulties, says Mayo Clinic.

Should your healthcare provider confirm a food allergy, it’s best to eliminate these foods from your diet to support your overall health.

A Balanced Diet for Gallbladder Health

If you’re not allergic to whey or soy, either product can help you maintain good health while managing gallbladder disease.

High-protein, low-fat foods such as whey and soy protein shakes can serve as easy-to-digest alternatives to high-fat protein sources for people with gallbladder conditions, says Cleveland Clinic. Just read ingredient lists to ensure the products you choose don’t have excessive amounts of added sugar.

Be sure to add fiber-rich foods to your diet, too, since protein shakes on their own typically don’t offer much in the way of dietary fiber, reports Harvard Health Publishing.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. Produce high in vitamins C and E can help further protect against gallstones, says Cleveland Clinic.