In itself, protein isn’t a stimulant for your bowels.
However, dietary protein comes from a variety of sources, and these have different effects on the body.
When certain changes in bowel movements occur, seek help from a healthcare provider.
Elena Noviello / Getty Images
Why the Protein You Consume May Make You Poop
Diet canaffect stoolin various ways.
You may have started using protein shakes, protein powder, or protein bars.
Or, you may have switched to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Pooping After Eating
Some people feel the urge to go to the bathroom after eating.
It is not that the food just eaten is ready to be passed.
But some people still have the urge to go after eating, even as adults.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intoleranceis a common condition where people cant fully digest the lactose sugar in milk.
Their bodies do not make enough of the enzymelactase, which breaks down milk sugar.
This condition often develops after age 2.
Dairy is a common protein source.
It may be found in protein powders or drinks.
Sugar alcohols may cause the body to draw more water into the colon.
This can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.
Sometimes, this causes a person to feel a more urgent need to go to the bathroom.
Undigested fat could lead to needing to use the bathroom more frequently or loose stools thatfloat in the toilet.
People need bothsolubleandinsolublefiber in their diet for beneficial health effects.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water during the digestive process.
Insoluble fiber is also important to health and digestion, but it does not dissolve in water.
Instead, it passes through the digestive system partially undigested, helping to give stool bulk.
It may also have the effect of drawing more water into the colon.
This could lead to loose stools or the urge to move the bowels.
If a protein source contains a significant amount of fiber, slowly increasing it may help avoid digestive symptoms.
The same is true for fiber supplements.
Themost common food allergiesare:
Food allergies can cause a number of symptoms.
This includes life-threatening ones such asanaphylaxis, which leads to trouble breathing.
Digestive symptoms can also occur, including abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Protein needs change over a persons lifetime.
Some medical conditions may require patients to change the amount of protein they get.
One such condition ischronic kidney disease (CKD), in which a low-protein diet is often recommended.
Relieving Constipation
Constipation, having infrequent, hard stools, is a common problem.
There are many causes, including not getting enough fiber.
Your bowel movements shouldn’t cause urgent disruption in your day.
Summary
Protein itself doesnt always lead to diarrhea or loose stools.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for lactose intolerance.
2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155/2016/5967907
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Malabsorption.
Chan School of Public Health.Fiber.
2017;117:251-264. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.021
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Food allergies.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020 - 2025.
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation.
National Institutes for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
