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Supplement Savvy for Cancer: Whey Protein

By Jill Place, MA, RD

What It Is . . .

Remember Miss Muffet and her curds and whey? Whey is protein left over after cheese is made from cow's milk. This leftover whey protein can then be refined to a high quality with cross-flow microfiltration, ion exchange, and other processes that concentrate the protein and the immunoglobulins in it without inactivating them. The best way to keep whey protein stable and active without using preservatives is to make it in powder form. So most supplements come in powders or capsules.

What It Does . . .

Whey protein has the highest biological value of any protein, so it's the protein best absorbed by your body. Whey protein may be able to:

show your immune system where unfriendly bacteria, yeasts, molds, and toxins are in your gut, also known as Bad Gut Guys, so that your immune system can destroy them .

bind iron with the whey protein Lactoferrin, which helps to starve out the Bad Gut Guys. Lactoferrin may also keep the Bad Gut Guys from invading your intestinal walls. Lactoferrin and lipoic acid may be a better bet to prevent anemia than iron in some cases.

damage the Bad Gut Guys by Lactoperoxidase, a whey protein enzyme.

keep the Bad Gut Guys from sticking to intestinal walls with its Globulin Proteins so that they're unable get a footfold to grow.

upping Glutathione levels and therefore upping immune response. Glutathione is a protein that's important for maintaining cell and immune health.

increase immunity and intestinal health with Immunoglobulins.

prevent diarrhea and other digestive problems.

What To Do . . .

Since this type of protein comes in powdered form, it's perfect for shake recipes. Shakes are great for a quick, nutritious meal when you're on the go. Shakes are also great if you just can't eat during chemotherapy or radiation and are losing weight. Just drink a couple of these every day:

Blend in blender:

2 to 2 ½ ounces fresh tofu or 1 cup soy, almond, or grain milk

and/or 1 serving whey protein powder

with any or all of the following:

4 to 8 ounces fresh juice (if you have mouth sores you may want to stick to low-acid types)

1 cup yogurt, frozen yogurt, or soy ice cream

½ -1 cup frozen fruit (any type)

1 frozen banana (skin; freeze in ziplock bag)

1 large carrot or carrot or other vegetable juice

1 Tablespoon flax seeds or flax seed meal

1 Tablespoon wheat germ

1 Tablespoon wheat or rice bran

1 to 2 teaspoons flavor extracts, like almond, coconut, banana, and/or vanilla

2 to 4 drops Stevia, a natural non-caloric sweetener sold as a nutritional supplement

4 to 6 ice cubes, added one at a time to make a slushy

What To Watch Out For . . .

Because most milk has hormones and other undesirable substances, it's important that the milk used to produce this supplement is free from disease, hormones, immunizations, and contamination. Those who are sensitive to milk proteins and products may not be able to tolerate whey protein. The way it's made, however, may make it safe to use for those who are lactose intolerant. If you're lactose intolerant and interested in taking whey protein, proceed with caution with small amounts and build up to a full dose gradually over a few weeks. Discontinue use if you have bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

© Copyright 2002 Jill Place, MA, RD