Protein supplements: More of a bane than a boon?

Hello everyone,

I am Mr. Whey, a mixture of various proteins. My mother, milk, has two major proteins -casein (80%) and I (20%). When my mother is transformed into cheese, I am produced from the liquid portion that gets separated. I have a remarkable range of essential amino acids that are absorbed easily by the human body. I am popularly consumed by the athletes and bodybuilders, as I help them to increase their strength, gain muscle mass and lose considerable amounts of body fat. I dont have a great taste, but Im available in different flavours in the market.

Moreover, I am not alone in the fitness and athletic industry; my potential competitors are soy, hemp, and pea powder supplements which are suitable for individuals who are allergic to dairy products.

What are my benefits?

I am mixed with water, and some extra ingredients to make protein shakes. Proteins are building blocks of the human body, which build muscles, make hormones and enzymes, and repair the damaged tissue. We, the protein supplements, are needed for the individuals who cannot meet the protein requirement through diet; this includes people with conditions such as protein deficiency or athletes and bodybuilders. Fitness-enthusiasts mostly consumed us to improve their muscle mass.

I can be good or bad. You must decide.

It isnt so easy to gain all my benefits. The most important point to note before including me in your daily routine is that the more supplements you consume, the more you should exercise. Thus, most of my benefits are availed by regular gym-goers. Some people drink my shakes on a regular basis. But little do they know, that I come with some minor and some life-threatening side effects.

The following are some of my side effects, if not consumed properly:

• Upsets digestive system: Casein and I are rich in lactose, a sugar found in our mother milk. Hence, we are not suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant. Moreover, those who consume more of our protein powder can cause bloating, increased bowel movements, nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence.
• Unhealthy weight gain: When your workout schedule does not balance our supplement intake, the excess calories are converted into fat and results in rapid weight gain.
• Lowers blood pressure: This effect might be beneficial for most individuals. But people who are under medications for high blood pressure must practice caution as I might lower the blood pressure way too much, leading to hypotension.
• Affects kidneys: Ammonia, a by-product of protein metabolism, is converted to urea and eliminated from the body via urine. When we are consumed in excess amounts, the kidneys are under pressure to eliminate the abundant amount of urea produced. Long-term consumption of us can increase the risk of renal disorders.
• Disrupts hormones: Some of my competitors, like soy protein supplements, contain copious amounts of phytoestrogen, which can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. The genetically modified soy products contain a chemical called glyphosate, which can cause miscarriage, hormonal imbalance, birth defects, diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, and enlargement of breasts in men.
• Causes liver damage: Consuming more proteins and no carbs can lead to ketosis, a state of the body where fat is used as the primary source of energy. This state results in increased blood acidity levels that can impair the liver function and lead to severe liver disorders. In addition, when I am consumed in excess amounts without exercising can result in liver inflammation and increased risk of liver injuries.

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• Causes acne and hair loss: I am known to increase the production of called insulin-like growth factor, a hormone, which can enhance sebum production and cause acne. Also, I can increase the testosterone levels, which further triggers the production of a chemical (DHT) which can cause hair loss.

Natural protein sources:

There are always have natural sources to the artificially manufactured supplements, like me. So, opt for the natural protein-rich foods to avoid the possible side effects and to gain more benefits; these include my mother (milk), eggs, almonds, oats, cottage cheese, chicken breast, Greek yogurt, broccoli, tuna, quinoa, lentils, pumpkin seeds, fish, brussels sprouts, peanuts, etc.

Conclusion:

I may help you gain muscle mass in a short time and provide other health benefits, but these must be availed at a cost. So, it is always advised to consume proteins through diet and stay healthy.

Also read about -Keep heart disease at bay with a healthy diet

Thank you!

Article by CallHealth Wellness Team