7 Side effects of Protein supplements You should know

Over the years, Protein powders have gained a lot of popularity. With the increase in health awareness and in the number of Gyms, people are needing more proteins than before. Aren’t Proteins the building blocks of our bodies, after all?

Protein supplements, especially the Whey Proteins are common among the athletes and professional bodybuilders. But, nowadays even the common people have started to consume these whey protein powders for good health and strong muscles.

Though the professional athletes and bodybuilders surely have a sound knowledge about their diets, consumption times and quantities, the same can’t be said about the common people. There are easy chances of overdoing protein quantities and risking health. Let us go through the side effects of having protein supplements:

1. Excess consumption of proteins can unsettle our digestive system. One of the main ingredients of the whey proteins is Lactose and you can be intolerant to it. The other digestive related issues could be bloating, nausea, increased bowel movements or even diarrhea.

2. They can cause abnormal and unhealthy weight gain in you. This totally depends on you. If your workout regime and intensity doesn’t match the protein consumption and if you end up having more proteins than planned, the excess proteins get converted into fats and defeat the very purpose.

3. The kidneys are at a risk from excess protein consumption because kidneys are involved in breaking down the proteins. A higher intake of proteins means more pressure on the kidneys and if they buckle under it, there are high chances of renal disorders.

4. It is always beneficial to have proteins from natural food sources as they also contain all other essential nutrients required by the body. Whereas protein powders are mostly proteins only. Hence, you regularly getting an unbalanced nutrient composition is definitely not good for your health in the long run.

5. It is essential to have all other nutrients along with protein supplements especially Carbohydrates. Having protein powders without carbs may push the body in a state of ketosis in which the body uses fats as the primary source of energy.

6. Proteins do increase the production of the IGF-1 hormone which triggers sebum production. This, in turn, can lead to acne on your face.

7. Whey proteins are known to hike testosterone levels which increase the DHT chemical in the bloodstream. This DHT is known to cause hair loss.

Hence, it is always advisable to have whey proteins in specified and recommended quantities. This requirement varies from person to person depending on age and activity. The most important factor to always consider is buying Protein supplements from reputed, quality, proven and trusted brands and follow the rules and your diet timetables strictly.