Supplements of protein are required by those who are into body building or do heavy exercises regularly. These supplements are available in the market in the forms of powder, shakes and bars. This additional protein may appear fascinating for once but later on it reveals its darker side. The ideal-body craving young generation of today has very whole heartedly accepted this trend of consuming protein supplements. This is because the additional protein that is supplied in large amount by these supplements can not be achieved by eating normal food so quickly. Most of the people who rely on protein supplements do not realize its draw backs, let us throw some light on it. Here are some of the negative aspects of protein supplement consumption.
Gastric problem
The most common problem caused by protein supplements is gastric. The protein in these supplements consist of polymers of amino acids which are responsible for the extra generation of gas. The amino acid when stays in your stomach for long period of time it starts depleting the inner lining of your abdomen, which can also cause ulcer and produce gas. The gas hence formed may cause pain in the abdominal area or result in a headache. However, once the body gets used to the protein supplements gastric problem vanishes by itself. Your body may take about a month or more to get used to these supplements.
Dehydration
When these supplements are introduced to your body, the concentration of protein rises more than enough. The extra protein which can not be utilized your body is supposed to be transformed into body fat in this situation. In order to convert the the protein into fat your body produces a lot of urea. The urea, which is catalyst in the reaction is left after the conversion of protein into body fat and is later on absorbed by the blood. The abrupt increase in the concentration of urea in human blood absorbs a lot of water resulting in dehydration. Urea is the main component in mammalian urine and is rich in ammonia and carbon-dioxide. When the concentration of urea increases the release of urine decreases resulting in burning sensation or rashes sometimes. Dehydration can be detected in the form of dry skin, chapped lips and dark circles etc.
Indigestion
Human body is not used to the amount of protein that is fed to it by the protein supplements. It is therefore a difficult task for it to digest such a huge amount of it. Your body being a natural machine requires only a limited amount of protein on daily basis to repair the mild wears and tears in it. The extra protein which is forcefully injected in your body without any requirement causes indigestion. You may feel uncomfortable if you do not work out appropriately after the consumption of a protein supplement. If you work out more, there will be greater number of wear and tears in your body and the supplement will readily get utilized in the repairing work. Therefore, always intake a limited amount of protein supplement according to the necessity in order to avoid indigestion. The amount of sports drink and protein supplements should be directed by an expert if you are looking forward to body building. They are the best people to decide the protein requirement of your body.
Nutrient deficiencies
People generally opt for protein supplements sacrificing one of their meals. Your body requires a balanced meal that comprises of whole grains, milk, vegetables, fruits and meat. Once you start considering the protein supplements over your meals, you unknowingly cut down on the other essential nutrients. You are definitely adding calories to your diet by the protein supplement but there happens to be a deficiency of fiber, vitamins and other necessary nutrients. The deficiencies of different nutrients may lead to various diseases. Therefore, to restore the well being of your body and to avoid malnutrition, you should never skip meals and disturb the balance of nutrients. It is very risky to prefer one nutrient over others and therefore, you should not sacrifice meals for digesting protein supplements properly.
Allergies
A food allergy called lactose intolerance is found in large numbers among people you take protein supplements. Swelling, dyspepsia and cramps are the most common symptoms observed if you are lactose intolerant and have consumed a protein supplement. A way out to prevent the allergies would be to consume whey protein isolate which contain insignificant lactose. Lactose is the minimal sugar content that is found in milk. Many people can not resist lactose and become prey to the allergy caused by it. The best way to shake of all the protein allergies is to eat healthy food in a balanced manner and drink efficient water, that is about eight glasses. Consuming protein naturally from food is always a better option than depending on supplements. If you have such allergy problems, you should opt for protein supplements that do not contain extracts from milk. Whey protein supplements are safe for people who suffer from lactose allergy.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is yet another dark side of the protein supplement. There is depletion of bony tissue in osteoporosis. This problem leads to reduction in the strength of bones and they become vulnerable to easy damages. When there is access of protein in human body, it makes the blood toxic and in turn the blood sucks calcium from the bones to counterpoise the acidity. If the production of acid continues, it results in little elasticity of bones; hence, they easily crack, or fracture. It may also result in bending of bones in human beings which may cause de-framed body parts in turn. A pregnant or menopausal women should not take these supplements in access. A pregnant women can pass on the side effects of the protein supplements to her baby if she intakes abnormal amount of the additional protein.
Kidney problems
The main function of a kidney is to keep the vitally necessary nutrients to the body and excrete the inefficient waste out of it by the process of filtration of blood. When one intakes the additional protein in the form of supplements, there is an abrupt increase in the concentration of urea in the blood. This in turn accentuates your kidney to work harder for the purpose of purifying blood. The strain hence created is not very elastic for one’s kidney and therefore easily damages it. Once the functioning of kidney gets worse, there is more and more amount of waste like urea found in blood. Some times blood can be observed while passing out urine due to excess of urea in blood. This may lead to increased density of urea in blood while waiting for your next visit to rest room. To solve this problem, it is recommended to drink plenty of water. People who are already suffering with a kidney disorder should say a strict no no to the protein supplement or consult a doctor before taking it. Your blood pH balance should read 7.0 and if it is more acidic it means your kidney is overloaded and can collapse any time. There is also a greater probability of formation of stones in kidney due to increas
ed percentage of acid.
Ketosis
Consuming more than enough protein in the form of protein-supplements and inadequate amount of carbohydrate can lead to a state of body which is termed as ketosis. This is a famishment state where your body breaks down its fat into ketones. These ketones are then used by the body as a substitute of glucose for energy fuel. Experts opine that this mode of ketosis is extremely serious because it puts extra pressure on liver which may be life threatening. However, there is another school of doctors who consider low carbohydrate fundamental and assert that the state of ketosis is enhances well-being. In aide of building muscles, one should not compromise on carbohydrates. The complete crisis of carbohydrate is very dangerous and can result in rupture of liver due to overstress and other tissues.
Overweight
Once you introduce the protein supplement to your body, it needs to be digested and absorbed. If you do not work out properly, the extra protein accumulates under the skin as body fat. This accumulation if observed daily may lead to overweight. It is indispensable to take care of the amount of protein to be passed into your body so that you do not gain extra weight. You should always decide the amount of protein supplement by an expert. The amount of protein supplement that is prescribed for weight gain is directly proportional to the work out that has to be done. Unwanted fat comes due to the unbalance that is created in between calories input and burning of the same.