Warning 12 side effects of protein supplements

While protein supplements are considered safe for everyone, they have certain side effects that make their consumption quite controversial.

Protein supplements are supplements that people use to gain muscle. Protein supplements are very popular among gym goers and bodybuilders who aspire to have a strong and muscular body.

Protein powder supplements are the current trend. Besides the benefits, eating too many protein supplements often causes more harm. When using them, you should beware of the following 12 side effects!

1. Unstable digestive system

The two most popular protein supplements, whey protein and casein protein, are both derived from milk. They are rich in lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk. Therefore, it is not a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant.

Excessive consumption of these protein supplements can also cause increased bowel movements, bloating, and even nausea. Other side effects include bloating and diarrhea.

2. Unhealthy weight gain

If taken in excess, protein supplements can cause you to gain weight.

When your exercise regimen doesn’t match your protein intake, unused calories turn into fat. This amount of fat accumulates every day, causing you to gain weight rapidly.

If you do not want to gain weight “accelerate without braking”, you should strictly control the amount of protein your body takes in

3. Lower blood pressure too much

Research shows that whey protein in particular can lower blood pressure.

While this is probably good news in most cases, people already taking high blood pressure medications must be wary because whey supplements can lower their blood pressure too much.

4. Kidney effects

When the body uses protein, it produces ammonia as a byproduct. Ammonia is then converted to urea and eliminated from the body in the urine.

If a person takes in a lot of protein, they will produce a large amount of urea. It puts more pressure on the kidneys as they filter out large amounts of urea and calcium from the blood.

When consuming large amounts of protein supplements over a long period of time, you run the risk of developing kidney disorders. Kidney failure, kidney stones, and kidney failure are possible side effects of protein supplements in excessive amounts.

5. Hormonal disorders

Hormonal disruption is the main problem when it comes to soy protein supplements. While soy is rich in essential amino acids, it also contains phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens, when entering the body, will mimic the hormone estrogen and can affect your endocrine system.

Not to mention 95% of the soybeans used to make protein supplements are genetically modified. Genetically modified soybeans often contain a chemical called glyphosate, which is responsible for hormonal imbalances, miscarriages and even birth defects.

Daidzein and genistein in soy can also cause erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and enlarged breasts in men.

Supplementing with soy protein may have some hormone-related effects, especially in men

6. May cause liver damage

Having a high-protein, no-carb diet can push the body into a state of ketosis. The body then uses fat as its main source of energy. This leads to high levels of acid in the blood.

Persistently high blood acid levels are known to impair liver function and can lead to serious liver disorders.

Additionally, excess whey protein supplementation without exercise can lead to hepatitis and increase the risk of serious liver damage.

7. May lead to heavy metal poisoning

Consumer Reports has shown that protein powders contain harmful heavy metals such as arsenic and lead. Needless to say, consuming excess protein supplements over the long term can make you feel unwell.

A person who takes a protein supplement can experience exhaustion and other problems, especially if they have symptoms of diabetes or have chronic kidney problems.

8. Drug interactions

It is extremely wise not to consume whey protein if you are being treated for osteoporosis. Because it can reduce the absorption of the drug.

Whey protein may also interact with antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), increasing the risk of bleeding.

There is a long list of drug interactions that one must research before taking protein supplements. It is best to consult your doctor before buying expensive protein supplements.

Before you intend to invest in expensive protein supplements, you should consult your doctor to avoid bad interactions with the drugs you are using.

9. May Increase Cancer Risk

Heavy metals found in some brands of protein powder may increase the risk of cancer. But this is only a vague possibility.

Other studies show how whey protein can reduce tumor size and prevent cancer from proliferating. Therefore, consult your nutritionist on this matter.

10. May cause dehydration

Research shows that a high-protein diet can cause a person to become dehydrated. This is one reason why people following a high-protein diet must drink lots of water.

11. May cause acne

Whey protein is known to increase the production of the hormone IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor. This can trigger sebum production and lead to acne.

12. Can lead to hair loss

Our hair is made up of keratin, a protein. However, whey protein is also known to increase levels of testosterone, which produces a chemical called DHT in the blood. This chemical can often cause hair loss. Even lifting weights excessively can lead to increased testosterone levels and subsequent hair loss.

Protein is definitely important. In fact, proteins are likened to the building blocks of life. But using it excessively is not advisable. So check your protein supplement intake. Make sure you get it in full, but don’t overdo it. Ideally, consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Reference source

The 12 Side Effects Of Protein Supplements You Should Be Aware Of https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/side-effects-of-protein-supplements-you-should-know/ Accessed: 11/25/2020