Protein Shakes Side Effects

Protein is the prime substance that we require to survive and to stay fit. Protein regulates numerous body functions like tissue regeneration and muscle growth. When body falls short of the daily protein needs, these functions get negatively affected. In such cases, protein supplements are advised by doctors and fitness specialists. Protein shakes are consumed by many people on a daily basis and it is the most crucial dietary supplement of many athletes, bodybuilders and hot shot celebrities. Muscle building or weight loss, protein shakes are always recommended by the above mentioned people. Needless to say, protein shakes are made using protein powder and they are often reckoned as the best protein supplement. However, before making a habit of consuming protein shakes, one needs to be aware about the protein shakes side effects as well.

Possible Side Effects of Protein Shakes

Are protein shakes good or bad? Well, considering the role of protein in healthy living, one cannot underrate benefits of the best protein shake. However, consuming protein shakes that are made of the best protein powder is a good way to stay away from all the possible side effects of protein shakes. There are a few conditions though, that you need to follow. First of all, the amount of protein shakes that you consume and the quality of the protein shake brands make a huge impact on determining the severity of the side effects. What are the side effects of protein powder shakes? Let's find out.

Protein Shakes Allergy
This is one of the most common side effects of protein shakes, which is observed amongst those who are suffering from lactose intolerance. Such people can suffer from numerous lactose intolerance symptoms like upset stomach, severe bloating and stomach cramps. In such cases, you can try consuming whey protein supplements. These supplement contain less than 1% lactose.

Dehydration
Protein intake directly affects the hydration process of the body. This fact was brought forward in a recent study performed at the University of Connecticut by the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The study also showed that increased levels of protein also increase nitrogen levels in the body that affect normal kidney functioning. To avoid dehydration, which is a harmful side effect of protein shakes, a person must monitor his daily water intake and consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water, even if he is not feeling thirsty.

Ketosis
Eating too much protein and consuming too much protein shakes leads to several side effects like ketosis. Ketosis is a starvation situation that causes fat breakdown, which is nothing but conversion of fats into ketones. Ketones use glucose to get activated and cause tremendous amount of damage to liver function. In few cases, this damage is found to be life-threatening, since it leads to liver failure. However, people who advocate the efficiency of the low carb diets claim that ketosis is an important process that causes significant weight loss.

Osteoporosis
Recent researches, which were performed at the University of California at San Francisco proved that people who consume protein shakes with acidic foods are more prone to various kinds of fractures. Since protein shakes increase acidity level of the blood, which is the reason why body starts using bone calcium, in order to retain the normal blood level. This whole process results in osteoporosis and various types of arthritis. Hence, a person who daily consumes these shakes, must follow a balanced diet, which is the best way to evade any side effects.

Kidney Stones
High protein levels directly affect the normal kidney functions and cause calcium buildup in kidneys. This fact, leads to several kidney diseases like kidney stones. Kidney stones further cause severe abdominal pain, night sweats, night fever, blood in urine, etc. All these health conditions are side effects of protein shakes that are caused due to dehydration, which is caused due to higher protein levels in body. Again, the best way is to avoid over consumption of protein shakes and drinking plenty of water a day.

The real culprit of the side effects can be the artificial flavorings and food additives that are present in these products. To avoid all the protein powder side effects, the best thing to do is limit the amount of protein shakes consumption to 40 g per meal. The meal that you consume with the shakes must strictly be a balanced diet, with healthy levels of fibers and other nutrients. Finally, all that I would say is, protein shakes are the best, if they are consumed in moderation, as anything excessive is ought to produce ill effects, sooner or later!