Whey protein is the most popular supplement in the strength and bodybuilding community. Its muscle building and recovery benefits are well documented, but less time is spent discussing the potential downsides to incorporating whey protein into your nutritional plan. With that in mind, I want to discuss the reasons why whey protein may be bad for you to add to your daily nutritional intake.
Why Is Whey Protein Bad?
Whey protein may lead to the development of unexpected problems in your digestive system. For instance, this protein’s most typical adverse effects are nausea, bloating, reduced appetite, acne, and even increased bowel movements. All of this can lead to minor or moderate discomfort in some individuals.
On top of that, some people are allergic to this kind of protein, as some individuals have some level of lactose intolerance. Some athletes are more sensitive than others when it comes to dairy based supplements. Therefore, knowing any potential adverse effects is essential before ingesting a whey protein shake.
Does Dairy Protein Damage Your Kidneys?
Since kidneys filter waste products from the blood, ingesting too much protein can stress them. When you consume more protein than your body requires, it is broken down into waste products such as urea and ammonia. Then, the kidneys must filter these waste products out of the blood, which may lead to worsen kidney function in individuals with kidney disease.
Also, since milk protein contains high levels of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, consuming it in excess can increase the concentration of these minerals in the urine. This potentially leads to kidney stone formations over time.
Though, this is only possible if you consume it in excess. It’s important to remember that many issues can cause kidney stones; consuming moderate amounts of whey protein is unlikely to cause kidney stones in healthy people.
Why Does Whey Protein Cause Allergic Reactions?
This protein can cause allergic reactions because it is derived from milk products. As a result, athletes who have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy may also be sensitive to any milk based protein.
The symptoms of a milk-derived protein allergy can include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming milk protein, you should stop taking it and immediately seek medical attention.
If you are unsure whether you have a milk protein allergy or not, a doctor can perform a skin prick test or a blood test to determine if you do. If you have an allergy to this protein, you must avoid all sources of it and make dietary changes to ensure you get enough protein from other sources.
Can Dairy Protein Cause Dehydration?
Yes, if you don’t drink enough water daily while consuming this kind of protein, you can get dehydrated. This is because this protein needs more water for digestion than other kinds of protein. Therefore, you will need to drink more than usual.
Here you can see the most common signs of dehydration.
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
Can Dairy Protein Make You Gain Weight?
Now that you’ve learned when whey protein could be bad for you, you need to learn about the positive athletic benefits it can help you achieve.
Whey protein supplements can help you achieve your nutritional goals, whether on a bulk or cut.
When it comes to bulking, there are whey protein supplements high in calories (usually called a mass gainer) that help you hit your protein macros while upping your daily caloric intake. This is great for those finding it difficult to up their whole food intake while keeping to a healthy whole foods diet.
And for those on a cut, there are plenty of lower calorie whey supplements that can be used to keep your protein intake high without adding too many extra calories.
Regardless of your particular fitness goals, this milk-derived protein can help you reach your daily nutritional needs. If you drink it in moderation, you will avoid many of its downsides and still receive the benefits it provides for strength and bodybuilding athletes.
Can Dairy Protein Cause Hormonal Imbalances?
Yes, if you consume too much milk-derived protein, it can cause hormonal imbalances in the body.
This is because it contains Insulin-like Growth Factor 1. IGF-1 affects the production of testosterone and other androgen hormones.
If an individual has an existing hormonal imbalance, this can lead to further hormone imbalances, both with testosterone and estrogen.
Ingesting whey protein can also cause an increase in insulin in the bloodstream, which can lead to insulin resistance over time. Athletes with preexisting hormonal imbalances or medical conditions should contact a doctor before taking dairy protein supplements.
However, it is essential to note that consuming moderate amounts of milk-derived protein is unlikely to cause hormonal imbalances in healthy athletes. Therefore, whey protein is bad only if you take it in excess.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about dairy protein.
Does Dairy Protein Reduce Sperm Count?
No, there is no clear evidence that this protein reduces sperm count. While many recent studies have suggested that consuming it in excess can impact your sperm quantity, there is no clear evidence yet.
Other studies suggest that it can improve sperm count. However, there is no clear evidence of this either.
Is it Bad to Drink Dairy Protein Every Day?
If you consume it in moderation, you can safely drink milk protein daily. However, if you drink it more than recommended daily intake, you might start experiencing harmful side effects. You should always remember that these supplements are meant to improve your diet, not to replace your meals.
Do Athletes Use Whey Protein?
Yes, many athletes use milk-derived protein. It improves recovery, enhances muscle gain, and supports athletic performance. On top of that, athletes who partake in high-intensity sports need more protein and calories than those living sedentary lives, which is why this supplement is ideal for them.
Conclusion
While whey protein has a lot of downsides, you can prevent these by consuming this product in moderation. If you don’t, it can cause serious harm to your body. After all, it can even imbalance your hormones.
