Why do men drink protein? How protein intake affects potency in men - contraindications for sports nutrition drugs

Today a lot is said about the benefits and harms of protein. Those who start using it are afraid of negative consequences, including complete impotence. Why is protein dangerous for health, what is fact and fiction?

To understand this issue, it is necessary to consider the process of making protein powders, and then draw conclusions about whether it can be used as sports nutrition for men or not.

Myths about the dangers of protein

There are a number of myths about the dangers of protein that are completely untrue. Among these myths it should be noted:

1. Addiction. Taking protein in sports nutrition can in no way cause addiction; the composition in no way contains components that could cause such addiction.
2. Decreased male potency. One can even note the exact opposite picture - when consuming sports nutrition, an increase in sexual desire is observed.
3. Possible problems with the kidneys or liver. Protein cannot harm a healthy body. There is only one amendment: sports nutrition is not recommended if you have chronic renal failure.

Real danger

Sports nutrition contains nutrients that are used by the body to maintain its vital functions. But even protein, which is necessary for building muscle, can be dangerous. So there really is harm, the following points should be noted:

1. Individual intolerance to some components of the mixture, allergic reactions. In some cases, the body simply does not have enough enzymes to break down proteins.
2. If you use too much protein, it will actually cause a lot of harm. Dysbacteriosis may develop, causing bloating, constipation, and pain. Protein is not completely digested; it is an excellent flora for the reproduction of any harmful microorganisms.
3. Unscrupulous manufacturers may add heavy metals to food, but this is dangerous to health and can cause severe intoxication.
4. You should not take a lot of protein if you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. In this case, sports nutrition can make the situation much worse.

What does sports nutrition consist of?

What does protein consist of, which is now so controversial? This substance itself is a polymer molecule, or chain, consisting of amino acids. Human protein also consists of amino acids, the number of which is 22. But the body itself is capable of synthesizing only 14 of these amino acids, which can also be called non-essential, the rest are called essential. They can only be supplied with food. Among these essential amino acids it is necessary to highlight:

1. The amino acids leucine, valine, and isoleucine are components of the protein structure. They activate protein synthesis and create an anabolic background in the human body, necessary for building muscle mass.
2. Glutamine is a substance that makes up more than half the mass of all muscle proteins. This amino acid is very important for any person.

When producing sports nutrition, the task is to introduce into the preparation not purified, but also the most effective proteins, which fully contain all the necessary substances for building muscle mass, to provide the body with all the necessary proteins.

Unlike numerous myths, only natural protein is taken for sports nutrition.

1. Natural whey that contains everything the body needs. Such protein compositions are distinguished by the fastest breakdown; the intestines absorb the ingredients quickly and easily.
2. Casein is a milk protein, also called slow protein. It turns into jelly under the influence of a special acidic gastric environment. Casein takes a long time to digest, approximately 8-12 hours, which is why it is recommended to take it at night.
3. Egg white. Here the amino acids are slightly inferior in value to other ingredients, but it is very rich in sulfur, which is necessary for the full functioning of the body.
4. Soy is a protein of plant origin. Many people claim that it is not very healthy, but this is far from true. It is wheat, oats and soy that are invaluable sources of many proteins that cannot be obtained otherwise.
5. Meat products. Complete protein, which is essential for health, can only be obtained from meat ingredients. But such amino acids, although they have a high level of value, are not absorbed so well.

Conscientious manufacturers do not introduce any dyes, flavors or artificial substances into the protein composition. The powder contains at least 90% pure protein. But its price cannot be low; this must be taken into account when choosing. Often it is precisely because of such cheap and low-quality drugs that a large number of myths arise.

Contents:

Protein and its effect on the body. Possible effects of protein on the kidneys, liver and potency.

Today, more and more people are making their choice in favor of quality nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and a beautiful body. At the same time, visiting a fitness center or gym in this “line” of desires becomes mandatory. But while everything is more or less clear when it comes to training, it’s not always clear when it comes to protein and sports nutrition. Today you can find many “horror stories” about the particular harm of such additives. To allay fears, many need to hear the opinion of doctors. This is the right approach.

About protein

Before we begin to consider our topic, let's talk about the features of making sports nutrition. What is protein? In fact, this is the scientific name of a protein that is well known to us. The basis for the additive (in most cases) is milk, soy, eggs and other quite ordinary products known to us from childhood.

The variety of sports supplements is often confusing. So, today in the composition of protein you can find a variety of types of proteins - whey, egg, soy, casein and others. But whatever the additive, the essence remains the same - it is made from ordinary products. The only thing that is slightly different is the technology and the final composition (volume of proteins, presence of carbohydrates, fats, lactose, etc.).

Consequently, there is not and cannot be any “chemistry” in protein - it is the purest product, the production technology of which is not much different from the production of baby food. Moreover, almost any dairy plant will be able to handle protein production without any problems.

For example, the most popular whey protein is derived from whey. Its advantages are good digestibility by the body and saturation of muscle fibers with the necessary amount of amino acids. In turn, casein protein (“slow” protein) is found in large volumes in cottage cheese - it is better to take it before bed. Can there be any harm to the body from ordinary products? Of course not. If problems do arise, in most cases they are associated with an overdose, and not with the features of the supplement.

Kidneys

Doctors often come across the opinion that protein is dangerous for the kidneys. What is this connected with? When the body breaks down any protein (including those that come from food), a certain volume of ammonia molecules is released. The kidneys are responsible for removing the latter from the body. Taking a sports supplement means an increased load on the organ, but if it is healthy, then there are no problems with doing the “work”. If you have kidney disease, the situation can become more complicated. Therefore, if you have problems with this organ, then it is better to abstain from taking protein (and protein diets).

Liver

The liver is the filter of our body. Here the situation is the same as in the previous case. If the liver is sick, then it is better to abstain from taking protein or limit its amount. At the same time, only a doctor can determine the harm of protein to the body after conducting a series of studies. If in doubt, go to the hospital.

Potency

A very popular misconception is that protein negatively affects potency. It is not protein that affects male strength, but steroids. Even doctors unanimously agree with this. In turn, a high-quality food additive is not capable of harming potency. But what about people who take protein and claim otherwise? This can be explained by several reasons:

• firstly, low-quality soy protein contains a large amount of phytoestrogens, which are dangerous for the male body. They really harm potency;
• secondly, not everything is so simple. For soy protein to have a negative effect on male strength, it is necessary to consume the supplement in large quantities;
• thirdly, weakening of erection often occurs not because of protein, but due to excessive physical exertion and, as a consequence, overtraining. For some reason, many athletes do not take this factor into account.

Therefore, problems with potency will never arise if you drink high-quality whey protein, follow the dosage and give the body a rest after heavy loads. Naturally, the recovery process involves not only sleep (which is also very important), but also good nutrition (vegetables, fruits, cereals, and so on).

Intolerance

There are people who have a common allergy to protein - they cannot tolerate it for various reasons. It is very easy to identify such a problem. After taking the next portion, severe digestive disorders, flatulence, diarrhea, and so on appear. In such a situation, taking protein really causes serious harm to the body. If you experience these symptoms, limit your protein intake or limit your supplement intake altogether.

Prices and where to buy protein

conclusions

Most doctors are confident in the safety of the protein, and harm can only occur in the event of an overdose of the drug. It is important to remember that it is important to get protein not only from nutritional supplements, but also from regular food.

The danger of running into a fake cannot be ignored. To prevent this, it is important to carefully choose sports nutrition. Otherwise, irreparable harm may indeed be caused to the body. I wish you health, a beautiful body and a strong spirit.

Protein is a concentrated protein that is very popular among athletes. It is believed to help build muscle mass and improve endurance during prolonged exercise. But do not forget about the harm of protein, which is not so harmless. In fact, in pursuit of a beautiful body, you can significantly undermine your health by being overly addicted to popular drinks.

General information

Initially, protein was considered a rather dangerous product along with gainers and energy drinks. Gradually, attitudes towards it began to change, and modern athletes cannot imagine training without regular use of this protein powder.

Many argue that protein is a completely natural product without any chemicals and cannot harm the body. Another argument in favor of consuming protein is the important role of protein in the proper functioning of systems.

In fact, everything is not so clear-cut. Many people forget that excessive intake of any substance has no health benefits. This also applies to protein, which is not as beneficial to get in such a concentrated form as it is found in protein shakes.

Benefits of the drink

The most important argument in favor of consuming protein is its ability to intensively build muscle mass, increase endurance and reduce appetite. It is believed that all this increases the benefits of training and contributes to significant athletic achievements. At the same time, for many it becomes a staple food and energy source both after sports and during the day.

But are the benefits of protein really that great? It’s not for nothing that there are strict restrictions on its use among people with certain diseases.

In addition, it is believed that the protein can have a number of negative effects on internal organs.

That is why it is worth carefully studying all the possible side effects that concentrated protein may have before making the final decision to take it.

Negative consequences of use

Talk about the dangers of protein on the body is not a misconception. He is. The danger can be quite significant.

• Concentrated protein often causes eating disorders. Particular caution should be exercised by people who suffer from lactose intolerance.
• Excessive protein intake can negatively affect organs such as the kidneys and/or liver. If there are any problems in their functioning, drinking protein shakes should be limited as much as possible.
• This product contains exclusively protein in a huge concentration and practically does not provide the body with any vitamins and microelements.
• Protein powder is a fairly expensive product that not everyone can afford to consume every day. And given the possible negative consequences for health, the question arises about the rationality of such purchases.
• Pure protein is not the most delicious product. Manufacturers solve the problem of improving its qualities by adding various dyes, sweeteners, and flavors to the protein. And this immediately calls into question the statement about the naturalness of the protein, which means that the benefits from it are not so absolute.

Thus, before you take on a popular cocktail, you should think carefully about the harm that protein can have on the body.

Impact on the female body

For representatives of the fairer sex, protein often becomes the cause of metabolic disorders - sodium is excessively washed out, and calcium, on the contrary, is retained.

As a result, fatty deposits form, and fluid begins to be poorly excreted.

Having the property of increasing the amount of estrogen in the body, concentrated protein can disrupt overall hormonal levels. That is why women are not recommended to get too carried away with protein powder and get the required amount of protein from plant foods.

Impact on the male body

The main disadvantage of protein for the stronger sex is its effect on potency. Excessive amounts of protein are believed to reduce male potency. In addition, this product disrupts hormonal levels in men.

The presence of a large amount of phytoestrogens (female hormone) in protein can cause the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. That is why its use should be extremely careful.

Protein and proper nutrition

If you play sports, it means you lead a healthy lifestyle. And in this a huge role is played by proper nutrition, eating exclusively natural food. It should be noted that vegetable protein is absorbed by the body much better. In addition, it promotes:

• maintaining insulin levels within normal limits;
• reducing the likelihood of diseases associated with the heart and/or blood vessels;
• enriching the body with fiber;
• improving digestion processes;
• normalization of metabolism;
• restoration of natural microflora;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improving the condition of hair, nails and skin.

So if you want to exercise and still get enough protein, you don't have to turn to protein powders. Natural products will be an excellent alternative to surrogate.

Which products to choose?

To get the necessary protein in sufficient quantities, add to your menu:

• cabbage (both fresh and pickled);
• legumes;
• various cereals;
• all types of nuts;
• mushrooms.

It is important to note that protein of plant origin retains all its beneficial properties at any level of heat treatment.

To increase the intake of protein into the body and ensure its best absorption, it is recommended to combine the following products:

• rice and sesame or beans;
• wheat and peanuts, beans, soybeans or sesame;
• peanuts and sunflower seeds.

By consuming foods in this combination, you will ensure that your body receives not only a sufficient amount of protein, but also many important vitamins and microelements necessary for life.

It is also useful to eat certain fruits, in which the percentage of vegetable protein is quite high. These include:

• dried apricots;
• dates;
• papaya;
• apricot;
• cherry;
• kiwi;
• prunes;
• avocado.

Thus, the list of foods that you can use to provide yourself with a sufficient amount of protein is quite large and varied. This means that there is no need to take concentrated protein powder.

Of course, everyone decides for themselves whether they need protein; the harm or benefit to the body will have to be discussed specifically in their case.

If your goal is good health and excellent physical fitness, there is no need for powder supplements. It is enough to exercise regularly and eat right, getting all the necessary vitamins from plant-based foods. This way you will provide yourself not only with natural food, but also with the best absorption of all incoming microelements.

The primary importance of protein in our life is described by the phrase of F. Engels: “Life is the way of existence of protein bodies.” Protein is the building material for the entire body. It consists of muscles, bone tissue, hormones, enzymes.

If we compare the human body with a construction site, where new floors are constantly being created, waste is eliminated, and components are moved, then proteins can be imagined in the form of bricks. It’s easy to imagine what will happen if construction material is delivered at the wrong time or in insufficient quantity. The work process will begin to slow down or stop altogether, and over time, the walls that have already been built will begin to collapse.

So for the normal functioning of the body, a daily intake of protein is simply necessary. Its consumption rate is 2 g per 1 kg of body weight per day. You can get protein from plant and animal foods. Or you can use industrially produced protein. There are many men (whether this product is harmful or not, we will look at in the article) who supplement their diet with protein powder. You can buy it at a pharmacy or sports nutrition stores.

What is protein made from?

Milk is the most common starting material for the manufacture of protein dietary supplements. Casein protein is made from milk curdled with special enzymes.

Whey protein is a concentrated protein that is isolated from whey. In order to obtain a finished powdered product, milk is curdled, pasteurized, and filtered. The resulting protein is then concentrated and dried.

In addition to these types, soy and egg proteins are also isolated. They are used less often because they are more expensive. Is soy protein good for men? Is this product harmful or not? Scientists have not been able to fully understand this issue, because this type of protein is not completely absorbed by the body.

Egg white is healthy because it contains sulfur, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the entire body. Protein products with mixed composition have also been developed. They combine the best qualities of each type of protein.

Protein Benefits

To obtain the required dose of protein, an athlete must drink 6 liters of milk per day, or eat 15 chicken eggs, or get the same substance from a considerable amount of meat. Such food is expensive, and not everyone has the strength or desire to prepare dishes. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the optimal combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. This is why athletes often prefer protein “from a can.”

What does protein mean for men's health, is it harmful or not? Athletes test this from their own experience. After all, using pharmaceutical proteins is cheaper, and such a product is also very convenient to store and transport. A significant advantage is the balanced composition of amino acids in the supplement. Manufacturers, in addition to pure natural protein, often add a variety of vitamins to the powder that cannot be obtained from regular food. This saves the athlete time and money.

Indications for protein use

Protein is simply necessary for people actively involved in sports. Its use stops catabolic processes in muscles and helps the body recover faster after training. A balanced composition of amino acids increases the body’s protective functions and improves the functioning of the endocrine system. The ideal dietary supplement would be protein for men. Reviews confirm the fact that with protein supplements, muscle mass grows much faster, and the level of fatigue decreases. The enzymes contained in the product have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications

Before starting a diet or taking any medication, it is better to consult your doctor. It is a nutritionist who will help you find answers to questions about whether protein is harmful to men’s health and whether it is worth using it in a particular case. Manufacturers do not recommend using such products:

• persons under 18 years of age;
• pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• people with individual intolerance to product components;
• patients with kidney failure and liver problems;
• people with a very large amount of subcutaneous fat. The composition of the products most often includes fast protein. If you don't pay enough attention to physical activity, you can easily gain even more extra pounds.

When taking a protein dietary supplement, you need to carefully monitor the dosage. Large amounts of protein can cause constipation, bloating, and colic. Protein taken in excess of the norm puts extra stress on the kidneys and liver. Protein breakdown products remaining in the intestines can become an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. Is protein good or bad for men's health? The answer is simple: it all depends on the dosage and adherence to the training regimen.

Protein and potency

There is a popular myth about the harmful effects of protein on men's health. “Is protein harmful to men’s health?” - the most frequently asked question on sports forums. People who are far from sports and healthy eating often confuse protein dietary supplements and products containing steroids.

Anabolic steroids are indeed dangerous for men's health. They affect the athlete’s hormonal levels and can cause irreparable harm to health. Long-term use of such drugs inhibits the body's production of the male hormone testosterone. Over time, after stopping taking steroids, a man may develop problems with potency, and sometimes the body even begins to restructure itself according to the female type.

Proteins, on the contrary, have a positive effect on potency. Many athletes, after taking protein nutritional supplements, noted an increase in sexual desire and an increase in the duration of sexual intercourse. This is not surprising, because the non-essential and non-essential amino acids included in the product improve the functioning of all organs and systems. The question of whether protein is harmful to men's health disappears on its own.

The effect of protein on the functioning of internal organs

Canadian scientists tested the effect of protein on human health. They examined the kidneys, liver, genitals, and digestive system of people taking protein. According to their conclusions, protein in normal dosage is absolutely not harmful to internal organs. They also concluded that excessive intake of animal protein increases the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer. But this risk is much less than in the case of eating fast food or carbonated drinks.

Is it necessary to exercise while taking protein?

Protein, especially whey, is absorbed very quickly. Therefore, if you do not subject your body to regular physical activity, the fat layer will begin to grow. For a person who wants to lose extra pounds, casein protein is ideal. By consuming it in the evening, the athlete will protect himself from nighttime overeating. In combination with physical activity, the use of protein will have a positive effect on your figure.

Is protein harmful to men's health? Reviews from experts say that proteins have a positive effect on the functioning of the body. Moreover, scientists have proven that the protein is 100% harmless.

But it is worth remembering that there are also unscrupulous manufacturers. They can add modified components to the product to increase the shelf life of the product. Sometimes heavy metal salts can be found in the powder. There are known cases where prohormones, drugs similar to steroids, were found in sports nutrition.

Is protein harmful to men's health in this case? This is worth thinking about. In order to reduce the cost of the product, low-quality flavoring additives and dyes are used. The only way to protect yourself is to buy proven products from well-known brands. The supplier must also be reliable. It would also be a good idea to read product reviews. If all products were of high quality and certified, then the question of whether protein is harmful to men’s health would not arise at all.

If we are talking about high-quality protein powder, then the reviews from men are positive. This dietary supplement really helps increase muscle mass. The instructions for use are simple, and the course of taking the protein itself is rarely associated with any side effects.

Is protein harmful or not? To answer this question, you need to have an idea of ​​what protein is - what the harm and benefits are for men and women, the opinion of doctors conducting research in the field of sports nutrition.

Protein is...

In pursuit of health and a beautiful body, people use a variety of methods to achieve these goals. Someone goes on a diet, another resorts to hard training, and a third combines both. In this article we will talk about proteins - essential elements of bodybuilding and whether protein is harmful to the body.

To dispel the doubts of those who look at all types of sports nutrition with caution, knowingly believing that this is nothing more than harmful chemicals, it is worth noting the natural origin of this protein food supplement. There are several main types of protein:

1. Casein (calcium caseinate) is a protein that is obtained by enzymatic curdling of milk. It is least preferable when you need to gain muscle mass, but if you supplement it with whey, it may well work.
2. Whey protein has the highest digestibility among all the supplements presented and is therefore recommended for use not only by those who are actively involved in sports, but also by those people who simply monitor their health.
3. It would also not be amiss to mention egg white. A chicken egg itself is a storehouse of nutrients; the yolk alone contains 7 proteins.
4. Milk protein is famous for its relative cheapness, but this in no way detracts from its usefulness, because this type of protein has a good amino acid composition in its arsenal.
5. And finally, soy is currently the worst of the above proteins. In addition to the fact that it has the lowest biological value, soy protein also cannot boast of the speed of absorption.

Among the positive qualities of consuming protein, the following are worth highlighting:

• promoting muscle growth;
• achieving significant results in sports;
• normalization of insulin levels;
• ease of use.

In addition, protein, as a product that mainly contains only protein, will be an excellent solution for those people who follow a vegetarian lifestyle. It happens that you want to snack, but you only have protein on hand. Without a doubt, a protein supplement is great for a little boost.

It has been proven that if the protein entering the body, which is then oxidized and converted into energy, is not wasted in any way, this is fraught with the formation of excess fat, which sooner or later has a disastrous effect on the human cardiovascular system, being an unpleasant consequence for both women and and for men.

The harm of protein shakes

Currently, so-called protein shakes have become popular - mixtures of proteins with mineral supplements that have high energy value. Typically, such proteins are obtained in laboratories by synthesis.

If we talk about the effect protein shakes have on the human body, here, first of all, it is worth considering for what purpose and what kind of product he uses, genetic predisposition, the presence of gastrointestinal diseases and other ailments. Take, for example, a milkshake - the fact that it contains lactate is already a good enough reason for people suffering from eating disorders to refuse to drink it.

The results of research by scientists in this area are not very encouraging. According to them, cocktails simultaneously carry harm and benefit, that is, there is talk of a “double-edged sword.”

On the other hand, if you follow the norm and before using any supplements, consult a doctor about the presence of contraindications, then the risk of getting some kind of sore along with the next portion of protein will noticeably decrease, or you may even not have to worry about side effects at all.

As for the “other side of the coin,” then everything is somewhat sad. Malignant tumors, male pattern baldness, various skin diseases, partial masculinization in girls, malfunctions of internal organs - this is not the entire list of what a person who abuses protein shakes will have to face.

There is information that people who tried to abruptly stop drinking cocktails became aggressive, noticed a tendency to violent actions, and an apathetic state. It can be suggested that protein affects some people like a narcotic substance - and, as a rule, for lack of a “dose” the body begins to rebel.

As for teenagers, it is strictly not recommended for them to take protein. Only if young people have seriously decided to engage in strength sports, the use of protein supplements is allowed under strict medical supervision.

When the conversation turns to the harmfulness of proteins, the “male problem” is always mentioned, namely erectile dysfunction. And what is most characteristic is that the fact of consuming soy proteins is almost always used as an explanation for the cause of sexual impotence, but the presence of a harmful effect of whey protein on the body as a whole and on the male reproductive system in particular has not been established.

Casein protein is quite popular - its benefits and harms have also been determined through scientific research. Casein is a slow-digesting protein, so it would be advisable to consume it before bed.

Among other things, it is an excellent help for allergy sufferers whose bodies cannot accept either egg or whey protein. There are no side effects as such, but at the same time, the casein cocktail does not provide a significant increase in strength and does not in any way affect muscle growth.

It is important to know that protein shakes from well-known companies contain the least harmful substances, while products from nameless manufacturers may contain an analogue of female hormones - phytoestrogens. Excessive consumption of protein with such “impurities” can really be dangerous for a man’s health!

Video: are proteins harmful or not?

Doctors' advice

As mentioned earlier, in order for protein consumption not to have side effects, it is necessary to create a regime for taking protein drinks, follow the dosage and, most importantly, a mandatory consultation with a doctor and personal trainer, if you have one. Protein is beneficial for health only as an additive to a balanced diet; under no circumstances should it replace the main diet.

The answer to the question of whether there is harm from protein lies in the body itself. A healthy person who does not have serious illnesses can easily consume protein shakes, using the resulting energy in intense training.

If an athlete has an allergy to one or another type of protein, individual intolerance to the components included in cocktails and other equally serious problems, an alternative should be selected, of which there are currently a huge number.

Sooner or later, many people involved in strength sports think about the need to take additional food supplements. On television, in magazines, and newspapers, debates about the dangers and benefits of sports nutrition do not stop. That anabolic steroids negatively affect the human body, probably everyone already knows. Is protein harmful or not? Is it really so necessary for athletes and will its use lead to health problems in the future? Let's try to figure it out.

What is protein

The English word protein is translated into Russian as “protein”. And protein is a necessary component of a healthy human diet, since it is involved in all life processes:

• responsible for building bone and muscle tissues of the body;
• protects against bacteria and viruses;
• is a source of energy;
• regulates metabolism in the body;
• transports oxygen in the circulatory system;
• keeps skin, nails and hair in good condition.

In sports nutrition, protein is a powder with a high protein content. It is easily absorbed by the body and contains all the essential amino acids.

Protein powder is made from natural extracts of products containing protein of animal or plant origin:

• dairy products;
• meat;
• peas

The raw materials go through several stages of purification and drying, resulting in a completely natural protein concentrate, which is used in sports nutrition as an additional source of energy and material for the construction and regeneration of muscles.

How does protein affect your health?

According to doctors, consuming good quality protein powder in a reasonable dose does not have any negative effects on health. On the contrary, many scientific works have proven the beneficial effects of protein on the human body.

Protein is useful both for men who want to gain muscle mass and for women who want to lose weight, get rid of skin problems and have strong, healthy hair and nails.

All parents know the important role protein plays for a child’s growing body, so the question may arise: is protein ok for children? Experts agree that protein powder in an age-appropriate dosage affects the child’s body (from 3 years old) only in a positive way. Therefore, if it is difficult for a child to feed meat or cottage cheese, but he will be happy to drink a protein shake in an age-appropriate dose, there will be no harm in it.

Lack of protein in the human body leads to:

• sleep disturbance;
• depression and irritability;
• decreased immunity;
• frequent bowel movements;
• weight gain;
• slow wound healing;
• dry skin;
• brittle hair and nails;
• development of various diseases.

Poor nutrition and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract lead to symptoms of protein deficiency in the body, and it is simply unrealistic for people with increased physical activity and athletes to achieve daily protein intake from food. This is why consuming protein powder is essential.

It is important to understand that protein is an extract from products, and any product has properties, contraindications and daily intake. In accordance with this, the benefits of protein or the harm that can be caused to the body are determined.

Daily protein intake

The daily requirement for protein is individual and depends on the age, gender and physical activity of the person. In accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization The normal protein intake is considered to be 0.8 – 1 g/kg body weight. This is the average figure for an adult with moderate physical activity. For children under 18 years of age and pregnant women, the protein norm is 2 g/kg per day.

People engaged in heavy physical labor and athletes should take 2.5 g of pure protein, for girls and women whose task is to lose weight and maintain good physical shape - 1.5 g/kg body weight.

Exceeding the daily protein intake to 3 g/kg leads to side effects: digestive disorders and kidney diseases.

If it is almost impossible to exceed the protein norm with regular food, then it is easy when consuming protein powder. This is why it is very important to follow the exact dosage when preparing a protein shake and not exceed the recommended doses indicated on the can of protein powder.

Types of Protein Powder

Before you buy protein in a sports nutrition store, it is very important to figure out which powder is right for you. For this it is necessary to know the individual characteristics of the body(intolerance, allergies, chronic diseases) and take into account the purpose of use:

• gaining muscle mass;
• weight loss;
• recovery after strength training;
• maintaining general health;
• replenishment of the missing amount of protein from food (vegetarians, people with abdominal diseases).

To ensure that protein powder does not cause harm to the body, it is recommended that when choosing it, you should follow the advice of a trainer and your doctor, who will prescribe the type of protein that meets your needs in the necessary and sufficient dosage.

Animal based powders

Protein powder based on animal products is most popular among athletes:

1. Egg protein is an excellent source of protein, the standard among protein powders, containing all the essential amino acids. Has the highest amino acid digestibility coefficient - 1.00. It is egg white that is chosen by bodybuilders seeking to gain muscle mass. With its help, muscle fibers grow faster than with any other type of protein. Recent scientific studies have shown that eating egg whites strengthens the heart and blood vessels and helps increase good cholesterol levels. There is only one contraindication to taking egg whites – an allergic reaction to chicken eggs.
2. Milk protein is another type of highly digestible protein powder with a full range of amino acids. Dairy proteins promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and restore muscle fibers after exhausting workouts. The main disadvantage is the lactose content, so milk protein is harmful for people who have lactose intolerance, which results in disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Milk protein consists of two types of proteins: casein (“slow”) and whey (“fast”) proteins, which can be purchased separately.
3. Casein protein is a protein found in cottage cheese. It is absorbed very slowly (up to 7 hours), thanks to which the muscles are fed with amino acids for a long time. It suppresses hunger for a long time, so casein is useful for weight loss.
4. Whey protein is preferable to milk protein when building muscle mass. Absorbed by the body completely and in a short time (within 30-50 minutes).
5. Beef protein is a rarity in sports nutrition stores and has a high price, so it is significantly inferior in popularity to egg and milk proteins, but its advantage is considered to be its creatine content, good tolerability (an option for athletes with allergies to lactose or chicken egg whites) and rapid digestibility .

Animal-based protein powders are completely natural, contain all essential amino acids, and are easily digestible. They are completely safe for women, men and even children. Only people with individual intolerance to animal proteins and with an increase in the recommended dose can cause harm.

Plant Based Protein Powders

Plant-based protein powders are vegetarian protein options, but are completely complete and beneficial for overall health. In addition to amino acids, they contain fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

There are proteins based on hemp, flaxseed, brown rice, and peas. These types of protein powders are rarely found on sale; most often they are included in a mixture with other proteins.

The most common type of plant-based protein powder is soy protein.. In terms of protein content, quality and digestibility, it is closest to animal protein powder (digestibility coefficient 0.95). It is able to quickly restore muscles after physical training and promotes their rapid growth.

But there is an opinion that soy protein is dangerous for men because it contains phytoestrogens, which are similar in action to female sex hormones. Is protein harmful to men's health? Let's look further.

Effect of soy protein on the body

Some side effects may indeed occur with long-term consumption of soy protein by men. Most often this is an allergic reaction to soy, less often – digestive disorders due to gluten intolerance.

Numerous studies have proven that phytoestrogens do not have a harmful effect on men's health and do not reduce potency if the recommended dose is not exceeded. With excessive consumption, it is possible to reduce the production of the lipase hormone responsible for the breakdown of fat, which will lead to a gain of fat mass rather than muscle mass.

For women (especially during menopause), soy protein is most preferable, since its consumption normalizes hormonal levels and prevents the development of breast cancer.

When choosing a soy protein product, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer and price, since you can purchase low-quality protein from genetically modified soybeans, which will cause more harm to health than benefit.

Negative effects of using protein powders

Protein powder has been proven to have a positive effect on the body. Protein is harmful to human health only when:

• individual protein intolerance;
• incorrectly selected sports diet(replacing main meals with protein shakes);
• non-compliance with dosage.

The following symptoms indicate obvious protein intolerance:

• protein rash, skin itching;
• redness of the sclera of the eyes, lacrimation;
• discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract;
• intoxication of the body (nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature).

How else can protein be harmful? It is quite rare to find good quality pure protein powder in sports nutrition stores. Mostly, protein mixtures are for sale, enriched with various additives in order to increase the nutritional value and improve the taste of the protein.

Side effects from their use largely depend on the content of these additional substances. When purchasing a protein mixture, it is important to carefully study the qualitative and quantitative composition.

What ingredients in protein mixtures should you be wary of?

1. Taurine is an amino acid added to all energy drinks. In small doses, it has a positive effect on health, but excess taurine makes the body work harder and increases the risk of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
2. Synthetic sweeteners (Sweeteners). Not absorbed by the body and cause irreparable harm to health in some diseases: for renal failure (cyclamate), phenylketonuria (aspartame), heart and vascular diseases (aspartic acid). Consumption of sweeteners in large doses has an extremely negative impact on health, especially in children and adolescents.
3. Thickeners (Gum Blend): xanthan gum, carrageenan. They provide optimal consistency when preparing a protein shake, but regular use of these additives, according to the latest scientific data, can lead to stomach ulcers and cancer of the digestive tract.
4. Synthetic sugars: dextrose and maltodextrin are important components of sports nutrition that affect the rate of recovery after physical activity, but excessive consumption of sugars increases the likelihood of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Often, high doses of dextrose cause digestive problems.

When adding various components to protein mixtures, manufacturers are not always guided only by the benefits they bring to the body and improvement of taste. More often this is done in order to reduce the cost of the product, because protein concentrate (60 - 85% protein) or hydrolyzed isolate (consists of 90% protein) will cost much more than a mixture for preparing a cocktail with nutritional supplements.

Protein bars

Another source of protein, in addition to high-protein mixtures, are protein bars. Their protein content should be higher than fat and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many manufacturers, under the guise of protein bars, produce products containing a variety of ingredients.

Therefore, if the purpose of consuming a bar is to additionally obtain a high dose of protein, then you need to read the label very carefully about the composition and calorie content of the product. A high-quality protein bar, like protein powder, will only bring benefits, while a cheap fake will be harmful to your health and cause excess weight.

What to pay attention to when purchasing and consuming protein

It has been proven that taking high-quality protein in the appropriate dosage does not harm human health. But it is worth paying attention to the following points:

1. The consumption of high-protein foods should only be prescribed by a doctor or sports coach..
2. You need to purchase protein powder or mixture only from well-known and trusted manufacturers.
3. You cannot replace main meals with proteins and get some of the protein from meat and fish products, legumes and cereals, and nuts.
4. With constant intake of high-protein mixtures throughout the year, an imbalance of hormones and electrolyte imbalance may occur in the body.
5. With continuous consumption of protein mixtures for 5 years, irreversible degenerative processes begin in the liver tissues, and various diseases of the internal organs develop.

That is why it is necessary to take protein in courses under the strict supervision of a doctor. Uncontrolled long-term use is fraught with serious complications and health problems.

Protein is a healthy, completely natural biological food supplement, the correct use of which in sports and dietary nutrition does not harm the body, but helps to achieve your goals and improve health. Side effects occur only when consuming low-quality protein mixtures, in high doses or in case of individual intolerance.

Hello everyone, dear subscribers of our blog dedicated to a healthy lifestyle!

Most recently, we conducted our own research on the topic “Is it harmful to consume sports nutrition?”, justifying our opinion with scientific facts and discussing with Start-health readers various options for solving the problem.

In the comments to the article there were “polar” points of view. Some subscribers have a negative attitude towards any nutritional supplements, while other blog visitors have a positive attitude towards high-protein mixtures.

Are polypeptide-based sports nutrition really that beneficial? What contraindications exist for taking protein powder? Is protein harmful to the body?

Today we will find out how safe the most popular type of sports nutrition is for human health. So, I suggest we start. ?

Classification of protein by type of raw material

Guys, protein is a nutritional supplement that is in demand by both men and women, regardless of age and training experience. This nutrition was created by dividing milk protein into casein and whey mixture.

Hi all! Let’s continue the topic of myths :) I’ve read a lot of horror stories about protein shakes. I decided to discuss with you why protein is harmful. Let's dispel the myths and find truly reliable facts. Let's get acquainted with the opinion of the research doctors. I couldn't find anything on the Internet.

There is a video where they claim that the protein “kills” the liver and kidneys. On other resources, protein greatly undermines health. Negatively affects all organs and systems. Moreover, it is almost like a drug and causes addiction. And that is not all. Taking protein, a man risks becoming impotent! Personally, I would like specific facts.

Even children and teenagers take protein. There is no age limit, and it is strange if he is so dangerous. As you probably know, protein is present in baby food. Breast milk substitutes contain from 9 to 14.5 g. protein per 100 g. If it is so harmful, I personally don’t understand how it can be given to an infant. Protein (polypeptide, protein) is a food product. There are proteins:

• Dairy;
• Serum;
• Egg (from egg white);
• Soy;
• Casein (its share in milk is 80%);

As you can see, they are all extracted from food products. They are not created artificially, this is not chemistry. Whey protein is the best digestible protein. This is what is most often used in sports nutrition. You can read how such a protein is produced in the article about.

The use of purified polypeptides is necessary for many people. Stress, heavy physical activity, physical inactivity reduce the need for carbohydrates and fats. And, on the contrary, they increase the need to consume protein as the main building material. Today, high-protein mixtures are in demand not only by athletes. They are necessary for everyone who wants to lose weight and also maintain their figure. Even if a person loses weight without training. Just sitting on it, for example. And also to everyone who is struggling with obesity.

Of course, concentrated polypeptides are not without their disadvantages. But fast food, confectionery and processed foods are much more dangerous. Polypeptides enter our body from birth, with mother's milk. Since childhood, we safely absorb protein. In theory, everyone’s kidneys and liver should have already “fallen off” :) Any nutritionist will tell you that proteins are necessary for our body.

Is it harmful to the body?

Maybe there are myths about concentrated protein rather than natural protein. Let's look at it. Concentrated protein may cause allergic reactions. And also indigestion. But this may be due solely to individual protein intolerance. Digestive upset after taking protein can also occur due to dysbacteriosis. And also with a lack of enzymes that break down polypeptides.

Excessive consumption of concentrated proteins may cause constipation. They are eliminated by adjusting protein doses. If you have kidney disease, the dose should also be adjusted. For gastritis, protein can be consumed only after consulting a doctor. The fact is that the diet for acute gastritis excludes all dairy products. In this case, you can take polypeptides of plant origin - for example,.

To avoid problems, do not consume expired protein. Many sports nutrition sellers claim that it does not spoil. But it may simply lose its biological value. I wouldn't check it on myself. It’s not for nothing that the manufacturer writes the expiration date on the product. The minimum that can happen is no effect from the powder. Maximum – indigestion. And although expired supplements are much cheaper, it’s better not to take risks. Now let's move on to research into why protein is dangerous.

Scientific research

I described what can happen due to excessive consumption of concentrated protein and prolonged sitting on protein diets. For any serious internal diseases, especially the gastrointestinal tract, any diet should be approached with caution and consult a doctor. And don’t run away when it’s already “on fire” in one place. Here I will present studies examining the relationship between protein intake and various diseases.

Healthy men and women were selected for the studies. These were ordinary people, not athletes. Scientists and doctors have tried to find a connection between the amount of polypeptides consumed and the consequences. The people who participated in the study consumed and. Observations were carried out from 2000 to 2011.

Effect on the skeletal system

It has been confirmed that ingestion of polypeptides in large quantities can lead to calcium excretion in the urine. At the same time, the presence of sufficient amounts of polypeptides improves calcium absorption. And this increases its bioavailability. Therefore, the European Product Safety Authority considered the negative effect of polypeptides on the skeletal system to be inconclusive. Studies have shown that a high-protein diet does not significantly affect bone calcium levels.

Cardiac ischemia

A relationship has been established between the consumption of animal proteins and this disease. We are not talking specifically about concentrates or. This means dairy products. You must understand that in addition to protein, they contain cholesterol. It is he who is responsible for poor patency of the coronary arteries. With excessive consumption of protein foods, the risk of ischemia increases.

Arterial hypertension

There is no reliable evidence that animal protein has any effect on blood pressure. There has been evidence that plant (soy) protein affects LDL cholesterol levels. This is the “bad” cholesterol that leads to cardiovascular disease. Soy protein reduces it. These studies are considered convincing.

Coronary heart disease

No direct connection was found between coronary heart disease and protein intake.

Can protein shakes cause cancer?

The most “horror stories” I read were about proteins and oncology. I want to calm you down right now. Some studies only confirm the risk of the disease. This means there is a possibility. But none of them confirmed 100% dependence.

Breast cancer

In this direction, a study was conducted on the health status of nurses. Girls and women consumed plant and animal proteins. No significant relationship was found between their consumption and this disease.

Ovarian cancer and prostate cancer

Canadian scientists investigated the connection between polypeptide consumption and ovarian cancer. And also prostate cancer. No significant association was found.

Oncological diseases of the larynx

The study was conducted by scientists from the USA. They found that consuming too much animal protein increased the risk of disease. But if you consume protein of plant origin, the risk is reduced.

Oncology of the esophagus and stomach

In the United States, the relationship between the consumption of polypeptides and cancer of the stomach and esophagus was assessed. An increased risk of disease has been found with excessive consumption of animal protein. The risk decreased with increasing intake of plant proteins. Those. you need to eat everything, but in moderation.

Pancreas cancer

Canadian scientists have not found a relationship between pancreatic cancer and the use of polypeptides.

Kidney cancer

Researchers found no relationship between the disease and consumption of animal or plant protein.

Effect on potency

This myth personally makes me smile. It turns out that all men with pumped up bodies have problems in bed. Isn't the price too high for a beautiful body? Let me make a reservation right away: there are no such myths about whey protein. But I saw about soy. Allegedly, soy negatively affects the level of the male hormone testosterone. In fact, only two studies out of a huge number have found this connection. In the first study, male subjects consumed 4 times more soy than Japanese men. I think you know that soy is used very often in Japan and in Asian countries in general. When I spent the winter in Thailand, I didn’t notice any problems with fertility. But in China they also use a lot of soy... is that a sufficient argument? 🙂

The experience is even more dubious considering that no comparisons were made with the second group. In the second group, men did not consume soy. Therefore, this experiment can be considered a myth.

The second experiment was with manipulation of facts. What the researchers themselves later admitted to. There was a man in the group who had problems with testosterone even before the tests. His data influenced the entire experiment. Recent 32 scientific studies have shown that soy protein is absolutely safe for male potency.

The main problems arise when powder supplements are taken incorrectly. If you start stuffing yourself with protein uncontrollably, you will get intoxicated. Load all organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Nutrition should be balanced. Protein powder can be consumed at the rate of 2 g/1 kg of body weight per day. The dose can be adjusted by a trainer or nutritionist. Those who take the supplement correctly do not complain about their health. And everything is fine with potency and all other organs.

I hope I was able to dispel your doubts, if you had any. Whether you take protein or not is ultimately up to you. Just remember that it is not poison. Any food can cause harm if consumed in “horse doses”. There must be moderation in everything, and then there will definitely be benefits. and share truthful information on social networks. So that such incomprehensible myths do not arise about the simple protein that we eat every day. And I say goodbye to you. See you again!