In the instant world that we live in, it’s no surprise that we want muscle growth and recovery as soon as possible, this by taking protein powders and supplements. As a result, they’re heavily promoted, and are readily available. What’s claimed is you can recover quicker, lose weight, gain weight, or help build muscle faster.
While some brands deliver as promised, others can pose certain health risks. Protein powder has been linked to everything from causing cardiovascular issues to vitamin deficiencies, all which should be taken seriously, based on your health. So before consuming, know what the health risks may be.
9. Potential Heavy Metal Exposure
What some protein supplements can contain are harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, this based on testing the purity of protein powders available on the market. Although some contained heavy metals in small amounts, if they’re consumed regularly, the levels can compound to become excessive.
Ingesting excess heavy metals can be dangerous, because they’ve been proven to elevate serious health risks. What heavy metal consumption, inhalation, or absorption in one form or another does, is increased the risk of bladder, skin, kidney, and lung issues. So research the brands carefully.
8. Can Cause Dehydration
Proper hydration is integral for strength training, cardio, and vigorous exercises. It can become difficult to stay hydrated, once protein powder is taken in excess. What’s known is it can cause dehydration, this depending on the amount consumed, and the type of exercise performed. What the body needs, is additional water to metabolize the excess protein, otherwise dehydration will result.
There’s also additional strain that’s placed on the kidneys, if too much protein is consumed. This is because the kidney’s need to work much harder to process the excess acid. So if you constantly take protein powder as part of your health regime, what needs to be increased is your water intake, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.
7. Unknown Hidden Ingredients
Protein powders will rarely list every ingredient on their packaging, this since it’s not strongly regulated. It’s common to find a variety of substances that are omitted, most being additives that you’d most likely avoid if they were. Instead, they’re listed as “natural flavors,” which can be chemicals like MSG.
Other unwanted ingredients such as preservatives, are added during the manufacturing process. Since there isn’t set guidelines for most health products in the US, most aren’t aware what’s exactly in them. This is why research is needed for any consumable health supplement, so do your homework.
