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News India Live, Digital Desk: Nowadays, almost every second person going to the gym is seen walking around with a shaker in his hand. The passion for building muscles and fitness has increased so much that protein powder has become an ‘essential’ thing. There is no doubt that it helps in muscle growth and recovery, but have you ever thought that the box which you are considering as your health companion can also be dangerous for you?
It is a supplement, i.e. ‘dietary supplement’, not a magic powder. If it is taken without thinking and in the wrong way, instead of being beneficial, it can cause harm to your kidneys and liver.
If you are also taking protein powder or are thinking of taking it, then keep these 5 things in mind.
1. First and foremost tip: Ask a doctor, not a trainer
This is the biggest mistake that people make. They start taking protein powder on the advice of a gym trainer or a friend. Remember, your trainer can look at your body from the outside, but only a doctor or certified dietitian can tell you about the health of your internal organs, like kidneys and liver. You may already have a problem and consuming too much protein might aggravate it. Therefore, first consult an expert and know whether your body really needs extra protein or not.
2. Not every expensive box is good: learn to read labels
There are hundreds of brands of protein powder available in the market. Do not choose any product just based on attractive packaging or expensive price. Read the label carefully before purchasing.
- What to see? Check that extra sugar, artificial sweeteners or fillers have not been added to it. The shorter and simpler the ingredient list of a protein powder, the better it is.
- View Certification: Always buy a product from a trusted and certified brand only.
3. The ‘one scoop’ rule isn’t for everyone
Often people think that they have to take one scoop of protein a day. But how much protein you need depends on your weight, your activity level and your goals. Consuming more protein than you need puts a lot of stress on your kidneys, because they have to work twice as hard to eliminate this extra protein from the body.
4. It’s not a substitute for real food
Some people reduce their food intake and start drinking protein shake instead. This is a big mistake. Protein powder can never replace your dal, rice, cheese, eggs and vegetables. Along with protein, you get fiber, vitamins and minerals from real food, which are not present in protein powder. Make it a part of your diet, not the entire diet.
5. Listen to what your body is saying
If you are experiencing problems like bloating, gas, indigestion or facial rashes after starting to take protein powder, do not ignore it. This may mean that the brand does not suit you or you are not able to digest it properly. Stop taking it immediately and talk to your doctor or dietitian.
Building a body is a good thing, but it should not be at the cost of your health. Be wise and take care of your body along with your hard work.