Protein powder and contraindications

There are many different types of proteins, let’s see what the different contraindications are specifically. Whey protein is found in milk together with casein.

Milk proteins  can be an aid in the weight loss process and help you lose body fat while also following a low-calorie diet.

These proteins stimulate insulin release and aid in lean mass gains by aiding power during training, but there can be problems.

Milk proteins may interact  with some medicines. Anyone already taking hypoglycemic drugs or drugs for diabetes or insulin should take protein powder with caution.

Another important consequence is the decrease in blood pressure so if you are taking drugs against hypertension you should consume proteins with caution.

Milk proteins can cause an increased risk of bleeding if the patient takes medications such as anticoagulants, coumarins, NSAIDs and heparins.

An excessive intake of milk proteins can also cause nausea, cramps, swelling, loss of appetite, headache, fasciitis, tiredness, skin reactions. Those who already have kidney damage should avoid protein intake, including milk.

The use of protein during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. If the subject suffers from allergy or hypersensitivity to lactose, milk or milk products, he should not take this type of protein.

Milk proteins can interact with:

• antibiotics;
• soccer;
• anticonvulsants;
• antihypertensives;
• anticoagulants;
• painkillers;
• copper;
• antidepressants;
• colostrum;
• vitamins;
• folic acid;
• ferro;
• antifungals;
• antiretrovirals;
• leucine;
• limonene;
• maltodextrins;
• hypotensive;
• probiotics;
• soy;
• omega 3 and 6;
• spirulina;
• selenium;
• zinc;
• hypericum.

Casein protein  can cause casein allergy symptoms similar to flu symptoms such as: vomiting, abdominal cramps, colic, cough, diarrhea, stuffy and runny nose, watery eyes, skin rash, and hives.

Casein affects blood pressure and has hypotensive activity, therefore its use is not recommended in those who already follow hypotensive therapies. It is also not recommended to take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Soy protein does not cause side effects when taken in the right doses. However, they are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding because they can interfere with the development of the fetus by slowing it down.

In breastfeeding they could even slow down the development of the newborn. It may also interact with hormone levels since soy may interfere with estrogen, but that hasn’t been fully proven yet.

Soy protein can cause worsening of hypothyroidism, asthma and diabetes conditions, decreased libido and testosterone. Soy protein intake can interact with antidepressant medications. Its intake could cause skin rashes and allergic rhinitis.

Soy protein can interact with:

• antidepressants;
• estrogen;
• warfarin;
• tamoxifen;
• antibiotics;
• I’m going to get up.

Pea proteins  contain purine, an organic molecule metabolized via various enzymes into uric acid. High levels of this last substance could cause a pathology called gout which causes the crystallization of uric acid in the joints giving rise to pain and inflammation. There are no other interactions to report at this time, but we recommend that you seek medical attention if in doubt.

Hemp protein  is a valid dietary supplement, but excessive intake and consumption can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and aerophagia.

They are rich in omega 3 and 6, they can have an anticoagulant effect and cause bleeding if you are concomitantly taking anticoagulant drugs. There are no other interactions to report at this time, but we recommend that you seek medical attention if in doubt.

Brown rice proteins  have no side effects apart from those associated with an already known allergy.

Other side effects are: the possible appearance of acne and pimples, the occurrence of allergy symptoms, the presence of swelling and meteorism, the risk of kidney disorders in subjects who are predisposed.

Taking protein powder in general is contraindicated  in case of:

• kidney pathology;
• liver pathology;
• pregnancy;
• feeding time;
• in subjects under the age of 14.

Prolonged use of these protein supplements is generally contraindicated in these particular conditions, it is generally recommended not to exceed six or eight weeks of use. A three to four week break is recommended before resuming with a new protein cycle.

A professional athlete finds benefit from taking protein powder for recovery after severe fatigue, after an injury or in the case of a vegan diet. In this way, healing is facilitated and energy is recovered during workouts. We remind you that in this case it is still necessary to take the right doses of protein powder.

Furthermore, if you want to take protein powders, you need to rely on excellent quality brands that have very high quality standards. Here are two reliable brands where you can buy them:

MyProtein: Whey Protein Powder
Foodspring: Whey Protein

Side effects

There are also side effects that relate to excessive protein consumption and they are:

• dyspepsia;
• abdominal pain;
• digestive difficulties;
• cramps;
• nausea;
• He retched;
• heartburn;
• flatulence.

Inappropriate use of protein powder supplements can cause:

• impaired renal function;
• increase in body weight (to read more, I recommend reading this in-depth study );
• alteration of some metabolic and hematochemical parameters;
• impairment of general health, both mental and physical.

These side effects must always be taken into consideration because they can pose a major health hazard.

To prevent side effects associated with incorrect consumption of protein powder, you can pay attention to the composition. Those who have problems with gluten must take gluten-free supplements, those suffering from lactose intolerance must take lactose-free supplements.

Hydrolysed proteins are more tolerated in the intestine as they are more digestible and easily absorbed. The intake close to main meals should be avoided to avoid the risk of side effects. Fasting intake significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

During the preparation it is important to avoid the formation of lumps therefore it is necessary to mix carefully.

Calculating the right amount of protein to be taken with the diet helps to ward off the risk of side effects due to excessive daily intake. It is recommended to avoid exceeding 2 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. Overweight individuals should ask their doctor about the dosage and not rely on body weight alone.

If you have any doubts about the side effects of consuming protein powders and their dosage, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor or nutritionist. This reduces the risk of side effects appearing.

Conclusions

Proteins are important macronutrients for maintaining optimal health, however it is important to remember that protein powder supplements are not necessary if you follow an active lifestyle and above all a healthy and balanced diet.

This is because if you follow a healthy diet, your body is perfectly capable of assimilating the right amount of protein. Protein powders are taken mainly as an aid by those who practice sports especially in those athletes who must maintain and increase muscle mass such as wrestlers, weight lifting athletes and body builders.

Protein supplements allow you to obtain a series of advantages in their intake, in fact they are easy to digest and can be prepared and consumed with great convenience, they are easily stored and can be taken with you. Furthermore, they allow you to take only proteins avoiding the consumption of fats and cholesterol.

However, let us remember that all the proteins taken in excess are not stored and that they can strain the liver and kidneys in their disposal, for this reason it is important not to exceed the dosage. An excess of protein intake can also cause an increase in the production of toxins as well as kidney overload.

Abusing protein supplements is therefore harmful and dangerous for the body, it can also cause serious metabolic problems such as loss of calcium and dehydration. In order to metabolize proteins, the body needs a lot of liquids and for this reason one could suffer from abdominal cramps and diarrhea and consequent dehydration.

When asked , is protein powder bad for you? We answer: reading the leaflet of the medicine you are taking or of the proteins and checking the interactions indicated, could avoid the risk of symptoms caused by contraindications.

Getting the right amount of protein reduces the risk of side effects. For any doubts about taking protein together with medicines, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or your trusted nutritionist.

Remember that taking protein incorrectly could also cause serious damage to the body and strain the liver and kidneys. Do not take protein unless you are sure how your body will react and consult your doctor.