Is Protein Powder Bad For Your Liver?

What are Protein Powders?

Protein powders help build muscle, repair tissue, and help improve the production of hormones and enzymes. Most commonly protein powders are used for weight management and toning muscles.

Various forms of protein powders are available. The most commonly used are soy, whey, and casein protein. The water-soluble milk protein, whey is used most frequently and commonly.

Whey protein is considered to be a “complete protein” which indicates that it possesses 9 essential amino acids that our bodies require.

Protein powders are used by common individuals and athletes. Its price range varies but the benefits they all provide are similar.

Why Do People Use It?

Individuals with different goals and needs use protein powder. Here are some of the reasons why people opt for extra protein intake:

• Teenagers require more protein while working out as their body is still growing and therefore their protein requirements are high.
  
  
• Individuals who have newly started working out may require more protein than usual if they are trying to build muscle.
  
  
• If you have already engaged in workouts a few hours a week, but have now decided to train for something more physically draining, you may need more protein.
  
  
• Athletes who undergo sports injuries require a high amount of protein to heal.
  
  
• Individuals who are vegans or vegetarians lead a lifestyle wherein common protein sources such as meat, chicken,  and fish are not a part of their diet. Such individuals may require protein.

Potential Benefits Protein Powder Provides

Protein plays a huge role in maintaining and forming bone, muscle,  and skin health. Your body needs it for various important purposes. Following are the health benefits you may receive from protein powders:

• Weight management: Protein-rich foods make you feel fuller for a longer duration. This may result in portion control and a reduction in snacking. This results in efficient management. Some individuals also lose weight using protein powder. It may also be beneficial for managing blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and may help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
  
  
• Muscle growth: Muscle growth is made possible by protein. Several athletes and gymgoers consume protein shakes for this particular reason. Some research studies suggest that protein supplementation may improve muscle size and strength among individuals who perform resistance training.
  
  
• Recovery after exercise: Protein plays a role in repairing muscle and tissue damage. Therefore it is often used to eliminate muscle soreness and reduce the recovery period, by athletes.
  
  
• Extra nutrition: There is a recommended dosage of protein per day that everyone should meet. Some vegetarians or vegans may find it difficult to do so. It may then be beneficial for them to use protein supplementation.

Is Protein Powder Bad For Your Liver?

The liver plays an active role in eliminating toxins from the bloodstream. Liver detox supplements help maintain the health of the liver by repairing tissue damage. Your body does not produce the 9 amino acids that create a complete protein.

A healthy diet is the only way to obtain an efficient amount of protein.  If you have a condition such as liver cirrhosis, too much protein intake can raise the levels of ammonia in your body.

Therefore if you have any sort of liver disease, you should consult a healthcare professional to figure out how to consume protein safely.

Overconsuming protein supplements could make your liver work overtime. This overload can then lead to liver damage. If you have severe liver disease, the liver is unable to filter efficiently, in such cases high protein intake can be fatal. 

However, among healthy individuals, a limited dosage of protein supplements may not be dangerous. It is essential to engage in a conversation with your healthcare professional to determine if protein supplementation for liver support is the best option for you.

Negative Side Effects

Overall protein supplementation may not be harmful but some individuals may face some issues. You may face the following problems:

• Digestive issues: Some individuals may be lactose intolerant and this may cause digestive problems. Those people whose bodies find it difficult to digest lactose may experience bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is pretty common. To solve this issue, you may have to find a different alternative for your protein needs.
  
  
• Allergies: Whey protein which is consumed most frequently, is obtained through cow’s milk. If you are allergic to dairy products, especially cow milk this protein may not be for you. The symptoms of allergy you may face are rashes, facial swelling, hives, swelling of the throat and tongue, and a runny nose.
  
  
• Constipation: This may be linked to lactose intolerance as indigestion can cause constipation. People who consume few fruits and more protein while on a low-carb diet may also face constipation.
  
  
• Nutritional deficiencies: Though protein supplementation may be beneficial, replacing nutritional food with it may not be advisable. Several whole foods contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal health. All these nutritional needs may not be fulfilled by protein supplements.

How Much Protein Powder Should You Consume?

Your nutritional needs are unique. The reasons you use protein supplementation also differ. To determine what is best for your body and needs, you should seek advice from both your doctor and your fitness coach.

Take note that it is essential to limit your dosage to the amount recommended by the manufacturers.

Overconsumption can have severe effects on your health. So “the more the merrier” is not a true statement when it comes to protein supplementation.

The Best Type of Protein Powder

The best source of protein is through your diet. Eating liver-supporting foods such as eggs, lean meats, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and beans will provide the essential amount of protein.

However, protein powders may help fill in the gap between the amount of protein your body needs and the amount it receives. Whey protein which possesses all 9 amino acids is most beneficial.

It helps repair tissue damage, improves kidney function, and helps burn fat. Whey protein however may not be suitable for all and may cause problems such as constipation and bloating.

For such individuals, soy, rice, and peas-based protein powders may be the best options.

Conclusion:

Not many benefits and side-effects of using protein supplementations are known. More research is required to determine if they are truly effective.

If taken in regulated amounts, however, they may not be harmful. For safety, always talk to professionals before using supplements.

 

 

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