For people leading an active lifestyle, such as athletes, scientists have developed a special diet that helps restore the body more intensively and effectively and saturate it with all the necessary substances. This diet is called sports nutrition and consists mainly of food mixtures that have been subjected to certain processing for better digestibility. In our country, such concentrated mixtures are usually called
There are a large number of dietary supplements consisting of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other components. For athletes and people involved in fitness, it is very important to always be in shape and have a beautiful athletic figure, so they need to periodically build muscle mass. Protein nutritional supplements help athletes achieve great shape.
In fact, the side effects of protein are minor compared to the benefits it can bring you. By choosing the right dose for yourself, you can get rid of extra pounds, build muscle mass and be in excellent physical shape. The question of whether to buy can be answered this way: the one you need. Both plant and animal are equally absorbed by the body. The only difference is that animal protein needs more time for this, and mixtures act several times faster. Which protein is better to buy: whey or protein, casein or albumin? Read the instructions carefully and check if you are allergic to any component included in this mixture. Then make sure it is not counterfeit before purchasing the protein powder. If you are serious about bodybuilding, then you definitely need one of the following formulations: Dymatize Nutrition, MuscleTech, Universal Nutrition, BioTech, Ultimate Nutrition or Scitec Nutrition.
Now let's talk about why protein is harmful. If you consume only protein instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner, then it is quite natural that this will not benefit your body. Long-term (more than 6 months) and uncontrolled use of this substance may cause kidney or liver problems. The protein mixture is a food supplement, not a staple food. If you add it to food, it will be absolutely correct and reasonable. The most important thing is to exercise, eat well, take proper protein and other necessary nutritional supplements, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, take vitamins and minerals, and walk more in the fresh air. Then, when asked why protein is harmful, you can honestly say: “Nothing. He just helps me move towards my chosen goal.”
When a girl or guy wants to seriously engage in sports, at some point they will encounter the need to use bcaa, vitamin complexes, gainers and other sports nutritional supplements. Men often need additional doses of protein and the question arises: does protein affect potency, does this sports nutrition cause any harm to the body or only benefit?
What is protein
If you have ever been interested in bodybuilding or fitness, you have heard the name of this dietary supplement. This is a nutritional element for athletes who actively train and need additional protein to build muscle mass. There are up to a dozen different types of these products based on protein extraction method and concentration. There is an opinion that men start having problems because of it, so you should figure out whether sports nutrition affects potency.
Protein is a concentrated natural product with a high protein content, which is extracted using a certain method from ordinary products, sometimes even soy is used for this. The main advantage of this sports nutrition is the minimal content of fats and carbohydrates. This is the simplest, fastest way to deliver “material” for muscle fibers to the body without “extra” elements.
Eating protein is justified if you are actively involved in sports and need to get more protein. This sports nutrition contains proteins obtained from eggs, cottage cheese, and meat, but their concentration is much higher. There are several main types:
- Concentrate or isolate. This is a whey product that is used when you need to quickly gain muscle mass, the cost is usually higher than all others.
- Soy. Well suited for vegetarians, used to build muscle mass.
- Casein. A long-acting option, often taken before bed to provide the body with protein throughout the night and help prevent weight loss.
- Egg. One of the most popular options for active muscle growth.
These are only the most popular types of sports supplements that are actively sold all over the world and used by athletes. Does it affect potency - no, if there is no pathology of the kidneys or liver. It should be understood that there are safe supplements (bcaa, gainer, proedin) and those that belong to the “steroid” group. The latter actively influence the production of hormones, which is indeed a harmful factor for men and women.
What does protein do?
The main element that the body uses to build muscles is protein. A sports supplement with this element can be called bcaa, protein, polypeptides. With regular intake of protein into the human body, the nitrogen balance will be maintained at the required level and the rate of muscle mass growth will increase. Proteins contain many amino acids and can be of animal or plant origin.
They drink the supplement to increase muscle volume and prevent a decrease in energy charge, which can negatively affect the progress of the workout. A person also gets protein from eating regular food (eggs, chicken, legumes), but a man who is actively involved in sports needs more of it to achieve the desired effect. An acceptable amount per day is considered to be up to 3 g of powder per kilogram of weight. This is a safe daily dosage that experts and doctors recommend for men's active sports activities. This product does not affect potency, but it helps:
- improve health;
- build muscle mass;
- burn fat deposits;
- will improve the appearance of the athlete's body.
The effect of protein on the male body
Taking this product will be beneficial if you buy proven options and do not use fake ones. The effect of protein on potency in the absence of other diseases in humans has not been recorded, even with long-term use. Protein sports supplements often cause liver or kidney dysfunction, which is usually associated with an overdose.
The question arises whether protein affects potency, which compare this product with anabolic supplements and steroids. There is no scientific evidence that protein powders have a negative effect on “male strength.” In some cases, there is even an effect on the strength of self-hypnosis that taking protein products has negative consequences. One of the reasons why you should consult a doctor before taking this sports nutrition is harm in the presence of other pathologies, for example:
- Dysbacteriosis. It begins to actively develop in the presence of pathogenic flora in the intestines, because protein is the nutritional basis for it. Under such conditions, a person may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. It is necessary to reduce the dose of protein or abandon it completely until complete recovery.
- Allergy. People develop allergic reactions to various substances, and protein is no exception. In the absence of the required amount of enzymes that break down proteins, dysbiosis may develop.
- Kidney failure. Any kidney disease is a contraindication for taking casein or other types of protein. The intake of large amounts of protein creates additional stress on the organ, which can lead to worsening health conditions.
- Oversaturation has a bad effect on the liver; when the protein breaks down in the cells of the organ, it reloads the organ. Normal operation can be restored by reducing the dosage.
- Another negative side effect is calcium loss. This occurs due to dehydration of the body, so you should drink more and include foods rich in calcium phosphates in your diet.
- Soy protein. This option affects potency the most because it contains phytoestrogens similar to the female hormone estrogen.
In bodybuilding and fitness, the word “protein” refers to a type of sports nutrition that contains concentrated protein. Preparations based on it are used to build muscle mass and shape the relief, and are also very popular in the sports environment. However, the more fans of protein nutrition appear, the more often they talk about side effects from its use.
Power for terrain
Protein is the body's main building material for the production and repair of tissue, in particular muscle. Therefore, for the process of muscle supercompensation after physical activity, it is necessary to provide them with a large amount of protein “building blocks”. Gaining mass requires proper balanced nutrition and intense training, and sometimes the use of special high-protein supplements.
If you increase the amount of protein products in the diet (meat, offal, cottage cheese, cheese, eggs and milk), then the body will receive fats and carbohydrates in excess quantities. This can lead to the appearance of excess fat deposits, so sometimes it becomes necessary to eat special foods.
The protein contained in food supplements is easily absorbed by the body, and does not have the “bad company” of fats and carbohydrates. But you must not be under the illusion that to acquire a slim and sculpted body you only need to buy a jar of nutrition. To become the owner of the coveted “abs” on your stomach, you will have to train with maximum load along with consuming protein, otherwise side effects in the form of fat cannot be avoided.
Features of use
In some cases, when a person is a strict vegetarian, has suffered a serious illness, or simply does not eat properly, there is a lack of essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body. As a result, the condition of the skin and hair deteriorates, visual acuity decreases, and problems with the immune system and cardiovascular system arise. In such cases, to solve the problem, it is enough to simply eat rationally and the optimal amino acid composition will be ensured. But, if a person is interested in bodybuilding, then there is a need for special supplements.
There are many types of protein nutrition, but whey protein is considered the most convenient, as it is easily absorbed by the body and does not overload the stomach. Due to the minimal content of milk sugar (lactose), side effects in the form of intestinal disorders are practically eliminated when consuming whey protein. Another positive point is the high percentage of amino acids, including glutamine.
The main rule that must be followed during administration is the dosage. What side effects can occur from consuming too much protein? There are several of them:
- allergic reactions;
- disorders of the digestive system: constipation and disorders;
- skin rashes;
- weight gain;
- problems with the kidneys and liver, especially if there are sluggish and hidden inflammatory processes.
Contents:
Can protein negatively affect any organs or functions of the human body. Research results.
When choosing sports nutrition, a person is interested in its properties, quality and effect on the body. This is logical, because you don’t really want to build muscle mass at the expense of the liver, kidneys or male strength. This raises doubts about many additives. Protein is no exception.
Are there any side effects? Is this sports nutrition safe for the body? These points require detailed consideration.
Essence of Protein
Protein and protein are synonymous words. This is the main component of living organisms, a source of growth. Every human organ is made up of amino acids (the elements of protein itself). The most protein is in muscles, which are 2/3 made up of BCAA, glutamine and a number of other compounds. That's why when there is a protein deficiency, they are the first to be hit.
To cover needs, the body needs 2-2.5 grams of protein per kilo of weight. If we convert this volume into food equivalent, then an athlete needs about a kilogram of meat per day. Eating such a volume is physically difficult and expensive, so another method was developed - isolating protein from various foods. This is how concentrated protein was born.
Today it is extracted from whey of milk, soy, rice, wheat and other products. Thanks to this, side effects from taking are minimized or absent altogether. Moreover, protein is beneficial for the body and provides the following results:
- replenishes amino acid deficiency;
- restores muscles that were damaged during the training process;
- starts the process of supercompensation;
- protects the body from catabolic effects;
- activates metabolic processes.
Myths about the dangers of protein
If you read publications on the Internet and in newspapers, you can come to the conclusion that protein is harmful and dangerous for the body. The press reports side effects that affect many organs. There is even an assumption that protein is more dangerous in its action than anabolic steroids. They say that regular use of the supplement damages the liver and kidneys, and also harms many internal organs.
As a rule, all these statements have no basis, except for some exceptions, which will be discussed below.
What do the studies say?
Experts could not stay away from the assumptions that wander on the Internet. They conducted a thorough analysis of the relationship between the amount of protein entering the body and people's health. At the same time, the subjects took different types of protein - animal and plant. The main criteria that participants had to meet were age from 18 years, usual lifestyle, and willingness to take part in long-term studies. The experiment itself was carried out over 11 years, from 2000 to 2011.
The results are as follows:
- Skeletal system. It is worth noting the dual effect of sports nutrition:
- accelerates the excretion of calcium, which is excreted in the urine;
- accelerates the production of calcium and makes it available for absorption.
Side effects that relate to the skeletal system are compensated by the production of additional growth factors. This means that protein has a positive effect on bone health, and its negative effects are a myth.
- Heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system deserves special attention. It was previously thought that protein intake increased mortality rates associated with heart disease. In fact, this theory has not been confirmed. But some points are worth highlighting:
- A relationship has been identified between the occurrence of coronary heart disease and protein intake.
- The risk of hypertension increases with increased protein intake. However, the results do not provide a clear verdict of guilty. The impact is considered only from the position of minimal probability.
- The relationship between coronary heart disease and protein intake is not significant.
- Carcinogenic effect. Many note side effects associated with an increased risk of cancer. In this regard, it is worth noting the following:
- The effect of protein on the risk of breast cancer has not been proven. It does not matter what type of protein the subject took - plant or animal.
- No relationship was found between ovarian cancer and protein intake, as was the case for the prostate.
- The likelihood of laryngeal cancer is higher if you consume animal protein and lower if the protein is of plant origin.
- No association was found for kidney cancer.
- Potency. There are more and more suggestions online that protein somehow affects potency. Such side effects scare off the stronger sex, who are afraid of losing their virility. This is actually a myth. A decrease in potency due to protein is only possible with self-hypnosis. As for the statement itself, it is associated with soy protein, which contains estrogens - female hormones. They negatively affect the male reproductive system. But to experience harm, soy protein must be consumed in huge quantities. It’s easy to avoid the problem - just take whey protein, which does not contain the mentioned negative components.
- Kidneys. When organizing the research, special attention was paid to the effect of sports nutrition on the kidneys. It is believed that this product accelerates the formation of stones in the genitourinary system. But the experiments carried out did not confirm the fears. The only people who are not recommended to take the supplement are people with signs of kidney failure. In this case, the load on the kidneys increases.
- Diabetes. Another theory concerns the risk of diabetes in case of increased protein intake. Three studies were conducted that did not give an exact answer to the question of whether the supplement is harmful in relation to diabetes or not. Of the three groups that took part in the study, participants in two of them showed a non-significant association for animal protein. As for plant proteins, no pattern was identified. A number of additional factors also have an influence, including the presence of bad habits in a person, the level of physical activity, attitude towards alcoholic beverages, body mass index, the use of hormonal drugs, and so on.
- Liver. There are also many rumors regarding the effect of protein on the liver. They say that excessive intake of the supplement leads to a decrease in its function and increased stress. Practice has shown that athletes with a healthy liver do not experience problems or discomfort. If there are problems with the organ, then an examination and a doctor’s recommendation will not be superfluous.
- Impact on women. Again, it’s worth returning to soy protein and the estrogen content in its composition. In fact, sports nutrition contains a minimum of this hormone, so it is unable to negatively affect health or in any way affect hormonal levels.
Results
The negative effect of protein on the body is nothing more than a myth. If there are no health problems and the correct dosage is observed, there is no need to be afraid of taking the supplement. The only thing that is possible is a reaction to any component due to individual intolerance. But in this case, the worst thing that can happen is gastrointestinal upset and flatulence.
Many athletes who want to save time on naturally building muscle mass abuse protein, forgetting that excess is sometimes worse than insufficiency.
What is protein, what and why is it eaten?
Protein is a powdered protein concentrate that has been removed from carbohydrates and saturated fats using special methods. Proteins are classified into:
- Meat
- Eggs are more likely to cause allergic reactions.
- Vegetable
- Dairy (whey and casein). Whey protein is easier for the body to digest.
The protein itself is not dangerous for humans; on the contrary, it supports cellular metabolism, participates in healing processes, growth and regeneration. This is where one of the most popular myths in sports circles arose: that protein and protein-based cocktails contribute to effective muscle building in a short time.
Proteins are an essential component in the diet of people who experience excessive stress from intense sports or heavy physical work.
In order for the protein to be absorbed more fully, it is necessary to mix it with water. The dosage is personal for each person, about 1 gram per kilo of weight, but not more than 1.5 grams. Exceeding this dose will not increase muscle mass, but may lead to undesirable consequences, especially for older people.
Why is protein harmful and the causes of undesirable consequences?
It is no secret that uncontrolled consumption of even beneficial substances will certainly have a detrimental effect on well-being. In addition, it may even disrupt the functioning of some organs.
So, in what cases does protein turn from a beneficial component of nutrition into an enemy:
- Fluid restriction. When taking protein supplements, it is recommended to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. And this is not the total amount of fluid per day - this is additional water above the norm. It is imperative to adhere to this rule, otherwise the water balance will be disrupted.
- Excessive use. This leads to the fact that protein promotes increased growth of all muscles of the body, but this will not bring satisfaction to a person. The heart is also a muscle, and when it grows, the syndrome “ bull's heart", that is, enlargement of the aorta. With systematic consumption of protein, a heart attack or even aortic rupture can occur.
- Poor quality protein. With an abundance of suppliers of sports nutrition and supplements, it is not always easy for an athlete to choose the most optimal option. Preference should be given to those brands that contain whey protein; this will reduce the negative effect of constant use, but will not eliminate it completely.
- Allergic reactions and intolerances. Many people suffer from lactose intolerance to the milk protein, so even a small amount of egg white protein will cause itching, irritation, and, depending on the dose,... Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.