If you’ve spent a lot of time around gym fanatics or athletes, the word protein shake should be very common to you by now. It seems their day starts and ends with protein shakes, not to forget the mid day protein shake as well! So basically these supplements enhance your performance, help in rebuilding muscle and decrease fatigue. Protein supplements come in the form of powder, bars, oats and even pre-made shakes, but the most common by far are powder protein shakes. Basically, you need protein when you’re starting a new workout, when you’re amping up your workout, post workouts and when you’re into body building. Bottom line, that’s a lot of protein and chances are you’re consuming most of it through protein supplements. So, is that good or bad?

Protein powders are filled with preservatives like GMO’s, allergens from dairy, artificial flavors and other synthetic toxins. After a recent study, it was revealed that protein powders contain harmful toxic metals like cadmium, mercury and lead. Sometimes the use of protein supplements could lead to digestive issues, gas, bloating, cramps and migraines – none being life threatening but still harmful. Also protein supplements can never be a replacement for a well balanced diet!

There’s a theory that too much protein is bad for your kidneys, but as you continue to consume protein your body adapts to this increase in protein by increasing glomerular filtration rates to balance it out. The maximum amount of protein an adult should have in a day is 0.9 grams per pound of his/her body weight. Teenage athletes need around 0.8-0.9 grams per pound, body builders need 0.7-0.9 grams per pound while competitive athletes need 0.6-0.9 grams per pound of weight.

Protein supplements help increase your body’s main water based anti oxidants while also decreasing your cholesterol but increase your HDL ie good cholesterol. They increase your performance in sports and decrease the post workout recovery time. Protein supplements, particularly whey protein contains a large amount of glutathione which is one of the the most essential substances in the body. Glutathione is basically made from three main amino acidsie cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine, which are all of special importance for muscle repair, body recovery, body fuel and to prevent your body from losing muscle.

So to summarize, protein supplements really aren’t that bad. If you’re a regular active person, you probably don’t even need these extra supplements. If you’re a body builder or an athlete you’d need extra protein to make up for your strenuous workouts. You could always obtain this extra protein from a better diet – eggs, chicken, beans, fish etc.

This article is brought to you by Health Library in collaboration with Grow Fit that can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle through expert nutritionists.