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Can protein shakes be bad for you?

5 min read

Asked by: Darius Man

It may be high in added sugars and calories. Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have a lot (as much as 23 grams per scoop). Some protein powders wind up turning a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories. The risk: weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

Is it bad to drink a protein shake every day?

To be clear, there is no hard-and-fast rule about drinking protein shakes, and having too many of them in one day likely won’t have any long-term detrimental effects. For most people, anywhere from one to three protein shakes per day should be plenty to help them meet their nutritional needs.

Do protein shakes have long term effects?

Overconsumption of whey protein can affect heart activity and lead to heart arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and other heart problems. Since experts have linked high-protein sources with higher levels of saturated fats, increased blood sugar levels and higher blood acidity, whey protein can affect heart functioning.

What happens if I drink protein shakes and don’t workout?

Packed with protein, and often with decadent ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate, protein shakes can be surprisingly high in calories. If you’re not exercising, and those protein shakes are adding a lot of extra calories to your diet, that could lead to weight gain.

Is it OK to drink protein shake without working out?

In short, if you drink a protein shake on a rest day, or a day when you’re doing less than you might usually do, there’s no need to worry about any adverse effects. However, if you’re drinking high protein shakes on their own and not to supplement your protein intake when working out, this could cause weight gain.

What are the symptoms of too much protein?

Symptoms associated with too much protein include:

  • intestinal discomfort and indigestion.
  • dehydration.
  • unexplained exhaustion.
  • nausea.
  • irritability.
  • headache.
  • diarrhea.


Can protein shakes damage your kidneys?

Summary: There is no evidence that too much protein can damage the kidneys in healthy people. However, people with an existing kidney condition should check with their doctor about whether whey protein is right for them.

What happens once you stop taking protein powder?

If you take whey protein out of your diet, this will mean you’re actually consuming fewer calories each day, so your weight gain will either slow down or stop. If you’re consuming a lot of whey protein, stopping supplementation could even lead to weight loss due to such a large calorie reduction.

What happens if you drink whey protein everyday?

Eating too much whey protein can cause digestive issues such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, pain and cramping. Some people are also allergic to whey. If you can’t tolerate regular whey protein concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate may be more appropriate.

Should I drink whey protein everyday?

It all comes down to your goals and fitness goals. Whey protein powder can make it easier to meet those goals and get the most out of your workout. You can choose to take this supplement daily or every few days. For example, if you’re on a low-calorie or low-carb diet, it makes sense to increase your protein intake.

Can protein shakes make you fat?

Because of its association with building muscle, many believe that consuming whey protein powder or supplements in other forms will make them gain weight. The truth is, protein alone – or any other specific type of macronutrient including fats and carbs – will not make you become overweight.

What happens if you drink whey protein everyday?

You could support muscle growth and maintenance.



In fact, studies have found that taking whey protein powder can promote even more muscle protein synthesis in those who consume it as compared to those who use plant-based soy. RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

How many protein shakes a day should you drink?

If you’re of average build and go to the gym regularly, two protein shakes a day is enough to maintain your body mass. But if you’re seriously involved in athletic sports, fitness practices and strength exercises, you may need to drink three to four protein shakes daily to sustain your physique and performance.

Is it okay to have a protein shake for breakfast everyday?

The bottom line. Drinking a protein shake for breakfast can be a quick and convenient way to squeeze more nutrients into your diet and increase your protein intake. Protein shakes can also be an effective tool to support weight loss and enhance muscle growth.

What happens if I only drink protein shakes for a week?

If you’re on a protein shake diet for a week or five days, it’s probably not long enough to cause any real harm, but there’s a good chance you’ll regain any weight you’ve lost when you start eating whole foods again.

Are protein shakes worth it?

Protein shakes do offer an immediate post-training boost, and this intake of protein will help build muscle after exercise. Only use protein shakes as a compliment to your diet. And remember – in order to see any benefit from protein shakes, you must be exercising regularly as well.

Is it OK to replace one meal a day with a protein shake?

Substituting one meal per day with a protein shake can help you keep your calorie count down while making sure you are not starving your body of vital nutrients. Planning ahead and choosing or making lean and healthy protein shakes can help make reaching your weight loss goals a little easier.