Whey is widely used as a supplement in conjunction with resistance exercise to aid enhance muscle protein synthesis and promote lean muscle mass growth. But what exactly is it, and what are the advantages of consuming it?
Casein and whey are two proteins found in milk. Whey protein is obtained by separating casein from milk or as a by-product of cheese production. Because it contains all nine essential amino acids, whey protein is called a complete protein. It doesn’t have a lot of lactose in it.
There are numerous advantages to consuming whey protein; medical experts and doctors are in constant search of whey protein’s medicinal properties. Here, we look at some of the potential benefits as well as some of the negative effects and concerns.
Benefits of whey protein
Muscle growth: Muscles crave protein, particularly complete proteins such as whey. Researchers say that branched-chain amino acids, a type of amino acid that aids muscle growth, are found in whey protein. Whey protein’s amino acids aid wound healing by repairing skin and tissues damaged by surgery or wounds.
Weight gain and nutritional improvement: Whey protein can help people who need to gain weight. It’s also beneficial if a person is suffering from a long-term illness and need additional nutrients. As per experts, a whey protein supplement can help if an individual is unable to get sufficient protein from healthy foods. People who suffer chewing or swallowing difficulties or a lack of appetite can benefit from it.
Side Effects and Risks of Whey Protein
Kidney and liver function
Whey protein ingestion has been shown to have a deleterious impact on renal function, even when used for a short period of time. Those who drank whey-based protein during the experiment had higher plasma urea, urine volume, and urinary calcium excretion, whereas the pH of urinary citrate was lower, according to a 2011 study. This basically means that the kidneys are being overworked, which is the first sign of renal disease.
Those that have sedentary lifestyles are most affected in terms of liver function. The proteins from the whey supplement were discovered to move to the liver for digestion instead of being utilized for muscle synthesis when the subjects were not exercising. Sedentary participants developed early symptoms of liver impairment over time.
Whey and the microbiome
While physical activity might boost your gut’s “good bacteria,” taking whey supplements can offset those benefits. A 2018 study of athletes who supplemented with whey protein observed a drop in good bacteria and an increase in dangerous bacteria in the participants. When the balance shifts and one’s microbiome contains too many “bad bacteria,” symptoms including severe and chronic bloating, constipation, stomach pain, gas, and other gastrointestinal irritation can occur. No one wants to deal with these unpleasant feelings on a daily basis, athlete or not.
Whey protein and acne
It’s fairly uncommon to see young bodybuilders with red, bulbous acne on their faces. Many young gym-goers succumb to the whey protein attitude, exacerbating their teenage skin problems. Unfortunately for whey protein users, outbreaks frequently continue past puberty.
Milk powder or other derivatives are frequently seen in powdered protein supplements. To treat severe cases of acne, you don’t need to spend money on pricey and skin-damaging therapies. For the most part, it’s as simple as putting the milk down.
Whey protein prices in Pakistan vary, but the prices start from as little as Rs7,899. If you are finding it difficult, for any reason, to buy from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy, you can also order it from any online pharmacy in Pakistan.
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