Whey protein is commonly used in many protein supplements or powders. Most of the popular protein powder companies use whey in their products and people like it because some of them can taste like milkshakes. Newsflash: you shouldn’t be drinking milkshakes if you are trying to get in shape. A lot of people are attracted to whey protein because they can consume a couple types of whey even if they are lactose intolerant. What about plant-based protein powders? Those are made for people who are lactose intolerant, or for people who aren’t looking to damage their bodies.
What Is Whey?
Whey protein is obtained from the byproduct of cheese, which comes from cow’s milk. This byproduct gets filtered to remove any fat or lactose and gets turned into powder after a drying process. If you consume too much whey protein, however, you could experience one or more of the following side effects.
Side Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Damage to kidneys
- Osteoporosis
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing
You Could Develop Gout
A lot of people, who consume whey protein products in excess, run the risk of developing gout. There are a lot of processed amino acids, which aren’t plant based, in whey protein. If the body cannot process these amino acids, it becomes difficult for the liver and other organs to filter them out or use them efficiently. This accumulation of unprocessed amino acids can lead to uric acid build-up, and ultimately gout.
Liver Damage
The liver helps process nutrients that are absorbed by the body, in addition to it being the primary detoxification organ. Frequent consumption of whey protein supplements may overload the liver, causing damage that can inhibit its other functions.
Kidney Stones
If you already have kidney stones or kidney problems, whey is not your friend. In fact, it can worsen a preexisting kidney condition. A lot of people try to help out their kidneys by eating fibrous fruits and vegetables to counteract the effects of consuming whey protein. It’s still recommended to eat a healthy plant-based diet, but try eliminating whey and switching to a plant-based protein powder feel the difference in your health.
Packing on the Fat
Consuming whey protein supplements may inhibit you from building lean muscle. This is because many whey protein supplements contain added calories, sugars, and added fats. Some whey supplements are considered “gainers,” which people take to bulk up, but these contain extra carbohydrates. If you can’t burn off the extra carbs, then you will “gain” excess fat in the process.
The Solution???
Avoid whey products. It’s as simple as that. Fuel your body with natural foods or plant-based protein powders that will benefit it, not make it worse.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
