Health experts have expressed serious concern over the increasing demand for protein supplements among the youth who want stronger muscles and better body shape. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned about the side effects caused by protein supplements in its recently released dietary guidelines. Experts said that in their desire to build their bodies, youth are knowingly or unknowingly consuming things that are harmful to the body in the name of protein powder. Due to this, fitness not only does not improve but the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity increases.
In its recent guidelines, ICMR stated that dietary disturbances are the main cause of 56 percent of diseases in the country. Health experts said that improving the diet can be beneficial in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like rapidly increasing obesity and diabetes. NCDs are those diseases that do not pose a risk of transmission from one person to another. In this sequence, experts have also advised to stay away from protein supplements.
Let us know why protein supplements are considered so harmful and what can be its side effects.
First, know what are protein supplements.
In many studies, concern has been raised about the fact that most of the people in the country do not get the protein required for the body. Protein is essential for muscle, bone strength, and many body functions. The need for protein is also higher in people who go to the gym and do exercise. To meet these needs, protein powders are being sold in the market which claim that with this you can easily fulfill your daily protein needs.
Then why are they considered harmful?
Health experts say that extra sugar and chemical flavors are added to the protein powder sold in the market for artificial taste. As a result, more sugar is going into our bodies with every scoop. Excess of sugar and calories is known to cause weight gain and many types of chronic diseases.
Over time, increased weight and blood sugar can also increase the risk of heart disease. This is why dietitians recommend getting protein from natural sources instead of protein supplements.
It is harmful to digestion and the kidneys.
Health experts said that excessive consumption of protein powder increases the risk of side effects related to digestion. Some people have trouble digesting lactose, which can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Not only this, but a high-protein diet can also hurt your kidneys' ability to filter your blood. Researchers said that if you consume high-protein foods in large quantities for a long time, then there can be a risk of increasing kidney-related problems.
What is the advice of dietitians?
Pune-based dietitian Priyanka Singh said in a post on her social media that it is safer to get protein from natural sources instead of protein powder. There are many things in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets with which you can fulfill your daily needs. Adults require 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 75 kg should consume 60 grams of protein daily. Excessive consumption of protein can also lead to the risk of many side effects.
(PC: ISTOCK)
