Magazine-Sep/Oct 2019

DANGERS OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS By Michael Cheah, Personal Training Coordinator Long term or chronic use of protein supplements can increase risk of diseases as well as de- hydration, constipation, diarrhea and cause your blood to have an acidic pH. Kidneys will overwork to process the metabolites and makes the individual susceptible to gout or arthritis. In order to restore your blood to a normal pH, your body will release extra calcium into your blood from your bones which may compromise bone strength. This may be particularly dan- gerous for teens, whose bodies are still developing. The calcium that your body uses to even out the pH level of your blood is eventually transported to your kidneys. If there is too much calcium in your kidneys, it will collect and form kidney stones. Being physically active can increase the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein that people should eat. A protein intake of 15 to 30 percent of calories seems to be optimal for weight loss. It boosts your metabolic rate and causes a spontaneous reduction in calorie intake.

1.0g of protein per kg of body weight with minimal activity levels 1.3 g of protein per kg of body weight with moderate activity levels 1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight with intense activity levels

Most people can safely eat between 2 and 3.5 g per kg of body weight daily, especially those who need more protein than others, such as athletes, people who do physically demanding jobs, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting a very high-protein diet long-term!

58 TAC |