Carbs and fats are often blamed for various health issues. But even protein has sometimes been made out to cause a number of health problems, most notably kidney damage. So is this true is eating too much protein bad for you? People that propagate this myth will usually argue that consuming too much protein hurts the kidneys, and will this lead to renal failure. Now, there are some animal studies where this has been the case. But human studies have always shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly have no problems with consuming high amounts of protein, both in regards to their kidneys and their overall health.

Now, if you have an existing renal disease for existing kidney problems, then I would suggest you limit your protein intake, but you probably already know this and have talked about it with your doctor. This normally doesn't mean that you have to cut out protein entirely from your diet, which isn't even possible, but that you have to be more careful when consuming more protein. Another scary story placed at the feet of a high protein diet is the risk of bone density problems and the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. This is based on the theory that by consuming more protein or bones will excrete more calcium, which is required to sustain bone density. This idea comes from early studies, which show that the acidity of an individual's urine is greater when consuming a diet high in protein. It was suggested then that calcium is drawn from the bones to buffer the acid load.

However, more recent studies show that the predominant source of calcium in urine is not from bone breakdown, but in fact it is from the intestines. Data also now suggests that elderly individuals at risk of bone density and osteoporosis should actually aim to consume more protein than the current recommended daily allowance. Now, what about protein shakes? Surely protein supplements are not as good as the real food right? Admittedly whole food proteins from animal sources provide the highest quality of protein which we can consume. foods such as poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and milk should always be component of a balanced and nutritionally optimal diet for those who exercise.

These sources provide complete proteins with a dose of the essential amino acids required to boost muscle protein synthesis, and counteract degradation. However, there are also issues with these sources. First, not everyone eats meat or other animal products, which significantly reduces their chances of consuming a high quality protein diet. supplementation is a good way to prevent deficiencies for vegans or vegetarians. Secondly, food is not always the most efficient, easiest or even preferred option to get a high dose of high quality proteins. Often people don't want to or don't have the time to cook.

Sometimes you just want a quick and simple solution to boost protein synthesis and a supplement shake can be the best way To do this Lastly, whole food sources do come with additional factors, namely saturated fats and cholesterol. Therefore, when following a strict diet, getting the correct amount of protein without elevating fat intake will often require people to get their protein without having to worry about extra fat and calories. This can almost only be done by protein supplements, which are basically pure protein. So all in all, I would agree with nutritional guidelines that suggest whole food sources of protein to be the predominant means of protein consumption. But protein supplements have their place in a well rounded diet and will not lead to health problems when used correctly.