What are Protein Powders?

Today, I would like to share with you the well-known and unknown facts about protein powders. Protein powders contain amino acids, which are the building blocks, but their content, contributions and amounts vary depending on the brand. Protein powder preparations may contain performance enhancers and additives. Allergies may occur to these additives. Excess protein powder cannot be absorbed in the intestine and causes diarrhea. It can also cause osteoporosis by depleting calcium. The question of when athletes should consume more protein than a normal individual is also important here. Protein should be taken after exercise.

The amino acids in protein powders also include branched chain amino acids. Changing the protein sources we take in our diet, either through supplements or natural foods, will provide balance. In an experiment conducted with mice, different amounts of protein powders were given; It has been observed that obesity and life expectancy are shortened in those who take protein powder twice as much as the normal intake. In this study, tryptophan, which is the only precursor of the serotonin hormone, could not be absorbed due to its competition with other amino acids. As a result, there is a deficiency of serotonin, known as the "happiness hormone" with its effects on our mental health and sleep. In the study, the reason for the shortened lifespan of mice taking too much protein powder was; It has been said that mice whose appetite increases due to serotonin deficiency become obese.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs are used in the treatment of depression. Serotonin deficiency occurs due to stress and low carbohydrate intake. The reason why we try to increase blood sugar when we are depressed (intense carbohydrate consumption, sweet chocolate, etc.) is actually the instinct to increase serotonin. Another factor that increases serotonin is the female hormone estrogen, and the decrease in estrogen during menstrual periods triggers excessive sweet eating attacks.