- How much whey protein you consume each day depends on several factors.
- Whether you are male or female, what your weight is, and what the brand of the shake is are some of the things to consider when factoring in how much protein you should consume each day.
- It is possible, but exceptionally rare, to consume too much protein every day.
The answer depends on a number of factors:
- What brand of shake you’re drinking
- What a serving constitutes
- What your exercise level is
- Your body weight
- Whether you are a man or a woman
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product that you are purchasing.
There are recent studies showing the benefits of having enough protein and the dangers of getting too much protein. It is important you follow the directions and don’t “load” when it comes to using protein products.
When supplementing protein, it is important to have a regular exercise routine. Go PRO today for access to workout plans, goal trackers, and more.
Aren’t All Whey Protein Shakes the Same?
Not all protein shakes are the same! Different companies make different kinds of protein shakes.
You will find that there are high-quality protein shakes that offer better sources of protein, such as from milk and eggs. There are also products with less protein and more fillers.
It is very important you know what kind of product you are using, as well as understand what it is you are putting into your body.
Choosing a product that is made from whole foods is a good start. However, this isn’t a guarantee you are getting all of the protein you need.
For example, a manufacturer could offer a whole foods protein powder using whey protein, but could use seeds and roots from vegetables as a filler so that it can still call the protein powder a “whole food.”
It is important you determine just how much of the product is actually protein-based and how much is other ingredients.
Get More Out of Your Exercises. Go PRO!
Sign UpWhy Does It Matter If I Am a Man or a Woman?
Just like with calories, men usually need more protein than women. This is where things can get tricky, however, because most manufacturers of protein products don’t distinguish portion sizes for men versus women. That is why it is important to know just how much protein you specifically need.
According to some doctors, you should eat 50 to 100 grams of protein each day if you are exercising regularly and are on at least a 2000 calorie-a-day diet. However, there is no distinction here between what a man should consume versus what a woman should consume, nor does this specify what to do for lower-calorie diets.
According to the CDC, men need no more than 56 grams of protein a day while women need no more than 46 grams of protein each day. The CDC also stipulates that your protein should come from multiple sources each day, such as dairy, fish, beans, and nuts.
The truth is that there is a lot of conflicting information online as to what you really need. Some websites tell you to base it on your weight, and others say to base it on your calories.
Still, others say to base your need for protein on your calories combined with how much exercise you get. Your safest bet is to talk to your doctor and see what he or she recommends.
What Happens If I Drink Too Many Protein Shakes?
In the short term, drinking too many protein shakes is not going to harm you. However, this isn’t something you should make a habit of!
Some studies show that if you get too much protein for an extended period of time, you could end up damaging your liver and your kidneys. This can happen sooner if you are drinking shakes because shakes deliver all of your protein to you in one concentrated dose.
If you get too much protein, your liver and kidneys have to process it to get it out of the body. Your body can only make use of a certain amount of protein — about 20 grams an hour.
After that, it simply turns it into waste — or worse yet, fat!
It is important you don’t take the advice of weightlifting forums that make a fuss about how a weightlifter can eat or drink 200 or 300 grams of protein each day to maximize their workout. This can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.
As with normal protein consumption, the answer to the question of what happens when you drink too many protein shakes — or just get too much protein in your diet, period — is a resounding “it depends.” This video explains why:
Are There Symptoms to Show I Am Drinking Too Many Protein Shakes?
Unfortunately, there are no warning signs to show you have been ingesting too many shakes. Once you start showing symptoms, you already have a serious problem.
The good news is that if your doctor catches it soon enough, you can be treated and live a normal and happy life.
Your best bet is to follow the instructions on the protein you are using and also follow the advice of your doctor. Protein is excellent for you, but you do need to know when enough is enough!
And don’t forget that getting enough protein is just one part of a healthy lifestyle! To maintain an exercise routine you’ll be sure to love, sign up for a PRO Plan today.