Protein shakes are a type of nutritional shake or supplement. In most cases, it is made up of protein powder combined with milk, water, or some other substitute for milk. Protein shakes may also include branched-chain amino acids, flavorings, and vitamins, but this will vary from brand to brand (BCAAs).
The protein powders on the market are accessible to the general population, and anyone can buy them and prepare their own at home using a blender or mixer. A person can also purchase shakes that are already ready to drink and may consume them whenever it is most convenient for them.
Protein Shakes Advantages
Protein smoothies are popular among consumers for various reasons, some of which are listed below.
Muscle Gain
A comprehensive study conducted in 2017 found that healthy persons who engage in a resistance exercise program and take protein supplements saw improvements in their muscle strength and growth.
Loss Of Weight
According to the findings of certain studies, eating a diet high in protein may help people shed extra pounds. According to a meta-analysis conducted in 2016, these diets may assist older persons in shedding fat while maintaining lean muscle. A study published in 2019 reveals that eating a diet higher in protein can minimize weight gain.
Lean Muscle Increase
A study conducted in 2018 discovered that taking protein supplements boosted the lean muscle people gained while they engaged in resistance training.
Prevent Muscle Loss
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, people require additional protein in their diet once they reach the age of 50. This contributes to the preservation of muscle mass. This requirement is the same as needing an additional gram of protein for every kilogram of body weight. According to the findings of a study conducted in 2016, it is recommended that individuals take 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
Do High Protein Shake Cause Hair Loss?
The short answer is simple yes, consuming an excessive amount of protein can cause hair loss. Because protein makes up most of the hair follicles, you need to consume enough of it for the hair to develop healthily. Hair follicles are known to be among the first body systems to be shut down when food intake is inadequate.
There is a direct correlation between insufficient protein intake and hair thinning or loss. Having a high-protein diet has also been linked to hair thinning. When you are struggling with hair loss, finding the correct balance is key, and it is essential to figure out what is causing your hair loss and what the correct balance is for you.
If you consume a diet high in protein, you will not be consuming nearly as many carbohydrates as you would on a diet lower in protein. Your body gets its fuel from the carbohydrates you consume, so if you cut back on carbs, you can notice your hair getting thinner.
When you don’t get enough carbs, the type of food your body wants to use for energy, it will start using the fat and protein that it has stored up instead. This includes the hair follicles, and it might lead to you beginning to lose your hair.
It may be more difficult to obtain the amino acids necessary for healthy hair growth if your diet consists of a few carbohydrates and a significant amount of protein. If your diet does not contain the appropriate amino acids, you will begin to experience hair loss.
If you are following a diet low in calories with the goal of losing weight, your body may enter a state known as ketosis, in which it begins to burn ketones for energy rather than the calories it absorbs. Because of this, you may experience a decrease in biotin, which in turn may cause hair loss in certain individuals.
Any nutritional deficiency can lead to hair loss in certain people. Your body maintains a delicate balance, and disruptions like an excess of one nutrient or a deficiency in another can lead to various issues, including hair loss.
Suppose you have recently made significant alterations to your supplements and noticed that you are shedding your hair. In that case, discussing the adjustments you have made with your primary care physician is essential.
The Relationship Between Consuming Protein Shakes and Hair Loss
It is essential to have a solid understanding that consuming an excessive amount of protein can lead to hair loss. Still, it is also possible to have hair loss if your diet does not contain a sufficient amount of protein.
If you make large alterations to your dietary routine, you may have hair loss, poor nourishment, and difficulty absorbing nutrients, all of which can cause health problems. When the body is deprived of calories and needs to make an effort to conserve energy, the hair follicles will become dormant in an attempt to save protein.
When you consume supplements that are excessively high in protein, you risk accumulating protein in your body, which can lead to substantial changes in how your hair develops. Examples of common symptoms of protein accumulation include:
- A type of hair that is prone to breakage.
- Hair might be brittle and even have the texture of straw.
- The hair is dull and lacks proper conditioning, making it appear dull and lifeless.
- Your hair may lose its lustrous sheen.
- It becomes more difficult to brush the hair, and you have more difficulty detangling it.
Even though eating a lot of protein is a very effective way to reduce weight, diets that are too rich in protein may harm the hair and the way it grows.
Conclusion
An unhealthy diet can, over time, lead to health problems and hair loss, even though this is extremely unlikely to happen. Most people do not need to be concerned about suffering from a lack of protein. On the other hand, if you drink protein shakes, you may be getting an excessive amount of protein at the expense of the other nutrients that the body and hair require.
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