However, that doesn't change the fact that numerous studies have found high levels of cadmium, lead and arsenic. These highly toxic metals can make their way into whey protein supplements through poor processing practices, but they are most commonly derived from contaminated farmland. Food sensitivity to gluten can increase inflammation in some people and cause a range of health problems, such as hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches. Protein is also the key nutrient that helps you have glowing, ageless skin and lean, toned muscles.
I've been in the fitness and health industry since I was in my early 20s and have tried many types of proteins on the market. Some made me gain weight, others constipated me for days, and others made me feel bloated. This was the main reason why I decided to design my own. To do this, they examined 134 of the best-selling protein powders from 52 brands, according to Amazon and Nielsen.
They then screened them for more than 130 harmful ingredients, including heavy metals, pesticides, an industrial chemical used for plastics called BPA, and other contaminants linked to cancer and other health conditions. While athletes and coaches still commonly use whey protein supplements, recent research* suggests that whey protein isn't the healthy muscle builder that marketing claims it is. If your daily routine involves taking a whey protein supplement from grass-fed animals after training, you should be free from damage caused by heavy metal contamination. The key nutrient for losing fat and shaping the body is proteins, as they are essential for regulating appetite, stimulating metabolism and encouraging significant weight loss, while supporting lean muscle mass, but not all proteins are created equal.
Proposition 65 is important legislation for the whey protein industry and requires full disclosure (for those who comply with the law). Whey protein supplementation has been found to decrease beneficial bacteria and increase harmful bacteria. In CAFOs, where animals eat grain-rich concentrates and live in confined spaces full of waste, the milk produced and, therefore, the whey will contain higher concentrations of whey. In terms of dosage, the authors found that 40 grams or more of whey protein per day produced these adverse effects.
While physical activity can increase “good bacteria” in the gut, whey supplementation can counteract those positive effects. When it comes to the heavy metals present in whey protein, the mechanism of exposure and the health problem are more related to the routine intake of a low dose as part of a routine of one shake a day than to a single exposure to high doses. To put this into perspective, lactating dairy cows are responsible for most of the whey products found on today's shelves (except goat whey). Plant-based protein powders don't contain whey, meaning they don't contain whey protein, making them the safest protein powder option for health and athletic performance.
When analyzing a collection of studies on whey protein, the authors of the review found parallels between findings that presented several adverse effects of consuming whey protein. The good news is that there are many whey-free protein options that are widely available and equally effective in increasing or preserving muscle mass and helping you lose weight. When you eat whey protein, your body responds by producing histamine to protect you from infections. AGN Roots grass-fed whey protein contains the lowest possible heavy metal concentrations, due to the environment and sustainable agricultural practices (without chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers), manufacturing and packaging.
