https://www.newsweek.com/scientists-warn-men-forgotten-risk-protein-supplements-1841655 Protein powder has become almost ubiquitous with the fitness lifestyle, with roughly 25 percent of gym users using the supplements. However, many of us are not aware of the impacts these supplements can have on our health, particularly on male fertility. As reported by the World Health Organization, infertility affects roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide, with male infertility accounting for up to half of these cases. However, many of us—particularly men—are unaware of how our lifestyles can influence our reproductive health. "In the context of male fertility, the concern is over the increasing use of protein supplements," Meurig Gallagher, an assistant professor at the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham in the U.K., told Newsweek. "The main concern is the high levels of the female hormone estrogen that comes from both whey and soy protein supplements. "Too much female hormone can cause problems with the amount and quality of sperm that a man can produce. Many protein supplements that can be bought have been found to be contaminated by anabolic steroids, which can cause reduced sperm count, shrunken testicles, and erectile dysfunction, among other things." In a recent study, published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Gallagher and his team investigated whether young adults were aware of the potential impacts of supplementation on infertility. "In our study the majority of people were young adults aged 18 to 25 attending university," Gallagher said. "The widespread use of protein supplement use—79 percent of men, 56 percent of women surveyed—in this population is particularly concerning in the context of fertility." The team found there was a significant lack of awareness around male reproductive health in general in the population of young adults surveyed. "While people were aware of the problems associated with anabolic steroid use, very few understood that gym protein supplementation can have negative effects," Gallagher said. While the majority of research has focused on how protein supplements impact men, women may also be impacted by the hormonal changes brought on by having too much protein powder. "Just like for men, anything that changes the natural hormone rhythms of the body can have negative impacts such as weight gain, changes in insulin levels, or other side effects," Gallagher said. "It is unclear as of yet how protein supplementation impacts women's fertility as little research has been done. As with any dietary supplement it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting, particularly if you are trying to conceive." However, it is important not to be put off going to the gym because of this data. The concern here is specifically around protein shakes and supplements taken in excess. "People should try and educate themselves about any form of supplementation they take, whether that is protein, vitamins or anything else," Gallagher said. "In general, most data would suggest it's better to eat unconcentrated natural food sources of protein, as these are also less likely to be contaminated at a high level with any environmental pollutants. For example, if you are eating a routine diet, roast chicken would be a good source of protein as opposed to a concentrated protein bar or shake." The study highlights the need for more awareness and conversation around male fertility, as well as further research into the impacts of eating too much protein powder for both men and women. "In the meantime, there is a real and immediate need to educate all people, but particularly young men, about male fertility and potential negative effects," Gallagher said.
During the Pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in home gyms, home workout equipment, and self-nutritional analysis by unqualified consumers especially involving protein supplementation / anabolic steroid use. The result, as several nutritional experts predicted... We're now seeing more sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among fitness gurus, fitness instructors, personal trainers, consumers, and so on because of anabolic steroid use excess has been associated with the development of a reversible dilated cardiomyopathy and potentially severe heart failure and sudden death. I'm a very fit guy that use to use protein supplementation often and back in 2016 I mysteriously contracted deadly pneumonia...my body (immune system) could not fight it off, heart stopped twice and was in an almost two month coma. Those in my family could not determine how I contracted pneumonia considering no one else in my family was sick. Simply, there's a possibility my excess use of protein supplements may have weaken my immune system and heart or maybe it was just a coincidence ??? Years later and prior to the Pandemic...the United States and the rest of the world were having dramatic increases in cardiovascular / heart related / diabetes / obesity / kidney issues. I myself talked about such early in the Pandemic and then I saw it with my own two eyes when driving in the United States while on vacation after the borders re-opened... Every city, suburb, and rural community had new Kidney Dialysis Centers...some suburbs seem to have them every few miles along with new physical therapy centers too. Simply, as I've stated many times PRIOR to vaccines...we're a very unhealthy society and the number of people that died during the Pandemic verified such. Today, I stay away from protein supplements (forced to stop when I came out of the coma back in 2016) and feel stronger, healthier, increase sex drive, friends & family say I look younger and so on. Plus, recently I had two complete physicals, cancer screens, blood work at the VA and my own private care provider... Healthy and no signs of anything from my near death experience with pneumonia back in 2016. In fact, I recently met a few fitness trainers in their 40s and I had to show them I was actually in my 50's because they didn't believe me...they thought I was in my 40's. wrbtrader
I don't know what caused your medical issues and whether protein supplementation played a role in it, but I think your story supports the recommendation that people stick to real, whole food.
Professional Athletes have always tried to get their nutritional needs from Foods. The. more experienced a person is, the less they seem to use Supplements. I'd always thought a gram of Protein from food felt superior to a gram of Protein from Whey.
Sugar is bad bad bad for you. I was lucky at a very young age (I think I was 10 years old) that sugar was bad for athletes from lactic acid build-up in the body that prevented quick recovery between sporting events especially if you played a sport that you had several games in one day...tournament events. For example, I played youth baseball, youth judo, and youth hockey as a kid. Coaches would always say say to eat an Apple instead of a candy bar. Added sugar is known to have long-lasting effects when consumed regularly. In addition to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, high sugar intake is also linked to chronic inflammatory responses. Over time, low-grade inflammation can lead to more serious health concerns. The key above is "added sugar". America has a growing health problem with the above and its one of the main reasons why there's been a growing crisis in America for a few decades now with kidney problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, obesity, and so on. Worst, America's children have the same growing problem. Seriously, schools in Kentucky, South Dakota, Illinois, and Georgia have been putting AEDs in the schools since the early 2000. In fact, whenever I'm traveling in the States...I see a huge obesity problem in many urban, suburban, and rural communities with Kidney centers, Weight-Loss businesses, Heart centers as if they're like some corner store... Then the Pandemic hit. I knew (talked about it often here at ET) that the United States would be one of the worst-performing countries in the Pandemic because we're a very unhealthy society. Sadly, I was proven correct. Today, we have a bunch of idiots (Covidiots) blaming these growing health problems of several decades on vaccines instead of on American's unhealthy eating habits / unhealthy lifestyle...bad eating habits / less activity / bad stress / environmental problems (e.g. pollution). Seriously, watch the TV on the weekend...lots commercials about eating out to restaurants, pizza, beer, sports on TV (keeps you on the sofa), soda, candies... So many subliminal messages to eat more "added sugar". There's a reason why there are more sudden cardiac deaths during holidays. Overeating, sugars, and stress...deadly mixture. According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital in the U.S. each year. However, according to the American Heart Association, cardiac death is almost 5% higher during the holidays. https://newsroom.heart.org/local-ne...art-attack-deaths-than-any-other-time-of-year https://www.nbcdfw.com/texas-today/...k-deaths-than-any-other-time-of-year/3152470/ wrbtrader