Whey Protein Side Effects

By: Frost

Break Studios Contributing Writer

The good can often go hand in hand with the bad in the world of supplementation; therefore, it's smart to know some of the whey protein side effects before you drink up. Whey protein makes it simple to keep your intake high while avoiding increasing your fat and carbohydrate amounts that would occur when eating a regular diet. Keep in mind that each individual is affected differently and the majority of side effects occur in those taking high amounts versus those who use it for a single meal replacement.

  1. Headaches. The scourge of all people with a brain rears its ugly head and yells to turn off the lights and the music down. This is a definite side effect of whey protein that you want to be on guard against. Headaches can't be iced down or walked off, so make sure that if your normal schedule of monthly headaches suddenly shoots upwards like a firework that you tone down your intake.
  2. Nausea. Few things can mess up your exercise, work and daily schedule like nausea. One goal of protein supplementation is to ensure that you're getting the right amount of protein according to your weight to allow for retention and/or building muscle, but this gets thrown out the window if you spend the day in the bathroom too ill to eat anything. Fairly self evident, this side effect of whey protein should serve as an obvious slap to the back of the head to lower the amount of whey protein you're knocking back.
  3. Cramps. In a perfect life, you should only be doubled over because you heard a great joke, but this is reality and there are other reasons to be in the fetal position. Cramps hurt and if you doubt the validity of this statement, then leave a tuna salad sandwich out in the sun for a day and then eat it. This is one of those side effects where you don't shrug your shoulders and power through it each time. Cramp up a few times and you should redo the math on how much whey protein you truly wish to add to your daily diet.
  4. An increase in bowel movements. "Everyone Poops" isn't just a book, it's a way of life. Dependent upon how much of an increase happens, this might not be a game changer for your whey protein consumption. If you have roommates or family with you in a single bathroom house, then more bowel movements might be a side effect worth paying attention to. Take this as a good excuse to stock up the bathroom with reading material or install a dartboard just in case.
  5. Fatigue. Another potential side effect that can wreck your day-to-day activities. You can power through a day or two, but if you're consistently tired your fatigue is going to cost you in the end. Don't be the guy who one moment is watching the baby and next is waking up to the police knocking at your door with "helpful" suggestions on not letting your toddler have the keys to the motorcycle. In a more possible situation, don't be the guy who nods off and sleeps through what could have been a great Friday night. Whey protein is a supplement that has higher positives than negatives as long as you pay attention to the amounts you're taking and don't turn a blind eye to side effects like fatigue.
Posted on: Jun. 22, 2011