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There is some concern lately of the possible side effects of using whey protein. After all, it’s a lot of protein to take in what looks like an unnatural form. Surely you can’t get something for nothing, right?

To understand the potential side effects of this popular bodybuilding supplement, we first need to look at how whey protein powder is made.

How Is Whey Protein Made?

Whey protein is all natural. It is made from the products of cow milk during the cheese making process. Therefore there are no artificial additives added to the mix. You can be sure that you are not eating anything synthetic.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Whey Protein?

Lactose Intolerance

The main side effect of whey protein is seen in people who are lactose intolerant. This usually means some minor digestive upset. These are exactly the same side effects that you would get from drinking milk or eating cheese.

If you know that you are already lactose intolerant from your experiences with milk, then you could expect similar results when using whey protein. In fact, these side effects are often so mild that many people drink and eat dairy products and do not even know that they are lactose intolerant because the symptoms are so mild.

Alternative available are protein powders derived from soya or rice.

Osteoporosis And Kidney Damage

Some experts believe that taking huge amounts of protein can lead to long term bone problems and kidney damage. This appears to be purely theory because there have yet to be found such cases in a huge population of millions of bodybuilders all over the world.

Let’s Balance The Benefits Versus The Side Effects

Ultimately, you should balance the side effects against the potential benefits. If you do not have lactose intolerance, then it makes sense to use whey protein in your building regime.

Nowhere else can you get such a high concentration of protein. When you compare a typical protein shake with meat then you would probably have to eat half a cow to get anywhere near the same amount! And let’s not forget that whey protein is totally natural.

Add to this that it is so versatile. You can make your own homemade protein shakes and you can even make ice cream from protein powder!

Moderation In Everything

They key with anything is moderation. Whilst the evidence for damage from long term whey protein use is sketchy at best, it is never a good idea to drink the same thing for breakfast for the rest of your life. After your main muscle building phase, give the shakes a rest and introduce new things into your diet such as more fruit.