Could Your Protein Shake Be Causing You More Harm Than Good?
Written by Yvonne Bishop
Meal replacement shakes & meal supplements can be very convenient and cost effective – but beware as not all shakes are created equally! Many companies have produced meal replacement shakes that are masquerading as healthy nutritional products yet they’re loaded with ingredients that more often than not, cause more harm than good. When choosing a shake, either as a meal replacement or supplement, be sure to check for the 5 potentially harmful ingredients and stay clear of these products.
According to the American DIABETES Association soy protein isolate contains anti-nutrients that can delay your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients into the blood stream.
All soy products, and therefore, all soy bi-products contain phytoestrogens which are plant derived compounds that have the ability to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They can have a negative effect on hormonal balances on men, women, and children including the enlargement or depression of the thyroid gland which can lead to a rapid weight gain or even an abnormal weight loss.
The usual method by which soy protein isolate is processed or manufactured involves acid washing in an aluminum tank. As a result large amounts of aluminum can get into the finished product. In addition to this, nitrites and chemical flavorings such as MSG are often used to add flavor. These chemicals have been linked to the development of certain cancers, allergies and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Soy can increase estrogen activity in the body. Men who ingest large amount of soy protein isolate on a daily basis may experience a reduction in sperm count or a lower libido.
It is important to note that these things are seen with large consumption of processed soy protein isolate and rarely with naturally soy protein foods such as edemame, Soybeans and unprocessed soy products
All of these common shake ingredients come from dairy, one of the most highly allergic foods in the world! Milk products are primarily 80% casein and 20% whey.
Whey is a bi-product of cheese production; it’s the pseudo clear liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained that used to be tossed aside as a waste material. Although most of the casein and lactose have been removed from the whey, if you are at all dairy sensitive it’s best to avoid it.
Allergic reactions to sodium caseinate are extremely common. You may not even know you’re allergic to it because it can produce a host of different symptoms. ANY product that contains sodium caseinate has a risk of cross contamination with other common dairy allergens such as lactose and whey.
Awareness and diagnosis of gluten allergies have also been on the rise too. According to The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, caseinate has a protein structure similar to gluten; therefore anyone allergic to gluten has a greater likelihood of being allergic or sensitive to casein also.
Allergic reactions can vary widely and severity from general stomach upset to rashes and respiratory arrest. In addition to this, your reaction can get worse with repeated exposure.
Sucralose is promoted as a healthy alternative to sugar but it’s actually not a sugar at all; despite its marketing slogan, “Made from sugar so it tastes like sugar”. Rather, it’s a chlorinated artificial sweetener – meaning that it’s processed using chlorine! According to the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, sucralose increases the pH level in your intestines and can reduce the amount of good bacteria in your intestines by 50%. Sucralose actually bears more chemical similarity to DDT, a toxic pesticide, then to sugar.
If this isn’t enough, researchers are finding that this artificial sweetener is passing through our bodies and winding up in waste water treatment plants where it can’t even be broken down. Tests in Sweden found sucralose in surface water released downstream from treatment discharge sights. Scientists actually worry that it can change organisms feeding habits and interfere with photosynthesis putting the entire food chain at risk.
Do yourself a favor, if you see sucralose on
ANY product – SKIP IT!
Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener and a suspected carcinogen. Its manufacturing processes consist of several substances, one of which is methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is best known as its uses as a paint stripper, degreaser, and a propellant agent. Methylene chloride is a carcinogen.
Long-term exposure to Methylene Chloride can cause headaches, depression, nausea, mental confusion, liver effects, kidney effects, visual disturbances and cancer in humans.
Be sure to always read labels. Just because it says it’s healthy, doesn’t mean it is. The Seven Point 2 products are free of all of these ingredients.
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Click here to visit Yvonne's website for more information, ideas, and products to help balance your pH. 20% of all sales support Cancer Schmancer.
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Yvonne is the owner of Essence of Health located in Laguna Beach. She graduated from the University of Alberta with her degree in Nutrition and Food Science. Originally from Calgary, this Canadian brings with her over 23 years in the fitness industry working in both corporate and private arenas. She is very passionate about health and loves sharing that passion with everyone around her. Yvonne's complimentary background in fitness AND nutrition enables her to bring the latest phenomenon's in the industry to her clients, making Essence of Health the most unique studio in Laguna. Exercise and nutrition is a partnership and by addressing both you get the best results; KNOWLEDGE + ACTION = RESULTS. Yvonne helps you transform your mindset, body, and life!
