Are Whey Protein Supplements Safe to Use?

Whey protein is the natural protein found in milk, separated into whey when curds are made during the cheese making process. Supplements including whey protein powder and whey protein shakes, are often sold to help boost the immune system, build muscle mass and reduce weight loss during an illness. Most people go on a whey protein diet in an attempt to bulk up and gain muscle. But is whey protein safe to use?

The Side Effects of Whey Protein

An important consideration for anyone who decides to take whey protein powder or shakes is that there are side effects. However, whey is a natural ingredient derived from milk and even whey protein shakes are still healthy. Overconsumption of whey protein can result in thirst, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and bloating, which are the same side effects of consuming too much milk or cheese. Doctors also warn that anyone with a milk allergy should definitely steer clear of a whey protein diet. Whey protein can have some effects on medicine including antibiotics, levodopa and Fosamax, mostly due to the high calcium content present in whey protein supplements, which can inhibit the absorption of medicines into the body. Generally it’s a good idea to either consult a doctor before taking whey protein powder with medicine and to take medicine at least two to four hours after or before consuming whey protein.

Is Whey Protein Safe?

Doctors warn that while extensive testing has not been done on large consumption of whey protein, whey protein shakes and powders are most likely healthy for adults who use it responsibly. Whey protein side effects mostly effect those who consume too much of the supplement, or who are allergic to milk and even the best whey protein products will have these effects. Experts also warn that you should consult your doctor before taking whey protein supplements if you are pregnant, nursing a baby or taking prescription medication.

The effects of why protein supplements include helping muscle to grow so that men and women can gain muscle mass more easily. Experts recommend taking about 1.2-1/5 grams of high quality whey protein shake, or organic whey protein powder for about 6-10 weeks mixed with high strength training for bulking up the body. This combination has been clinically proven as safe and effective for strength training.

So, is whey protein safe to use? While there are some side effects of whey protein, studies indicate that taking the recommended dosage, not mixing whey protein with medications and treating the supplement responsibly is perfectly safe. Studies have even proven that best whey protein shakes can help prevent weight loss due to illness. Just remember, the best whey protein is that which is treated responsibly.

Chris Michaels is a frequent contributor for Supplement Warehouse and has written many articles pertaining to all things regarding bodybuilding, supplements and equipment especially on such subjects as making the best of your whey protein powders and shakes. For more details visit http://www.supplementwarehouse.co.uk

5 Tips to Getting and Maintaining a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Fiber is perhaps the best friend of a healthy gut. It offers carbohydrates that your body cannot digest but hat makes an excellent food source for the beneficial probiotic bacteria that you want to encourage. It also helps encourage a healthy gut lining and may make gut bacteria more resistant to changing temperatures and environments.

In addition to traditional fiber-rich foods like beans and vegetables, try adding whole grains, bananas, chicory, and onions to your diet for their high levels of fructans.

2. Keep Sweeteners to a Minimum
While you want to increase fiber and overall carbohydrates, you’ll want to keep added sugars and artificial sweeteners to a minimum. Researchers are finding that these can lead to imbalances within the gut microbiome in animal studies, which may translate to higher increases of metabolic diseases in people.

Excess sweeteners can also negatively impact your blood glucose levels. This is linked to higher rates of disease and lower levels of and diversity within gut bacteria profiles.

Don’t worry too much about the sugars that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables. Instead, aim to keep added sweeteners to a minimum. The American Heart Association recommends keeping added sugars to less than about six teaspoons (or around 100 calories) per day for women and nine teaspoons (150 calories) per day for men.

3. Increase Exercise
Exercise improves your circulation and helps encourage lean muscle mass and definition. Both of those help the digestive system perform at its best. It also can help you control your weight, which can impact gut health and bacterial diversity.

You don’t have to suddenly transform into an uber athlete to see results. Take up walking during your lunch break, or try the new yoga class at the local recreation center to ease into exercising.

No matter what activities you decide on, aim to get at least the recommended 150 hours of moderate to intense exercise each week. Breaking that up into about 30 minutes of exercise on most days make sit a manageable task. If that still seems like a lot, break it into smaller ten-minute chunks spread throughout each day to start out. Strength training exercises are also recommended for the most health benefits.

4. Reduce Stress
That yoga class may give your gut health a boost beyond adding exercise to your day. Stress has been linked to less diversity among gut bacteria as well as disruptions in digestive functions.

Stress isn’t purely psychological either. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures and sleep deprivation can also stress out your digestive system. Encourage a healthy gut by reducing your exposure and resistance to stressors.

Be proactive and use management strategies like meditation, progressive relaxation, or deep breathing exercises to minimize the effects. Taking care of yourself by eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of rest can also help.

5. Stay Hydrated
Increasing your water consumption is a simple and easy way to increase your gut (and overall) health. While the advice has long been eight glasses of water a day, you actually need about twice that much fluid each day. Of course, some of that comes from water in the foods you eat.

Dehydration affects your body in many negative ways, going far beyond gut health. It leads to listlessness and fatigue, confusion and memory loss, and can cause problems with organ functions.

A quick way to check if you are drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow or clear. Anything darker and you may need to up your water intake.

Reap the Benefits of a Healthy Gut
There are many benefits to fostering a healthy gut. It is linked to a lower incidence of chronic disease and healthier weight levels. It also appears to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, which may help you fight off illnesses. Take these simple steps toward a healthier gut microbiome today to see how it affects your life.

Best Face Mists for all Skin Types

People with dry skin know the importance of face mists as they are aware of the daily struggle. But they are beneficial for all other skin types also. It allows serum and moisturizer to absorb well in your skin. Face mists are not just a bottle of water with high costs; you can get so many benefits out of it. Some of them are listed below-

Easy to use- unlike other products, face mists are super easy to use, just spray it on your face and get rid of dry and chapped skin.
Instant revitalization- spray it once on your face and get refreshing vibes all day.
Treat chapped and dry skin – it is really tough to deal with chapped and dry skin in winters. Add face mists in your skincare routine, it will moisturize your skin well.
Glowing skin
For normal to sensitive skin, you can get face mists for all skin type but the problem is not all products suits to everyone. It may depend on the quality of the brand. If you are tired of experimenting with the product and are not able to find the best for your skin, you may pick any mists from the below-mentioned list. These mists are universal for use so will suit all skin types.

Natural Rose Water
Rose water is used in special occasions also as a part of ritual. You can add rose water in your skin care routine without any worries. The benefits are innumerable.

Instant glow
Suits to all skin types
mood uplifter
Remove pigmentation
You will ditch other expensive products after adding rose water in your routine. You don’t even need to wash your face with face wash; a splash of water mixed with rose mists is enough.

Natural Rose Water can add charm on your face if you apply it before wearing makeup. Also, after removing makeup, it will help.

Always use steam distilled rose water because this process is purely organic.

How to use Rose Water?
Usually rose water exists in every household but they don’t know how to add it in their beauty regime.

Well, to remove pigmentation you can add natural rose water with lemon and honey. You can also add it to your facemask to enhance its effect.

Soak cotton in rose water and apply it before going to bed.

Apply glycerin and rose water on the scalp. Simply massage it for 15 minutes and wash it off with shampoo. This will remove frizz and dry hair. So you can see the use of rose water is not limited to skin only.

Pure Sandalwood Water
What it takes for beautiful skin, 8 to 9 hours of sleep or buying various expensive treatments? What if you need only one product for your daily skincare? Sandalwood is an excellent beauty product for all skincare. The benefits of sandalwood are listed below-

Anti-inflammatory
Astringent
Remove blackheads
Remove acne
Skin softening
Remove dark spots
The use of natural sandalwood water is not limited to a particular skin type; it will work-alike for normal and sensitive skin type. The best thing about using sandalwood water is, it is apt for all skin problems.

Besides solving skin problems it gives cooling and harmonious effect.

How to use Natural Sandalwood Water?
Common problems like pimple, scars, and acne are removable with a mixture of sandalwood powder and milk. If you don’t want to mix milk, you can also add camphor and turmeric to it.

Make a paste of one teaspoon of coconut oil and lime juice and leave it on your face for half an hour. Rinse it off with warm water.