Nutrition; A confusing subject at best for many athletes, supplements are even more confusing. Every week a new product enters the scene! They all make their miraculous claims, but the truth is that a large majority of them are garbage! You really dont know whats in a product these days. Most supplements contain additives, some are listed, and some are not.

Its getting to the point that some athletes dont take any supplements at all; especially high level or paid athletes fearing the fact that they might be caught up in a doping scandal. And thats too bad, but I can understand the concern. Taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts is difficult sometimes, when youre caught in the middle. If youre interested in better health and improved physical fitness, then youve surely heard of whey protein.

Why do most athletes use whey protein?

I dont think most athletes dont know why they consume protein. If I ask one; I probably couldnt get a straight answer maybe they would say it builds bigger muscles. A large majority only know what they read in Muscle and Fiction. The fact of the matter is that protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Whey proteins, being the most complete protein; delivers all the essential amino acids that muscles need for repair and rebuilding, improving body composition and performance. It is also an excellent source of BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids) which are the first ones used during exercise and resistance training. Another plus is that whey contains leucine; a very important, an essential amino acid for stimulating muscle protein synthesis (building or formation) and growth.

What is it?

Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers say that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. Thats true to a certain extent, but you have to read the fine print. The quality of whey protein is only as good as the cow it comes from. Preferably free-range cow free of growth hormone, pesticides and anti-biotics!

A healthy cow means healthy whey simple.

Whey is also naturally found in mother's milk (which makes it a good idea for mothers to consider breast feeding their newborn). It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.

Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

Who should consider using whey protein?

Anyone can use it. I havent seen anyone whos allergic to whey protein. Whey has many health benefits, a big one being immune support. Whey increases the levels of Glutathione in the body (an anti-oxidant needed for improved immune function). Others just as important are bone health and sports health (speeds up the recovery process, and enhances immune system function), which we discussed earlier, and weight management. Also vegetarian athletes can benefit from the use of whey.

Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by hospital burn patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.

The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.

Are there any side effects to using whey?

No. I personally have taken it for years, and will continue to do so. But Ive gotten smarter over the years and have become even more particular as to what I put in my body. Whey protein is a food and so it does not have the risks associated with other supplements, so theres nothing to worry about there. That said, too much of anything can hurt you. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended. The only negative I see with whey (that I didnt really pay attention to until 3 years ago) is that mostly contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. Terrible stuff! But they have been around for so long that we all have kind of taken them for granted. These chemical agents should be against the law to make, but the manufacturers of these sweeteners are seemingly untouchable and actually above the law or have influence on the food industry laws that are written. Hey, money talks!

Athletes (and anyone else for that matter) need to start reading the labels of the foods, drinks, and energy bars they purchase, and check for these poisons. You wont see or feel a dramatic difference, because many of these toxins work slowly and virtually go unnoticed, that's the scary part! But it's just a matter of time before you start to notice something, because they "all" have side effects.

Its going to be difficult, but you should avoid these chemical sweeteners at all costs, and try to purchase products sweetened with natural sweeteners such as herbal stevia. One whey product that Ive found that I cant wait to try is by Dr. Joseph Mercola.

Heres the link. http://www.mercola.com/forms/whey_healthier.htm/

If anyone gets their hands on this before I do, write me and let me know what you think. And Ill do the same. Other than that; the use of whey protein is a natural and healthy way to make sure you get the proper amount protein in your diet; therefore increasing your health and well being.

Take care and always think outside-of-the-box.