More and more people are turning to hemp protein supplements in place of whey protein. The main reason for this being that hemp protein powder side effects are a lot milder compared to other protein powder varieties. However, as with any supplement, one needs to be careful. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS are also more likely to suffer from hemp protein powder side effects like gas, bloating or diarrhea. In such a case, it is best to eat hemp oil but avoid the seeds and the protein powder.
Here are the most common hemp protein powder side effects.
Increased weight gain
Often, people who take hemp protein end up bulking up. This could be because their chosen supplement is high in fat and carbohydrates. To avoid this side effect, one must monitor one’s total calorie intake. It is also essential to combine a high protein diet with a moderate amount of exercise to maintain one’s weight. Always look for a brand of hemp protein powder that has low fat and low carbohydrate content per serving. Most top brands contain 6 grams of fat and 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. You can accordingly balance it with your other meals.
Gastrointestinal distress
Other common hemp protein powder side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, cramps etc. The high fiber content of hemp protein powder also leads to frequent bowel movements which can be a rather unpleasant experience. However, most of these effects are mild and usually vanish within a short period of time. You can minimize these hemp protein powder side effects by reducing your intake of the powder. For example, if you have been using 1 scoop, you can limit it to half a scoop and see if that minimizes these side effects.
Another thing you can do to avoid experiencing these hemp protein powder side effects is to take the supplement with a small meal. Eat some crackers or mix up the protein powder with yogurt. You can also use it in a brownie recipe. This can greatly minimize most of the aforementioned hemp protein powder side effects.
Heavy metal contaminants
Currently, there is no FDA testing standard for protein supplements. As a result, many manufacturers add fillers, chemicals, and artificial stuff in their products which they do not list on the labels. Also, many of these manufacturers are not based in the United States. Their factories are located in countries like China. Recently, some of these products coming from these countries were found to have lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. To avoid getting these harmful substances in your body, select a brand that is based in the US and uses 100% organic hemp seeds to manufacture the powder.
Consumption of too much protein can harm the renal system
While our body uses up protein for repairing worn out tissues, too much of protein can be harmful to the kidneys. Excess protein supplementation can lead to increased renal plasma flow and progressive kidney damage. A person who consumes only protein is likely to have foul breath, increased blood fat levels, loss of muscle tissue and even certain deficiencies. Therefore, it is important you speak to your doctor about how much protein you need in order to avoid these hemp protein powder side effects.
Conclusion – Take this protein with a balanced diet
Hemp protein powder is a fantastic source of protein, amino acids, chlorophyll as well as numerous vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. That said, it is not a magic fix for bodybuilding or for losing weight. To avoid the above hemp protein powder side effects, take it in small doses and make sure you also eat a balanced diet with it.