What are the health effects of taking protein supplements? Do they really help you gain size?

Question:

I am 17 6'5" and weigh 185 pounds. I lift weights 4 times a week year round except during basketball season.

Answers:
Protein doesn't "do" anything. It's building blocks for muscle IF you need muscle.

If you're working out with the same level of weights, then whatever muscle mass you have is what you're going to get. Muscles build in response to stress. If you don't stress the muscle, they don't "rip". Ripped tissue is repaired and becomes bigger.

Figure that you probably need about 70-90 gm of protein a day (roughly 2 chicken breasts). You can eat protein supplements by the handful or glassful and it won't make a difference if you don't "need" the protein. At that point it's just extra calories.

You're a little thin for 6'5" so maybe focus on adding carbs and additional snacks during the day. Good food, not junk.

To build muscle with weights you have to work the muscles to the point of fatigue -- where you cannot do another rep. This is done best by lifting heavy weights, done very slowly, so you can only do 10-12 reps. Wait 48 hours between workouts. As the weight gets easier, keep adding to keep bulking.

They can help you gain size IF you lift heavy, and if you otherwise wouldn't be getting enough protein to support your muscle growth.

No waste of money

Protein supplements do put an added stress on your kidneys but in healthy people with no kidney problems, this isn't a major concern. Just make sure that you drink plenty of water. They will help you gain size but remember that your body doesn't store protein. If you don't use the protein, your body will store it as fat. For more information, visit http://straighthealth.com

The whey protein I had wasnt working I guess..I stop taking it since I dont do heavy workouts at a gym.

What are the health effects of taking protein supplements? Do they really help you gain size?

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