Is protein necessary?

daniel7121
daniel7121 Posts: 166 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I've been doing some research on the effects of protein powder and supplements on the body, and while some of the benefits are good, I've seen a lot of warnings about over consuming protein. Things like kidney stones, keep me from buying any sort of protein powder and using it. Anybody have any real long-term experience with protein powder and supplements? Just keep in mind that I'm looking to lose weight and start toning. Thanks MFPs! :)
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Replies

  • CINDYRN33
    CINDYRN33 Posts: 148 Member
    Yes sir protein is vital if you dont want it in the form of protein shake you could always eat more fish, chicken ect..but to answer your question YES.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I've been doing some research on the effects of protein powder and supplements on the body, and while some of the benefits are good, I've seen a lot of warnings about over consuming protein. Things like kidney stones, keep me from buying any sort of protein powder and using it. Anybody have any real long-term experience with protein powder and supplements? Just keep in mind that I'm looking to lose weight and start toning. Thanks MFPs! :)

    Protein is necessary, protein powder is not. Unless you already have a pre existing kidney issue, I wouldn't worry about protein intake and kidney problems
  • Easywider
    Easywider Posts: 434 Member
    You're more than able to reach all of your protein/amino requirements via whole food sources only. However, if for whatever reason you choose not to, whey protein isolate powders make great supplementary additions to your diet.

    To answer your question, you'd have to consume a stupid ridiculous amount of protein before it starts to damage your kidneys.
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  • envy09
    envy09 Posts: 353 Member
    Protein powder, protein powder, protein powder! I keep seeing people using it, but I don't really see the benefits unless you are consistently not hitting your protein goal. I lift heavy three times a week and constantly go over my protein allotment for the day; all without the use of any supplements. If you're wanting to "tone" then you're going to want excess protein, but there is no reason you couldn't get this by simply eating higher protein foods in larger portions.
  • Jessicao33
    Jessicao33 Posts: 189 Member
    This is good to know. What supplements of powder do you guys find is better then that other? I ask because I don't eat a lot of meat and I could use this in the morning for my self as breakfast. I am looking to lose and tone also thenks
  • dsmpunk
    dsmpunk Posts: 262 Member
    Chicken breast and fish are your protein friends.
  • jeninabilan
    jeninabilan Posts: 369 Member
    Nope.. and neither is oxygen.. ;) I would put the two in the same category..
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    To answer your question, you'd have to consume a stupid ridiculous amount of protein before it starts to damage your kidneys.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Your body needs protein but it doesn't need protein shakes and powders and it doesn't need huge quantities of it. Seems the latest fad is to chug protein powder like a power lifter.
  • mmotherh
    mmotherh Posts: 9
    Yes protein is necessary - have to agree with others telling you to get it from food. If you consume large quantities of protein you can decrease the risk of kidney problems by being sure to drink pure, clear water!
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I used to get very little protein in my diet and I was flabby and doughy. It was not a good look. I was weak and tired all the time. Now I live off whey protein. It's the only macro that you really need to worry about. Get at least 1g/kg of body weight. Fat and carbs don't really matter that much. You need a little bit of both, but some people like to do low carb and some do low fat. As long as you get protein, carbs and fat are flexible.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I used to get very little protein in my diet and I was flabby and doughy. It was not a good look. I was weak and tired all the time. Now I live off whey protein. It's the only macro that you really need to worry about. Get at least 1g/kg of body weight. Fat and carbs don't really matter that much. You need a little bit of both, but some people like to do low carb and some do low fat. As long as you get protein, carbs and fat are flexible.

    You need a certain amount of fat for healthy body functions.
  • Amlong1977
    Amlong1977 Posts: 125 Member
    This is good to know. What supplements of powder do you guys find is better then that other? I ask because I don't eat a lot of meat and I could use this in the morning for my self as breakfast. I am looking to lose and tone also thenks

    I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices some places charge. I buy chocolate peanut butter whey protein from Walmart & mix one scoop with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, half a frozen banana, & a cup of crushed ice on my blender & it's really good.I've found the almond milk makes it taste a lot better & it's only 30 calories/cup. The banana makes it taste a lot better too & gives it more of a shake like consistency.
  • Jessicao33
    Jessicao33 Posts: 189 Member
    I used to get very little protein in my diet and I was flabby and doughy. It was not a good look. I was weak and tired all the time. Now I live off whey protein. It's the only macro that you really need to worry about. Get at least 1g/kg of body weight. Fat and carbs don't really matter that much. You need a little bit of both, but some people like to do low carb and some do low fat. As long as you get protein, carbs and fat are flexible.

    I want to lose weigh so I am low fat intake and low carb in take. I would love to do powder which kind do u use and like?
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    I can see this post going down the crapper quite quickly...

    But before it does, like mentioned above, protein is important, and I HIGHLY doubt that you will consume enough to give you issues, unless you have a pre-existing condition.
  • thoseblueeyes
    thoseblueeyes Posts: 812 Member
    YES! YES! YES ! It's so important. I agree with everyone's comments so I won't repeat it.
  • daniel7121
    daniel7121 Posts: 166 Member
    I guess I should have written the topic as "Is excess protein needed?" Because that's my real question :tongue: Thanks for your responses, everybody!
  • JSchleichardt
    JSchleichardt Posts: 1
    Your muscles need protein!!! Your body can only absorb 24g-30g of protein every 2-3 hours. So there is no reason you should consum more, thats when you start to over load with proteins and get kidney stones. I also know of some GREAT supplements if your still looking.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Your muscles need protein!!! Your body can only absorb 24g-30g of protein every 2-3 hours. So there is no reason you should consum more, thats when you start to over load with proteins and get kidney stones. I also know of some GREAT supplements if your still looking.

    The absorption threshold is a myth:

    http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/is-there-a-limit-to-how-much-protein-the-body-can-use-in-a-single-meal/

    http://www.tomvenuto.com/asktom/protein_grams_per_meal.shtml
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    Yes protein is necessary. If you don't get enough through the foods you eat or you chooses to supplement more than protein powder is helpful. Remember the other macro nutrients are important as well.
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    Protein is important to your daily intake. You can get it from natural, whole sources and I do mostly. However, I like to have green smoothies and I add some hemp protein powder to it. I also add a tablespoon of hemp protein powder to my oatmeal; this makes it more filling with way less fat than adding peanut butter or almond butter (not that I don't use that in my diet as well, but I use it sparingly...I'm a small person).
  • downinaggieland98
    downinaggieland98 Posts: 224 Member
    I used to get very little protein in my diet and I was flabby and doughy. It was not a good look. I was weak and tired all the time. Now I live off whey protein. It's the only macro that you really need to worry about. Get at least 1g/kg of body weight. Fat and carbs don't really matter that much. You need a little bit of both, but some people like to do low carb and some do low fat. As long as you get protein, carbs and fat are flexible.

    I want to lose weigh so I am low fat intake and low carb in take. I would love to do powder which kind do u use and like?

    My two cents - We use Optimum Nutrition Natural & love it. Also, don't be scared of the good fats! They will keep you full longer and they are good for you!
  • squishycow7
    squishycow7 Posts: 820 Member
    Protien is vital to our diets. Just like dirt is vital to a plant growing. It's just another type of nutrient we need to keep going.

    As for protein POWDER specifically- that is not necessary, in my opinion, as long as you are getting your nutrients from somewhere (aka "real food.")


    edit to add - I always had trouble reaching my 30% protein goal, except for days where I added a protein shake. But all in all, I'd rather be sourcing from my food rather than a concoction (plus I have yet to find one that tastes yummy). And I'd rather be a little short of my goal than be over and feeling sick from that nasty shake :P
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    I guess I should have written the topic as "Is excess protein needed?" Because that's my real question :tongue: Thanks for your responses, everybody!

    Depends on how you define "excess." Studies have consistently shown that an intake at double the RDA is superior for lean mass retention during a caloric deficit.
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    Protein isn't necessary. Essential amino acids are necessary. Your body can make the rest. However, giving your body a ready supply of protein makes it easier for you to build new muscle. Take a supplement if you want to make sure you are getting enough.


    [Note: a single plant protein source generally does not contain all 8 essential amino acids, which is why it is important for vegetarians to eat a variety of protein sources. Soy beans are one exception.]
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    Be sure to drink lots of water on a high protein diet to prevent kidney issues. High protein and dehydration as well as a genetic disposition can create kidney issues.
  • drmerc
    drmerc Posts: 2,603 Member
    I guess I should have written the topic as "Is excess protein needed?" Because that's my real question :tongue: Thanks for your responses, everybody!

    Depends on how you define "excess." Studies have consistently shown that an intake at double the RDA is superior for lean mass retention during a caloric deficit.

    I define excess as "too much"
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Your muscles need protein!!! Your body can only absorb 24g-30g of protein every 2-3 hours. So there is no reason you should consum more, thats when you start to over load with proteins and get kidney stones. I also know of some GREAT supplements if your still looking.

    Supplements that you sell by any chance?
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    First of all... You are a male. I don't ever want to hear the word "toning" from you ever again.

    Secondly, Your question is unclear. "Is protein necessary?"
    Do you mean do our bodies NEED protein? If so, then YES.
    Do you mean do we need to take a protein supplement? That answer depends on how much protein you actually get in your diet. If you are consuming adequate protein in your diet there is no reason whatsoever to supplement protein. If you are vegetarian or would otherwise NOT hit your protein goal, then sure, supplement it as you would with any other deficiency.

    Lasty, You seem like you want to lose body fat and show your current underlying muscle. Consuming adequate protein to maintain as much muscle mass as possible in a caloric deficit is the only way to go. You should be consuming anywhere from .8-1.2 grams of protein per pound of Lean Body Mass (I am not saying you have a lean body here ((why does everyone always think it just means their body weight? Anyway off topic)) i'm saying the amount of body mass you have without FAT. You need to know your body fat percentage to calcuate this).

    Start on a lifting regimen, eat adequate protein, profit. :)

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