Can drinking whey protein help you lose weight? Can I drink if I have chronic kidney disease? Nutritionist cracks it all

Many people drink whey protein after exercise, thinking it can replenish lost protein, or even think that drinking whey protein can help them lose weight. Is it true? Doctors remind people who suffer from chronic kidney disease to pay attention to managing their protein intake. Since whey protein is also a type of protein, they must consult a medical team before drinking it to avoid worsening kidney disease.

Chen Yunhan, a nutritionist at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, said that it is very important to choose the type of whey protein and when to drink it. The key point is: it is not suitable for everyone! (Photo courtesy of Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital)

Chen Yunhan, a nutritionist at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, said that it is very important to choose the type of whey protein and when to drink it. The key point is: it is not suitable for everyone! A special reminder to patients with chronic kidney disease: it is safer to consult the medical team before drinking. First understand your own condition and exercise intensity, then choose the right whey protein and drink it at the right time to truly absorb the nutritional value of whey protein.

Whey protein is also a type of protein

Mr. Wang has chronic kidney disease and eats in moderation. In order to maintain his health, he often goes to the gym with his family, and drinks a glass of whey protein after exercise to supplement protein. Mr. Wang returned to the kidney department regularly, but a blood test revealed that his glomerular filtration rate index had deteriorated. The doctor carefully inquired about changes in his diet and referred him to the nutrition department for outpatient health education. Nutritionist Chen Yunhan said that whey protein is also a type of protein. Patients with kidney disease should pay special attention before drinking it. Such patients must specially manage their protein intake. Nutritionists recommend that if patients want to supplement whey protein, they must use it safely under the advice and supervision of a nutritionist and doctor.

Current studies have shown that taking whey protein can reduce appetite and help control weight, but you cannot achieve your weight loss goals by drinking whey protein alone. You still need to combine it with exercise intensity and develop good living habits to change the ratio of body fat to muscle and live a healthier life! (Photo courtesy of Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital)

Whey protein is divided into three types: concentrate, isolate and hydrolyzate

"Whey protein" is a by-product produced during the production of dairy products, but it has high nutritional value. It contains nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own. Every 100 ml of milk contains about 3.5 grams of protein, of which whey protein accounts for about 20% and casein accounts for about 80%. Although the whey protein is small, it is rich in BCAA and is easier for the gastrointestinal tract to digest and absorb, so it is also called "fast protein." Commercially available whey protein is divided into three types: concentrated, isolated and hydrolyzed. "Concentrated whey protein" is suitable for general consumption; "isolated whey protein" is suitable for people with lactose intolerance, those who pursue low sugar and low fat, or those engaged in weight training and fitness and athletes; "hydrolyzed whey protein" is suitable for those with poor gastrointestinal function.

The type of whey protein and the timing of drinking it are important

In addition to choosing the right whey protein based on your physique and amount of exercise, nutritionist Chen Yunhan emphasizes that the "time of drinking" is also very important. He recommends drinking it during exercise or within half an hour after exercise to replenish protein and repair damaged muscles. Reminder: Current studies have shown that taking whey protein can reduce appetite and help control weight, but you cannot achieve your weight loss goals by drinking whey protein alone. You still need to combine it with exercise intensity and develop good living habits to change the ratio of body fat to muscle and live a healthier life!