HomeAnswersFitness Expertprotein powderWhat is the reason to have a protein shake after doing a workout?

Why do we drink a protein shake after a workout and stretch before a run?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Shakti Mishra

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 20, 2017
Reviewed AtMarch 24, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

So often, we do things that we know to be healthy but are not aware of the reason. I am looking at the specific items such as drinking protein shakes after a workout, doing 10 to 12 repetitions in strength training, stretching before a run, avoiding food before a workout and eating the rainbow. What is the reason behind these things? Why do we do them? If you can think of any other healthy things we do without knowing the reason, please share that as well.

Answered by Shakti Mishra

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Yes, very often we follow the necessary safe and healthy things that should be observed in our day-to-day life, but many people are not aware of the reason of these lifestyle changes. They simply know that it is good to follow but are not aware of the reason to follow.
  • Many people especially the bodybuilders take protein shakes after the workout sessions. After you workout, the entire energy of the body comes to zero. The muscles are in hyperactive state and so starve for nutrition. So, protein shakes are excellent and quick in supplying nutritional contents to the muscles and body as a whole.
  • Studies have shown that strength training, when repeated for a minimum of 12 times, is sufficient for the body. The number is increased, the more efficient it becomes. This is the number of repetition during which the muscle start gaining strength.
  • Our muscles are always in a state of their usual size and length. When we start running without any warm up session, the muscle fibers get a sudden activation for which they are not ready. The muscle fibers may get a tear, and that might lead to major injury.
  • So, stretching helps in obtaining an optimum length of the muscles and prepare the muscles for the run. They activate the fibers early and the chance of injury decreases.
  • An enormous amount of intake of food before the workout should be avoided; there is a chance of bloating, and there will be an uncomfortable sensation. The metabolism will get disturbed by working out immediately, and the efficiency decreases.
  • Also, working out with an empty stomach should be avoided. A minimum of food should be taken one hour before workout.
  • The colors of the rainbow are available in our vegetables and fruits. We usually give such examples to our children of eating healthy foods, which they hesitate.
  • It is just that the colors also contribute the formation of different liquid content in our body like carrots, green capsicum, etc., helps in forming blood in our body. Green leafy vegetable assist in maintaining the circulatory system, helps in activating nervous system, synovial fluid, etc.
  • Milk provides energy and helps in growth of bones and joints.
  • We should drink water minimum of 15 minutes after food. As we eat, the metabolic process takes the time to churn the food with the enzymes. The enzymes act best in their original content, and if we drink water immediately then, it gets diluted.
  •  If we drink after some time,  then the food gets churned down into the semisolid state and then intake of water helps in digestion.

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Shakti Mishra
Shakti Mishra

Nutritionist

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