Is it possible for protein shakes to cause protein toxicity?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had a protein shake for three weeks, around five scoops a day. Since then I get a pulsation in my buttocks and legs. This also causes dizziness most of the time. If I eat too much, this problem gets worse. Drinking a lot of water helps, but it is not sorting out the problem. I was advised to see a toxicologist for this problem, as someone said to me that it could have given me protein toxicity.
Anything I eat with high protein, like chicken, lamb, fish, etc., makes this problem get worse. I also tried to stop eating that for a bit. It did help a little, but again, it did not sort out the problem. I have tried taking Detox as well. I have been suffering through this problem for the last year. I have been running around my general practitioner (GP). I am really fed up with this problem. All blood tests were done, and everything was normal.
I have also tried taking vitamin C; it did help a lot. But I experienced some pains around my kidney area, so I stopped taking that too. This shake has definitely done something to me, and nothing was helpful. I have tried a lot to find a toxicologist because I think they are the right person to help me with this issue.
Could you please suggest the correct medication for this problem, as it is messing me up and stopping me from working as well?
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
After going through your question, I feel that you are really worried about the ill effects of protein shakes. Let me assure you that a protein shake is perfectly safe even if you have taken in large quantities as mentioned. The fact that even after three weeks it has not altered your renal function or liver function itself is the proof that you need not worry about the toxic effect of the protein shake. Drink plenty of fluids and try to cut down on fried food and junk food, as your body mass index (BMI) is high. Just bring down your weight. It will ease your problem a lot.
Do not worry. You will be all right. I hope this helps.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks for all the information. I will definitely cut down on fried food as you mentioned and also will drink more water. Please tell me the way to get this pulsation stopped, as it is causing a lot of trouble for me. Please advise me on some medication to get that protein burnt.
I hope this helps.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The large amount of protein that you took does not stay in the system too long. It gets burnt in a day or two. Some part of it gets converted into other structural proteins and enzymes. Regarding the pulsation, it has nothing to do with the protein shake. What you can do is check your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, you will get pulsation. Is there any asymmetrical enlargement in your thigh or buttock muscles? If yes, then you should consult a surgeon for physical evaluation. As of now, no medicines are needed, and please be assured that everything is just fine with you.
I hope this helps.
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Medical Gastroenterology
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