However, one must remember that a trainer in the gym is not a nutritionist and is not medicinally qualified to prescribe one. Also, just because everyone is downing a protein shake doesn’t mean you have to as it is your body we are talking about and just as less proteins is not good, excess proteins is harmful too.

Fitness expert Namita Jain says, “A normal person requires 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilo of their body weight while an athlete or a body builder would require 1.5 to 1.6 grams. Hence, one must consult their nutritionist who is medically qualified, discuss their diet and objective of working out and then see if they need any extra proteins.”

However, she goes on to add, “If one is protein-deficit, they should opt for natural proteins like soya, egg white, chicken and fish. Also natural whey, which is the left over water when making curd or cottage cheese, is an excellent form of protein.”

In unison with her is nutritionist Dr Jagmeet Madan, “Too much elemental protein can harm the body. Natural proteins contain amino acids which is easily accepted by the body, on the other hand supplements and protein shakes don’t. Also natural proteins contain a whole lot of other nutritional qualities which are needed by the body.”

Consuming excess of proteins in the form of shakes and supplements will have a direct effect on your digestive system. In the long term it will soon result in kidney problems, osmotic diarrhoea, liver problems and unwanted weight gain.

So does that mean one shouldn’t touch artificial sources of protein at all? Well, not really. “Protein shakes are prescribed when someone is protein deficient or if one is into body building professionally” Dr Madan says. However, she further adds, “Besides the amount, the timing of the intake of these shakes are extremely important, hence, they should be had only after a work out and they should be mixed with natural proteins.”

Though for an average person who works out just to stay fit or to lose weight, protein supplements are not required, Jain says, “If your goal is a bodybuilder’s body then one needs that additional protein but on an expert's advice. This must be followed by a lot of water intake. One should not have these shakes, just because someone they know like a friend or a trainer takes them because everyone’s body reacts differently. What may suit one may not suit another.”

While protein supplements maybe a good source of protein, they shouldn't be your only source. You should get most of your protein from natural sources and use protein supplements only to top up your protein intake if need be and when prescribed by a nutritionist who is medically qualified. Finally as Dr Madan says, “Supplements should be used as supplements and they can never supplement natural food.”

So ditch those shakes and go natural and if need be consult your nutritionist and not your trainer.

Picture credit: Buzzle.com