What are the health effects of taking protein supplements?  Do they really help you gain size?
964184
Protein doesn't "do" anything.  It's building blocks for muscle IF you need muscle.\n\nIf you're working out with the same level of weights, then whatever muscle mass you have is what you're going to get.  Muscles build in response to stress.  If you don't stress the muscle, they don't "rip".  Ripped tissue is repaired and becomes bigger.\n\nFigure that you probably need about 70-90 gm of protein a day (roughly 2 chicken breasts).  You can eat protein supplements by the handful or glassful and it won't make a difference if you don't "need" the protein.  At that point it's just extra calories.\n\nYou're a little thin for 6'5" so maybe focus on adding carbs and additional snacks during the day.  Good food, not junk.  \n\nTo build muscle with weights you have to work the muscles to the point of fatigue -- where you cannot do another rep.  This is done best by lifting heavy weights, done very slowly, so you can only do 10-12 reps.  Wait 48 hours between workouts.  As the weight gets easier, keep adding to keep bulking.
511708
There are no magic supplements out there.  The ones promoted by the "bodybuilding" community are scams to sell money - all the top (and most amateur) pro bodybuilders are on some form of "steroid" cycle.  If you want to build bigger muscles you need to concentrate on basic lifting exercises such as squats, bench and overhead presses and take the money that you would have spent on supplements and buy good wholesome foods and make sure you eat 3-5 good meals a day.  A protein shake can help you get more calories also - as you are bulking up expect to put on alittle fat, 3 sessions a week of 20-30 minutes of cardio will keep it in check.  When you get to the weight you are happy with you can adjust your diet and exercise to "cut up".\n\nAs to the person who says I think I know everything - well I don't but I do have my bacheklor in nutrition and exercise physiol;ogy and have been in the field for over 20 years so I have seen the supplements that supposedly work come and go.
472464
If your going for size you will need the fats for energy. The general rule of thumb is you bulk up and then cut up. Be aware of eating a balanced healthy diet with slightly more protein, no need for mega amounts, it does very little if anything. Your body will only use what it needs and nothing more. It will go for food sourced nutrients over synthetic one's too so don't go too nuts on supplements, most are largely unproven and the amounts needed for results would be far and away above safe levels. DO NOT CONSIDER STEROIDS!.\nA good ratio to use is 1.3gm of protein per 1 kg of body weight. This means if you weigh 80 kilograms you will need 80-90 gms of protein per day not much more.\nThe real secret to gaining muscle weight is keeping healthy.\nMass building weights deplete the system very quickly and impair immune function. The body will not grow when it is unhealthy. Make sure you get plenty of rest, make sure your diet is balanced, make sure your getting all you need for a strong immune system ( Multi vitamin supplement, a good herbal immune stimulating tonic ) and you will grow.\nAny of this out of balance and you will impair growth and stress the system. Plenty of sick athletes and bodybuilders around. I see them in my clinic often!\n\nHope this helps and if you would like more help see this link http://www.jentleearthhealing.com/medherb.html and enter in your question and details and I will get you some more help.\n\nCraig - Naturopath.
485772
The "boyish figure" comes from increased testosterone which is a hormone.  Unless you are a serious body builder or a steroids user, I'd say the extra protein will do nothing but help you build muscle mass.
226616
It doesn't.  Eating protein foods increases protein.  Exercise uses this protein to build muscles.
172329
Number 1 is just a proper diet. If you are not eating right, you will see maximum gains. 90% of building muscle is your diet. Make sure you are eating properly.\n\nAfter that, whey protein is good supplement. I use it 3 to 4 times a day, and have very good results. I use when I first wake up in the morning, right before bedtime, and with any meal that is low in protein.\n\nThird is creatine. This stuff is awesome. It allows you to lift heavy weights for longer time, thus overloading the muscles more.\n\nThere are many more supplements out there. These are the top 3 that I use. Do some reseach on other stuff (like NO2, Glutamine, and others), and decide if you need it or not. It really is a personal choice.
348515
There's no single answer to this question, and your ideal protein intake will depend on your activity level and whether you are trying to gain or lose weight.  Some say that too much protein can contribute to joint pain, but it is generally accepted that active individuals looking to build muscle can safely consume 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight.  Despite the plethora of fad diets out there, the most proven technique for good health is eating a good balance of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats.  I'd recommend a total calorie intake to manage the weight you want, and try to aim for 40-50% of calories from protein, 20-30% from carbs and the remainder from healthy fats (try to avoid excessive amount of saturated fat).
750489
If your body does not build large amounts of mass, all the protein in the world won't help. I gain mass so easily I don't lift free weights. I stick to machines and don't count protein. Just work out and see how your body develops.
1184517
There is no proven studies with this regard.. it is harmful though if you drink them all the time (2-4 meals a day!) because it's your kidneys that do most of the filtering of the protein shake products. You are better off eating high protein food than getting shakes... but I do believe having one shake after your workout is beneficial.\nMike
849311
No. Whey protein is meant for those that are trying to bulk up, or add muscle mass to their frame. Generally, soy protein is taken by women just for good health and to ensure that they are taking the required amount of protein. I've placed a couple links for further information. Very reputable sources. Best of luck
255941
Protein.  Lots and lots of Protein. (Meats, peanuts, shakes, etc.)\nIt will allow your body to bulk up.  Use it carefully and continue to eat well balanced diet so that the body will have the other nutrients it will need to sustain your new larger you.
964475
No.  \n\nDrinking a reasonable amount of water to excess amounts of water will no impact on muscle growth.\n\nSevere dehydration is a different story...and could have a negative impact.\n\nBut to answer your question, NO...drinking water does not make your muscles bigger.
357889
Hey, if you need to put on some healthy weight, you should consider eating 5 times a day of foods that consist of high protein. 5 meals sounds like a lot but you can substitute 2 of them #2 & #4 with a protein shake. I would also go to the nearest nutri-shop and look into purchasing some weight builder shakes. Those combined with working out should make you gain mass and muscle.
727048
Yes, protein drinks are good to take. But you have to realise that they're basically just food. They aren't going to magically create muscles - that depends on what you do in the gym, not on what you drink before and after.\n\nHowever, during your workout, immediately after, and for a few hours after, your muscles are is a supercharged state, ready to rebuild the muscles you've damaged during the workout. That's a good thing - that's how muscles grow. So what they need more than anything are the building-blocks of muscles, protein, carbohydrates, and water. You need make sure they have those available to them, or a lot of your work will have been wasted. You could technically eat or drink anything with the required nutrients in them, but protein shakes are very good at getting the good stuff into your body quickly.\n\nYou can take them before and after your workout, or at other times to top up your daily protein or calorie requirements as necessary, but they shouldn't be used instead of food, because a) eating a balanced diet is always good, and b) real food works out cheaper in the long run.
193093
there are protein-type shakes you can buy. Examples of which are "Mammoth 2000" and "Weight Gainers plus". Ask at any health food store.\n\n   I found them VERY filling and good tasting, and very effective in gaining weight. At the time, I was body building, and my body sucked up all the extra calories.
1011840
No.  You get bigger by lifting weights, and increasing the weight as you become stronger.  A balanced diet is key.  Supplements make expensive urine and that is about it.  These supplements merely provide calories usually in the form of protein, that ultimately taxes your liver.\n\nYour body will naturally adapt to the challenge.  Mix up your weight program (the same routine will not challenge new muscle), do sprints, distance,  keep your body guessing and you will keep building muscle.\n\nNote:  Most women hate the 'body builder' look.  We prefer nicely muscled men, not bulky weird looking men.  We will take David Beckham over Hulk Hogan.
38446
The only thing that gets larger when you take those "natural enhancement supplements" is the bank account of the company selling them to you.\n\nThose companies prey upon a guy's common fear of inadequacy and promote it for their own benefit.