Tag: Protein and water

When protein is metabolized, the process creates nitrogenous waste products that your kidneys must filter and excrete. For this reason, the question of whether you should drink a lot of water with protein becomes critical for ensuring proper kidney function and overall bodily efficiency.

According to nutritional studies, your body needs extra water to process the nitrogen byproducts from protein metabolism. This increased fluid need is often confused with protein acting as a diuretic, but the truth about whether protein flushes out water is more nuanced and depends heavily on your overall diet and hydration habits.

Research has shown that adding whey protein to a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution can lead to higher fluid retention compared to a carbohydrate solution alone. So, do protein shakes count as liquid for your daily hydration needs? The answer is nuanced, depending on your health goals and the type of liquid used.

Protein shakes are a popular way to supplement protein intake, and around one-third of American adults consume them. A primary choice for the liquid base is water, which creates a lower-calorie and faster-absorbing shake compared to alternatives like milk. Choosing to mix protein powder with water is a strategic decision that affects a shake's nutritional profile, digestion speed, and overall convenience.