Promoted on TikTok and on social media, the polonized trend of "dry madness", related to the intake of protein supplements before training, is dangerous to he alth, researchers warn. "Dry madness" can even lead to a heart attack.
The challenge of swallowing protein supplements without mixing them with water or any other liquid has been loud for quite some time. The idea is to fill your mouth with dry powder and swallow it down with a small amount of any liquid.
According to its authors, this is supposed to result in better body efficiency and more energy. Experts, however, have a different opinion - they say thatconsuming this type of product without diluting them , and therefore contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations,may result in serious consequencesfor he alth .
In this way, you can overdose the ingredients contained in protein supplements. But not only.
According to Dr. Albert A. Rizzo, a key medical advisor to the American Lung Association, quoted by He althline, people trying to swallow a protein powder whileinhale microscopic particles of dry powder, which can lead to wheezing breathing, coughing, shortness of breath and even aspiration pneumonia . The expert emphasizes that it is especially dangerous for people who suffer from lung diseases - e.g. asthma - and do not know it, because the disease has not yet been diagnosed in them.
On the other hand, according to Dr. Haley Perlus, a personal trainer, the composition of these mixtures is also a problem - in many cases reserved, so it is not possible to know the exact content of the product. As the expert explains, a portion of such a mixture can containa lot of caffeine- even from 150 to 300 mg, which corresponds to three cups of coffee.
This amount of caffeine can adversely affect the heart, leading toincreased heart rate, leading to chest pain, dizziness, and breathing problems.In her opinion, most people do not needs such products - but it is worth using methods that will allow you to safely prepare for training.
The basis is a proper diet, rich in carbohydrates that add energy (e.g.bananas, peanut butter bread) and all the necessary nutrients. It is also worth drinking easily digestible cocktails. Half an hour before training, it is worth drinking a cup of coffee, which will provide an additional boost of energy, and just before it, perform a warm-up that will raise your heart rate and reduce the risk of injury.