Whey Protein Isolate

[Ziltoid]

I started going to the gym and training "seriously" about a month ago, I'm mainly training the musculature. That being said I've read a lot about "body building" over the last weeks and I'm considering taking protein (whey).

I'm just having a few questions over here. I took a rendezvous with my med to make sure, but hellas there's a while on the waiting list.

My main question is about my kidneys, I had a kidney failure this summer due to a pretty wild medication mix (Acutane, dilaudil, and 2 different (anti-inflammatory, one being strong prescription stuff) and I'm asking myself if it would be dangerous for my kidneys (they're now fully healed basing myself on my creatinine levels),

I'm not talking about mad protein intake here, I scoop each morning, 2 scoop right after training. Also I mentioned reading a lot about body building, Being Mr Olympia is not my goal I want to be muscled/cut but not that "intense" if you allow me the therm.

So anybody has anything to add or knows enough about kidney stuff?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Your kidneys are fine unless you take stupid amounts of protein.

Just try upping your intake of chicken, red meat etc, would do much better than whey.

Whey does have it's uses, don't get me wrong. Particularly straight after working out.

Just out of interest, why do you think you need the additional intake? Taking too long to recover?

On another note, what is your workout routine like?

If you are just going in and doing "bodybuilding" type excersises, don't expect to get anywhere fast. Would be better off starting with a general routine (for instance the "Stronglifts 5x5").

The big lifts, deads & squats, will help build muscle like nothing else

[Ziltoid]

I'm considering taking protein because my food intake lacks of it, simply. There's no way I can solve that since I have to eat what's on the table. Also I cannot take a steak to the gym for the sub-20-30min after training period)

As for the routine Last month was all General, doing pretty much everything every time, But the recovery and the quality (lack of energy going trough it, not doing what I could of do because I exhausted myself etc) of the training is not as good as "days" that I started not long (few days) ago: One day I do Biceps/triceps, another the back, another the shoulders, pecs days, and leg days. I mix a routine of abs in that 3 times a week (not on the back day) and do 15-20min of cardio and the end of each day, sometimes (often) I plan onto skipping the legs day I'm "pretty strong" with them and have no desire to grow them bigger then they are.

As for the exercises I do each of these days, I did not re-invent the wheel and I'm too lazy to type them all ( they are all pretty much 3 sets-10reps each, if I'd want to go bodybuilder style I'd prolly do 6-8 reps but that's not my goal).

[iamlowsound]

You should add some for arm exercises into your bicep/tricep days, nothing goofier looking than a guy with big upper arms and sticks for forearms. I also wouldn't skip out on the legs, even if you aren't growing them bigger, you can still do shaping exercises on them.

lowsound

[Ziltoid]

I do some forearm exercises, forgot to mention them, yeah I could do shaping instead of growing on the leg days, sounds right.

My main concern is about my kidneys here tho, but yeah any training help/comment is nice

[sloasdaylight]

Whey Protien Isolate should be fine for you to take if you take 1-2 scoops after a routine mixed with some whole milk and maybe some creamy peanut butter if you like that. Talk to your doctor obviously, but I seriously doubt that unless you have some serious kidney issues, you should be fine.

[ekb16b]

When it comes to protein I prefer to spend the extra money for the better quality wpi with more amino acids, otherwise you're just putting some mass produced crap into your system. Also if i were you Id incorporate more natural protein, eggs chicken fish red meat.

[Ericman197]

Usually, the kind of kidney failure we're talking about here resolves itself after treatment. If your numbers are good, then that seems to be the case. So, unless you were told otherwise by your doctor, no dietary restrictions are needed. However, just remember that doctors cannot predict all of the things people do: they might say that your normal diet is ok, not knowing that you're going to down an entire whey protein jug. However, as long as you stay within reasonable limits, it should be ok. I guess that means a couple protein shakes a day, or something to that effect. I never liked the stuff myself, I prefer a good meaty salad after a workout.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

I'm considering taking protein because my food intake lacks of it, simply. There's no way I can solve that since I have to eat what's on the table. Also I cannot take a steak to the gym for the sub-20-30min after training period)

As for the routine Last month was all General, doing pretty much everything every time, But the recovery and the quality (lack of energy going trough it, not doing what I could of do because I exhausted myself etc) of the training is not as good as "days" that I started not long (few days) ago: One day I do Biceps/triceps, another the back, another the shoulders, pecs days, and leg days. I mix a routine of abs in that 3 times a week (not on the back day) and do 15-20min of cardio and the end of each day, sometimes (often) I plan onto skipping the legs day I'm "pretty strong" with them and have no desire to grow them bigger then they are.

As for the exercises I do each of these days, I did not re-invent the wheel and I'm too lazy to type them all ( they are all pretty much 3 sets-10reps each, if I'd want to go bodybuilder style I'd prolly do 6-8 reps but that's not my goal).

The higher rep range is a more bodybuilder prone thing. Also, having a day specifically for arms? Yeah, that's a bodybuilder style workout my friend. I'd certainly re-evaluate the routine you are doing. But I dare say, could always try it and see if it works.

Thinking of dropping the leg work outs? That would be a mistake IMO.

Re-food, I assumed you were older so thought that wouldn't be an issue. And re-taking a steak post workout comment, please remove whatever stick you've sat on because I did mention that whey was particularly useful post workout.

It does seem like you are trying to do too much. When starting off, simple really is the best way to go. I know lots of guys who do this all round body stuff (bodybuilding . . . ) without having a strong starting point. And most of them don't get too far.

Have a look around the net for the results people have had with the stronglifts 5x5 routine. It's really basic:

Workout A:

Squats 5x5
Bench Press 5x5
Inverted Rows 3xF (to fail)
Push-Ups 3xF
Reverse Crunch 3x12


Workout B:

Squats 5x5
Overhead Press 5x5
Deadlift 1x5
Pull-ups 5x5
Prone Bridge 3x30 sec

Alternate between workout A and B. Hitting the gym mon/wed/fri (or similar spacing wherever in the week).

I don't use that anymore, but I have adapted the set/rep ranges from it. I tend to alternate between a few weeks of strength training (back squat, front squat, deadlift, military press, all in the 5 rep range) and power training (snatch, power cleans, clean & jerks, all in the 3 rep range and usually some jumping squats aswell (higher rep tho)).

I'd also just stick to regular whey, at least right now. Whey Isolate is usually only worth the extra money if you are either at the top of your game and need the quicker absorption or are lactose intolerant.

[iamlowsound]

Whatever you do, don't buy the vanilla whey. That stuff is nasty.

lowsound

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Whatever you do, don't buy the vanilla whey. That stuff is nasty.

lowsound

Just stick with unflavoured stuff if possible.


(Says the guy who has some amazing "mint choc" flavoured whey in the cupboard atm )

[newbold]

I like vanilla.

Great in smoothies. Fruit can be your friend...

...Avocado and blackberries in your vanilla shake will bring you great stamina!

[Ziltoid]

I have an appointment with my med next Thursday, I asked a pharma and he said that stuff was hard on the kidneys, but he didn't seem to know , I bet he was playing the safe card.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

It is no harder than having some meat to digest. Alcohol, paracetamol and pretty much any medication is going to hit your kidneys harder than 50-100g of protein.

I'd agree that your pharmacist is probably just playing safe. Dare say, no harm in talking to your Dr., makes me wonder if he'll make the same call.

[Ziltoid]

Yeah I'm kinda scared of that, tomorrow I'll go see the kinesiology teacher at my uni. to get another opinion. Who knows...

And yeah I'm only 17, better sooner then later

[HEIST]

I love the vanilla ones. Mmmmm...