For all the Protein shakers out there!

In the past two months of running a clinic, I've already come across stubbornness in people regarding entrenched habits. Among them this one is dedicated to that protein shaker that's found it's way into your lives.

After 3*3 reps of every other Ab workout, sweating it out in an AC environment and guzzling down about a litre of water through the entire workout, the hand then goes in for that post workout shake. Similarly, before ever beginning this entire sordid episode, you've already consumed 500ml of the preworkout shake and only then hit the gym!

Our body is a machine with its own quirks and tweaks. Every time we go against the set balance, it puts in that extra effort and brings the line back to homeostasis. But imagine doing this for a few decades, then it stops being able to cope effectively enough ( Example pls click on text for link - Robot that can't help itself! Definitely watch).

We end up doing a similar thing as that robot, to our own body. There are biomechanics in play within the body and specific ways in which they work. All of this comes under one single elemental entity called vata. There's five subtypes with specific functions. Now these are dominant pathways of the body and if one among the five is actively working, the others are a little subdued. 

When we put solids/liquids into the system- we activate 1 of the 5 known as samana. This guy ensures splanchnic circulation ( blood supply to the digestive system) works well and you actually digest what's ingested. When you consume a doughnut, this vata is responsible for taking in the bite, moving it in the stomach, breaking it down and sending it to the next section of your digestive tract for further action.

When we exercise, walk, jog, run, sprint or anything where the circulation is needed in your heart and limbs you activate 2nd of the 5 vayus called vyana. Now this guy takes all of the circulation control to the periphery, the hands + legs- basically away from the trunk. 

Now imagine the chaos you induce by ingesting fluids like your beautiful protein shake, just before activating our vyana guy. Then he just starts to carry out his duty diligently. All of that matter moves out of the core, before its been prepared sufficiently for digestion. 

In the longest run, you keep repeating this process and cause a slow buildup of unprocessed matter in your major joints, knees, hips, low back, shoulders etc. The body is influenced by what you eat, for sure! But it's also HOW & WHEN you eat it. You may not face repercussions of your activity until it's too late to do anything else other than change out the part!

What shall we do then????

Starve?

Mildly said- yes. DO NOT HAVE YOUR SHAKES BEFORE THE WORKOUT! Do the entire thing on an empty stomach! Your protein deficit IS NOT GETTING REPLACED in that window where you lose them in that workout!

Have your protein along with that meal of yours. Either 3 hours prior to your workout time, or once you've finished , cleanup, have that bath, and then consume your preferred choice of protein!

I've seen enough cases in just a year, and from my personal practise to emphasise this as a warning and caution. All the 20-30 yr old's, kindly pay heed!

Happy workouts! Let's keep the movement on!