Shakeology Side Effects: The Risks Involved In Consuming It

Shakeology is a superfood shake by Team Beachbody, that helps people struggling with digestive issues, increased weight, and low energy. In short, they want to make you feel great about yourself. 

Beachbody sources its ingredients globally, making it harder to get certified as gluten-free, GMO-free, and organic. Thus the chances of Shakeology showing side effects or negatively impacting your body is slightly higher. 

The article digs into every negative side effect Shakeology may come with. It tells a few basic precautions you can follow to avoid these side effects. On the other hand, it also elaborates the ingredients used in Shakeology and some possible benefits to expect from the same.

Let’s dive in.

What is Shakeology?

Shakeology is a superfood shake that is a blend between protein and a meal replacement. The shake combines ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, prebiotics and probiotics, various enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. 

Many consumers take Shakeology as a meal replacement to reduce calories and lose weight. Though Shakeology says it doesn’t replace a meal, you can still have them in your breakfast with other healthy foods to make your day successful. 

How many flavors does Shakeology come in? Shakeology is well known for having a variety of flavors to choose from. The flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry green berry, and cafe latte. Among all the flavors cafe latte, tropical strawberry, and vanilla are the vegan ones. 

Shakeology Side Effects You May Face

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The presence of natural ingredients prevents Shakeology from carrying too many side effects. Still, Shakeology shake has not been evaluated for side effects or safety in any studies.

Whether it’s a meal replacement like Ka’chava or a superfood shake like Shakeology, there’s always a possibility of experiencing side effects. In both cases, it is mainly the use of ingredients that show adverse effects. 

Shakeology side effects are mostly related to the digestive system. It’s because your digestive system needs to become used to prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. The good thing is that these side effects are mild and fade within a few days in most typical cases.

• Bloating and gas.
• Headaches and itchiness.
• Dizziness Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation and back pain.
• Abnormal cramps.
• Diarrhea

However, If any of the above side effects you face or experience, simply stop having this meal replacement shake. And, in case you are still excited about it, don’t fail to consult your doctor before the same.

Besides these short-time side effects of Shakeology, there are some things you must consider. In 2013 when consumers lab-tested Shakelogy Greenberry flavor ingredients, they released a report declaring approximately 12.7 micrograms of lead in each serving of Shakeology. 

The article by Dr. Oz states that “Added herbs or whole foods” in protein products or shakes may be contained with lead and excessive vitamins and minerals may increase the risk of toxicity.

After the event was done by consumer labs, Shakeology refuted the claims and decided to redevelop and launch the product. After the product was relaunched with some changes there’s no lead found in Shakeology to date.

PRECAUTION: The best way to keep away from these side effects is to have half the amount of Shakeology shake than suggested. Once your body gets used to it, you can start with full-time serving

Few customers who consumed Shakeology meal replacement reported its side effects in Amazon’s review section. Here are some critical ones from them.

I tried this for the first time and a couple of hours later, I was puking my guts out and sitting on the toilet for hours. I thought I had the flu but I tried it again a couple of days later. Luckily, I only had 1/2 of a serving. I felt sick within a couple of hours and didn’t feel better for a couple of days. The coaches blame it on detoxing and giving it a chance for a week but there is no way that I’m drinking something that makes me violently ill. There are other great protein drinks out there that cost way less and taste better.- E.Morgan

This has made my stomach so swollen, hard, and bloated I look pregnant! I thought this would help me lose weight, I have actually gained weight on it. – Suzanne Zaccagnino

As Shakeology uses 50+ ingredients in its blend, the chances that your body might not tolerate all of them is very high. And, if you’re on medications always consult your doctor before taking the shakes about the possible interaction between them.

Also Read: Iaso Tea Side Effects: Does This Detox Tea Help You Cleanse?

Ingredients in Shakeology

Shakeology is packed with probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, fiber, adaptogen, vitamins, antioxidants, and several minerals. It has every nutrient you will ever crave and has the cookie taste you always wanted, Shakeology says. 

Among all other ingredients in Shakeology, there are:

1. Seeds Blend: Flax, Chia, and Quinoa:

The Shakeology meal replacement is full of healthy seeds like Flax, Chia, and Quinoa. These are particularly known for their antioxidant property and fiber content.

Flax seeds can help you with a healthy digestive system. Also, they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Additionally, the fiber content in flaxseed also helps it relieve constipation.

The presence of chia seeds can help Shakeology make you stay fuller for longer as they are a good source of insoluble fiber. Also, chia seeds are well known for their mineral content too. 

Overall, the presence of these seeds makes Shakeology a good source of fiber. And fibers really play a good role in keeping you full for longer and preventing constipation.

2. Adaptogen Blend of Maca and Ashwagandha:

Shakeology also uses an adaptogen blend in its formula. First of all, what are adaptogens? Adaptogens are herbs used to counteract the stress created by the use of supplements. Adaptogens also help relieve anxiety and mental stress.

Ashwagandha is one of the best-known adaptogens by far. Since it’s an adaptogen It helps you tolerate mental and physical stress created due to your day-to-day activities. It can also help improve your defense mechanism against disease.

Maca is also an adaptogenic plant that helps you adapt to the environment or condition, and tolerate stress. Thus, overall the adaptogenic blend of ashwagandha and maca helps your body resist any stress created during supplementations.

3. Superfoods Blend: Spinach, Chlorella, Moringa, Kale, and Spinach

Shakeology is a superfood-based shake. Now, what are superfoods? It’s just a marketing term assigned to certain specific plants which are believed to have high nutritional density. 

Shakeology uses spinach, chlorella, moringa, kale, and spinach as its superfood blend. Superfoods are good for many things like they are packed with antioxidants, can boost your immunity, boost up your energy and provide a good amount of nutrition.

4. Probiotics Blend:

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide several health benefits when consumed orally. These probiotics are the key components of many dietary supplements like Garden of Life, Provitalize, HUM Gut Instinct, and many others.

The probiotic’s presence enables Shakeology to support gut health. Since changes in gut microbes can affect other bacteria, thus it may eventually lead to side effects like gas, diarrhea, and bloating. But there’s nothing to panic about as these side effects are short-lived and get well within a few days. 

5. Digestive Enzymes:

Shakeology also uses few digestive enzymes in its meal replacement shake. The digestive enzyme helps promote the better digestion of food. Additionally, they help more nutrients from food to get absorbed by your body. So, even by eating less, you receive good nutrition from the food. 

Verdict on Ingredients: The ingredients profile of Shakeology was impressive and nothing seemed to be embarrassing except the fact that very few had clinical backings. The ingredients were rich in fiber content, which may help you eat less by making you fuller for a long time. While superfoods can provide good nutrition value to your body. 

Does Shakeology Shake Have Any Benefit?

Since Shakeology uses a blend of a variety of ingredients in its meal replacement, it’s obvious that you will expect some benefits from it. Let’s have a look at the benefits claimed by Beachbody for Shakeology. 

Shakeology Benefits:

• Healthy Energy Source: For an energetic living, you don’t need too much caffeine, but what you need is a diet full of nutrition. And superfoods’ presence in Shakeology does this job well. Thus Shakeology can be a good energy source and help you live more energetically.
• Helps Curb Appetite: The presence of seeds like chia, flax, and quinoa make Shakeology high in fibers. This in turn can help curb your appetite by keeping you full for a long. And you may end up eating less throughout the day.
• Supports Overall Health: To perform proper functioning of your body requires an ample amount of nutrition. The vitamins, phytonutrients, minerals, and superfoods support your overall health and also improve vitality.
• Healthy Digestion: The presence of prebiotics and probiotics along with vomiting, Digestive enzymes can help Shakeology improve your digestive health. Better digestion also has a direct relation with improved nutrition absorption by your body.

Takeaway: Shakeology can be a healthy energy source, may curb appetite, support healthy digestion, and support your overall health. 

Shakeology: Pros and Cons

A few pros and cons you receive using Shakeology are given below.

Pros 

1. Shakeology is untouched by artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners.
2. It comes with a 30 Days Money Back Guarantee, this could act as a protection to the amount you invested. 
3. According to the Beachbody website, Shakeology is the third-party testing on consumerlab.com. 
4. In case Shakeology works for you, it could enrich your body with adaptogen, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Cons

1. Though Shakeology tries its best not to use any gluten-containing ingredient, it is not certified gluten-free.
2. Shakeology sources its ingredients globally, so it doesn’t assure its shake is completely organic.
3. Special care is taken by Shakeology to avoid GMO-based ingredients but Shakeology is not GMO-free certified. 

Also Read: Fitteam Fit Review (2022): Does It Really Help You Lose Weight?

What Shakeology Users Have To Say?

Looking at popular online retail stores like Amazon and Walmart, we found that Shakeology was rated 3.2 out of 5 by 234 users on Amazon. While on Walmart, Shakeology was not rated since no one purchased it from there.

Reviews of Shakeology chocolate flavor products were mixed. While most of the reviewers praised this meal replacement, a fraction of reviewers also said it’s overpriced and tastes terrible. Wanna listen to what they say? 

Note: There is no reviews section of Shakeology on their official website. These reviews are picked from amazon where Shakeology chocolate flavor is available with some real legit reviews for the shake.

Here are some user reviews from good to critical: 

“I have been drinking Shakeology for over a year now. By far chocolate is my favorite flavor but I like vanilla and strawberry too. Not only has it given me such dense nutrition every single day, but my energy level is higher, I have fewer cravings and it even improves my overall mood. In addition, I went off cholesterol medication last January on my own to see if I could keep it down. I had blood work done in September and after almost 9 months without medication, I am my numbers are all still in the healthy range. High cholesterol runs in my family and I was thrilled to find out that I no longer needed medication. I know this is due to Shakeology. This is worth every penny!” – Laura J Franz.

“I love Shakeology, makes me feel great. It is an energy booster and I am not bloated like other protein or meal replacement drinks. However, I can’t afford it. It’s sad that truly I am paying someone else’s salary. It’s a rich man’s drink. Seriously $150 a month can get me so many healthy choices at the grocery store. Then I had this issue. If I go to the website Amazon sends me to, the tax is $8.00, if I go to a coach’s website the tax is $17.00. And the coach has no answer for me when I ask why. That was with 3 coaches! Beach body, be consumer-friendly!!” – Lilly.

“Honestly, This stuff tastes terrible!! I’ve tried it multiple ways and cannot stomach drinking the entire thing. Do your research… It’s not in the top 10”– Lexi. 

“This product is extremely overpriced. The commercials they attach to each workout video say it’s an $800 value of superfood nutrition. It’s more like not even half of the $120+ per 30 days of the shake. So you can go and get all the ingredients in the shake for way less than the price of this. You are paying someone’s salary. They are only catering to the wealthy people, not the majority of people with their price” – Lysandra.

Also Read: Menoslim Tea Side Effects: Is It Safe For Menopause Weight Loss?

Final Verdict on Shakeology Side Effects

For a healthy individual, Shakeology is safe to consume most of the time. But few people allergic to Shakeology may face side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and a few other abdominal issues. 

In most cases, these side effects go over time, but if it goes critical, stop taking the supplement and consult your dietitian. Also, if this is your first time with Shakeology, prefer to take half the recommended dose for the first few weeks.  Then once you get used to it, have it as recommended. 

That was all you need to know about the side effects of Shakeology. Now, we would love to get your thoughts on the same. Let us know in the comment section below.

FAQs On Shakeology Shake

There’s no evidence that says Shakeology is bad for you. Only in case you are allergic to any ingredient you may face some negative side effects.

For those who don’t find much time to finish their meals, Shakeology might be worth it for them. But normal people don’t need this for sure.

You may be able to lose weight by taking a Shakeology shake if you replace one meal each day with a Shakeology shake as each shake provides you 160 calories also as a reminder a meal replacement shake must contain less than 250 calories. 

Their official website offers two options of Shakeology shake Whey and Plant-based vegan. Whey options come in 4 flavors like chocolate, vanilla, cafe latte, and strawberry, and Plant-based vegan comes in 5 flavors cookies & creamy, tropical strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, and cafe latte. 

Shakeology formula is carefully made from organic cane sugar and plant-based ingredients like no calories stevia. So Shakeology contains stevia.