The Truth About Diet Food

Think about it: everything that you eat is part of your diet by the mere definition of the word. But, in reality, when people are talking about diet food, they mean certain types of products that line the shelves of every grocery store in the country- usually with huge labels that proclaim them to be “fat-free” or “sugar-free” or any number of variations on those terms.

The problem with these foods is simple: the human brain recognizes the word ‘free’ as a very positive thing, a green light to eat these foods at will without worry of their health repercussions. After all, free is free, right? In most cases, that is patently false; fat-free, sugar-free, and the other terms do not mean calorie-free, but even when the food is calorie-free, there might still be problems with it and they all start with the way that the human body and the mind work.

An Example: Diet Sodas and How They May Cause Weight Gain

It was discovered that beverages contributed to weight gain and that many, many people drink more of their calories than they get from solid food. Huge beverages, especially sugar-laden soft drinks are largely to blame for the increasing number of people who are overweight. Sodas are filled not only with sugar but caffeine and some also contain phosphates, which can contribute to the development of osteoporosis over time. Instead of suggesting that people limit the amount of sodas that they consume or making healthier beverage choices, diet sodas were created- but they did not solve the problem at all.

Think of it this way: Dave, feeling a little sluggish at his desk starts craving a little jolt of energy and a little sugar to get him going. He goes to the vending machine and gets a cola drink and goes back to work. He does this four or five times a day and pretty soon, Dave has gained quite a bit of weight. The average can of cola has more than a single serving in it, with the calorie count listed as 160-180 per serving, not for the whole can. A serving is equal to eight ounces, so that additional four ounces is worth 80-90 more calories for each can. A 20 ounce bottle of soda will equal two and a half servings of cola and can be worth 250 calories (or more). Chug down three or four bottles of those a day and you are getting 1,000 calories from liquids alone. The average adult needs between 1400-2200 calories a day and does not live on soda alone, so the problem becomes very clear, very fast.

So, Dave, who has gained weight from his soda addiction, switches to diet soda. As one of the most popular and biggest selling diet foods, it has to work, right? Not exactly and the problem is not with the lack of calories but with the way that the body sees and processes it. Used to the sugary rush of the regular sodas, the body expects to find sugar in heavy doses after the diet drink is consumed. Instead, it is confused and starts craving the sugar that it was promised and did not get. Instead of helping to lose weight, the diet soda can instead be contributing to weight gain and it is the same with other types of diet foods as well. Low fat cookies still have calories and to make up for the lack of fat; they may have higher sugar content or harmful chemicals that can cause the body to stop processing foods correctly. The body needs fat, but it needs the healthy kind in the right amount. It is the same with carbohydrates and protein as well.

Diet Food Should Mean Healthy, Natural Foods as Much as Possible

Too many people rely on processed foods, even the ones that are labeled as diet foods, for their nutrition. The more processed a food is before you eat it, the less work your body will have to do to break it down and the more likely it will be stored by the body as fat. A glass of orange juice is nutritious in small amounts, but eating the orange gives you fiber, vitamins and fewer calories. You also have to work to get to that orange, peeling and segmenting it, chewing to break the fruit down before you actually swallow it. With the juice it is nothing more than open a container, pour, drink and done. The more work you have to do to break down foods, the better.

In a perfect world, everyone would eat the right foods for their body’s health and in the right amounts. They would cook these foods in their own kitchen using only healthy cooking methods such as baking, roasting, and broiling. They would steam vegetables and scrub and then eat whole fruits. There would be no need for diet food at all because all foods would be part of a healthy diet. However, that is not the case. There are far too many people who do not have the time to cook or to even eat a whole meal. While many of these people will simply grab a burger from a fast food place, others will look to another aspect of the diet food industry: the meal replacement and supplement products.

Choosing a Good Meal Replacement or Supplement Product

For a meal replacement product to be healthy, it has to have the right nutrients and provide enough calories for the average adult. There are meal replacements and supplements that are marketed specifically for children. There are a number of products on the market that qualify, however there are some that may have too much added sugar or fat to be beneficial for weight loss.

Fruitasia, a product from Protica, can be used as either a meal replacement or as a supplement and has a number of health benefits. First, it is 100% fruit and vegetable and provides three full servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit in each small serving. For less than three ounces, Fruitasia also provides 5 grams of dietary fiber, proven to aid in weight loss and to be beneficial to colon health. Fruitasia is cholesterol-free, preservative-free and 100% all natural. Unlike a number of other meal replacements, it is also lactose and egg free as well as yeast, wheat and gluten free. There are so many people who have not been able to choose a meal replacement because of food allergies or intolerances, so Fruitasia may be the answer they were looking for.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

The Relationship Between Nutrition and Cancer

The condition commonly known as cancer actually comprises over 200 different diseases, all with some traits in common. Cancer can affect virtually every part of the body, from the skin to the internal organs. The diseases known as cancer are characterized by abnormal cell division and their ability to invasively spread from one area to another. Cancer is generally named for whatever body part it originates in or the type of tissue it first infects. For instance:

- Adenocarcinomas are found in glandular tissue.

- Sarcomas are found in connective tissue.

- Adenosarcomas can be found in both gland tissues and connective tissues.

- Leukemias are cancers that affect blood cells.

- Lymphomas affect the lymph nodes.

- Around 85% of all cancers consist of solid tumors.

Reproductive cancers make up about 50% of all cases in women. These types include breast cancer or pelvic area cancers. The second most common cancer-related death for women is caused by lung cancer, but the primary cancer-related causes of death for women are breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. The key to overcoming them is to catch them early, so testing is important. There are also some diet choices that can reduce the risk of cancer. Even after cancer is diagnosed, diet can be helpful during treatment.

Some Common Symptoms of Cancer

These warning signs are not perfect indicators of cancer, but they are signs to watch for so you may be checked by a doctor just in case they occur:

- A notable change in bladder or bowel habits

- A sore that does not appear to be healing

- Any unusual bleeding or discharge

- A thickening or a lump anywhere on your body

- Chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

- Changes in a wart or mole

- A persistent cough or an unusually hoarse voice

None of these are a definite sign of cancer, and some cancers develop without any warning at all, existing for years or even decades before detection. It is important to be tested regularly for various cancers, even if the course after detection is merely to wait and see.

Cancer Screenings

Here are some tests the American Cancer Society recommends for those without other significant risk factors. Those with an increased risk, including a family history of certain cancers, should follow the advice of a doctor.

- Men and women should both begin flexible sigmoidoscopy at age fifty, with further checks every three to five years.

- Men and women should also start a fecal occult blood test (tests for bowel cancer) starting at age fifty and repeated yearly.

- Digital rectal exams should start at age forty for everyone and be performed yearly.

- Pap tests should be done by all women who are either sexually active or over the age of eighteen. This checks the cervical cells for cancer. The intervals for these tests should be determined by the woman’s doctor.

- Women eighteen to forty should have pelvic exams every one to three years, while women over forty should have one every year.

- After menopause, women should have endometrial tissue samples taken. The doctor will determine the frequency after the first time.

- Breast self-examinations should be performed once every month by women once they reach the age of eighteen. A doctor can show the correct way to perform one.

- Mammography should be performed beginning at age 50 and repeated every one or two years - more for a woman determined to be at high risk.

Food Choices That Help Prevent Cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends several foods to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

- Soy beans or dried beans contain plant estrogen, which helps prevent against some pelvic cancers and breast cancer.

- Tomatoes, carrots, and red peppers contain a healthy amount of vitamin C. They also contain carotenoids, which guard against prostate cancer.

- Greens and cruciferous vegetables are good at reducing the risk of some cancers more common in men, including esophageal, lung, rectal, stomach, and colon cancers. They may even reduce the risk of certain other cancers, such as breast, bladder, pancreas, and larynx cancers.

- Olive oil is known to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

- Milk and milk products reduce the risks of both breast and colon cancers.

- Salmon and other oily fish can help ward off cancer in general.

Other Food Combinations that Can Reduce Cancer Risk

- Ground flaxseed contains lignans, fiber, and plant-sourced omega-3s. Eat this with berries, cottage cheese, or soybeans to help ward against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Just mix a few berries and tablespoon of ground flaxseed into a serving of low-fat cottage cheese.

- Stir-fry some of your favorite vegetables in a little bit of quality olive oil to better absorb nutrients and protect yourself against certain types of cancers.

- Get a good tea that you enjoy, like white, green, black, red, or herbal and some silken tofu to make a delicious dessert. After brewing the tea, let it cool to room temperature. Blend soft tofu to an extra cream consistency, and then stir a half cup to a full cup of tea into it. You can add some berries for flavor or add some raw almonds. It can be served at room temperature or chilled if you prefer a firmer texture. This has elements that may stop cancer before it even appears.

- Regular low-fat dairy products and foods with vitamin D can lower the likelihood of the appearance of colorectal cancer.

The Importance of Protein

Protein is also very helpful in combating cancer, either in preventing it or helping with treatment. The antibodies in your immune system are composed of protein, so you’ll need it to keep your immune system strong. Protein also builds muscle and aids the body in renewing itself, so it will even contribute to your overall health. Profect, a liquid protein shot from Protica, is a source of protein that contains 25 grams of protein per serving. At less than three ounces per serving, you can take it wherever you need to go. Not only does it provide a shot of necessary protein, it contains all the vitamin C and 10% of the vitamins B you will need during your day.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Protein Energy Malnutrition: How Serious Can it Be?

Protein is a major component of every cell, organ, and function in the body. It is vitally important and is found in a number of sources in the typical diet- including in foods that are not so good for the human body, like processed or fast foods. Even though protein is found in so many different food sources there are still many people that do not get enough calories in their diet including protein.

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a potentially fatal body deprivation disorder that is the leading cause of death in developing countries. PEM happens when there are not enough calories or proteins to meet the body’s nutritional needs. However, it does not always happen simply in the absence of protein in the diet, it can also occur when the body is either unable to absorb the protein or is not able to convert it for its own use.

PEM is not a common problem in the United States; statistically however it does affect two different demographic groups: the elderly who are living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities and children from poor families. It occurs in one in every two surgical patients and strikes 48% of all other, admitted, hospital patients. (Source: FAQS.org)

There are two varieties of PEM, Primary and Secondary. Primary PEM occurs when there is a lack of overall protein sources in the diet and too few calories. Secondary PEM is more common in the United States and is typically a complication that has developed from another disease including: AIDS, cancer, chronic kidney failure, inflammation, and bowel disease. PEM can develop slowly during a chronic illness or when the body is in a state of semi-starvation, but may develop quickly if there is an acute illness.

Protein energy malnutrition occurs in both hospital patients and long term care facility residents for a number of reasons. Many of them cannot chew or swallow correctly, preventing them from getting enough food into their system. Others may have slowed or faulty digestive systems, keeping them from processing the foods that they are taking in and leaving them feeling uncomfortable and unwilling to eat the next meal. Many of them are also not active and may have slowed or completely absent metabolisms, preventing them from feeling hunger at all. The elderly also tend to have a reduced sense of appetite to begin with, even when healthy.

In addition to the inability to eat and get enough calories in the diet, these patients may have additional nutrition losses because of bleeding, diarrhea, high sugar levels, kidney disease, malabsorption disorders. There are also other conditions that greatly increase the nutritional needs in the body, especially the need for protein. These conditions include: fever, infection, surgery, trauma, tumors, burns, and the use of some medications.

Continued inability to get enough calories or enough protein in the diet can lead to severe problems and can alter the form or function of every organ in the body. How fast or severe the condition actually is will depend on prior nutritional and health status, the nature of the disorder, and the speed of its progression.

Protein energy malnutrition ranges from mild to severe; however there are no set criteria for setting the levels. Most doctors agree that a loss of ten to twenty percent of body weight constitutes moderate PEM. At this level, there is a weakened grip and the inability to perform high energy tasks.

Severe PEM involves a weight loss of more than twenty percent and is potentially fatal. At this stage of the condition, the patient will be unable to eat any normal sized meals even if they have an appetite, the heart rate will be abnormally slow and the blood pressure will be dangerously low. The body’s core temperature will also drop below normal. The skin will appear baggy and wrinkled and the hair will be dry, thin, and brittle. Constipation is very likely at this point as is lethargy. The patient will also be more prone to pressure ulcers (commonly referred to as bed sores) and other skin lesions as the body is unable to fight off damage to the skin’s surface or underlying infectious agents.

It is very important that those people who are most at risk for protein energy malnutrition (children, the sick and the elderly) be given enough calories, including all three macronutrients to ensure their good health or to help them recover from illness or trauma. Using a protein supplement may be beneficial because is it more easily assimilated into the body. Once the condition has reached the moderate to severe stage, the likelihood of fatality becomes even more eminent without medical and nutritional intervention.

There are several different types of protein supplements that can be considered at this point, however they must meet the same criteria to be useful:

- They must contain high quality protein that can be assimilated by the body without extra effort. (Protein requires the most energy by the body to digest)

- They must not contain additional ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or be hard to digest or finally, could displace the protein.

- They must be palatable. A protein supplement that is very high in amino acids is typically very bitter and will not be easily eaten by the average person. The protein in the supplement should be broken down into smaller peptides so that it is easier to use and does not have the bitter taste.

- They should be adaptable meaning that the patient should be able to transition with the same protein supplement from feeding tube to consumption without the need to introduce a new supplement source to the system which could increase the risk of allergic reaction in some people.

- They should not cause a rise in blood sugar which can happen in the presence of added sugars.

- They should address the actual problem of protein digestion or absorption if at all possible.

- Finally, the protein supplement should give as many additional benefits as possible without comprising current health status or impeding healing.

There are a number of protein supplement types including the protein powders that can be added to other feeding sources and protein supplement shots. Protein powders have a number of advantages and disadvantages for each of the four types.

Whey Protein Powder: Advantages

- Enhances the production of glutathione, an immunity booster

- Highest level of natural food sourced branch chain amino acids which can be metabolized straight to muscle tissue

- Excellent source of the amino acid leucine which is vital for muscle growth

- Helps with the optimal intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates and the micronutrients

- Helps preserve muscle tissue

- Maintains a healthy blood sugar level

- High calorie protein source

Whey Protein: Disadvantages

- Potential allergic reaction in those who are lactose intolerant

- Too much whey can damage the liver

Soy Protein: Advantages

- Highly digestible form of protein

- Improves the nutritional value of other foods

- May decrease cholesterol

- Is suitable for vegans

- Source of phytoestrogens which are beneficial in a number of conditions and diseases including osteoporosis and breast health

Soy Protein: Disadvantages

- Potential allergen

- May not be indicated in some forms of breast cancer

Rice Protein: Advantages

- Hypoallergenic

- Easy to digest

- Suitable for vegans

Rice Protein: Disadvantages

- May be difficult to find in some areas

- May be more expensive to buy

Egg protein Advantages

- Made from the white of the egg, considered to be the perfect protein source

- Fat free

- High quality protein

- Highest food source in the amino acids, alanine, argine, glycine and methione.

Egg protein disadvantages

- Allergen potential

- May react with some medications

In addition to these powdered protein sources, there is another to consider that meets all of the criteria: Profect from Protica. It is available in a number of strengths and flavors and can be used as is or can be mixed with fruit juice or water. It can also be used as a feeding source for those who are being fed by alternative means either as a temporary or permanent solution.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Health Issues Caused By Protein Deficiency

In this day and age, unless we are thinking about children living in third world countries, we tend to think of malnutrition and protein deficiency as being a thing of the past, like scurvy on the pirate ships of olden days. But, protein deficiencies are a lot more common than you think, even in developed countries.

When we don’t get enough protein in our diets, we are subjecting ourselves to countless health problems. Some of the health issues caused by protein deficiencies include breast and colon cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, edema, muscle weakness and deterioration, low blood pressure, low heart rate, and heart disease, just to name a few. Insufficient protein in our diets can even lead to complications during surgery, and longer healing times, because there is not enough protein in the body for tissue growth and recovery.

One of the most important things that have been discovered about protein deficiencies is that there is a decrease in serum proteins, especially within the albumin fraction. In a normal, healthy adult, total proteins in serum should be 6-8 grams per 100 ml of albumin. This number decreases when the body is not getting the right amount of proteins that it needs. This can be a very serious issue, because basically, for each gram of albumin that the body loses, approximately 30 grams of protein is lost. When it comes to testing for protein deficiencies, testing protein serum often produces better results than regular blood testing.

All About Protein

Protein is a macronutrient that the body depends on, in order to survive. Protein is comprised of chains of amino acids, and contains hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. It is not only essential for survival; it is also a dietary source of energy. Studies have shown that a number of serious health issues and diseases could be prevented by getting enough of the right proteins in our diets, and in addition, we would have added energy. There are two types of amino acids, essential and non-essential.

Essential Amino Acids - There are eight essential amino acids. These are amino acids that the body requires, but is unable to produce itself, so they must come from dietary sources and protein supplements. The eight essential amino acids are: leucine, methionine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, threonine, phenylanine, and tryptophan.

Non-Essential Amino Acids - These are amino acids that the body needs (they are just as important as the essential amino acids), and is able to manufacture itself. The 14 non-essential amino acids are: apartic acid, cystine, glutamine, alanine, asparagines, glycene, histidine, l-arginine, cysteine, taurine, serine, proline, threonine, and glutathione.

When it comes to proteins, there are two different types: complete proteins and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins are those that contain all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the amino acids, but you can still eat these foods to get all of the proteins you need if you eat them in combination.

Protein Supplements Can Help

If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, either because you have a tendency to skip meals (especially breakfast), or just do not eat right, there are steps you can take to make sure that you are still getting the protein you need. One of these steps is to include protein supplements in your diet.

Protein supplements have been used by bodybuilders and other athletes for a number of years, because they understand the need for protein, to build muscle, for muscle recovery after workouts, and for added energy. These days, it is not just athletes who are taking advantage of the benefits of protein supplements to get the nutrients they are missing from their diets. Many people use them, including dieters, people who are trying to gain weight, people who are recovering from surgery, and others who need additional protein in their daily diets.

There are a number of different types of protein supplements you can use to make sure that you are getting enough protein, and often, these supplements also contain many other vitamins and nutrients your body needs. In addition to protein capsules, which can be taken any time with your favorite liquid (water, milk, or juice is recommended). The most popular types of protein supplements are protein powders, liquid proteins, and protein shots.

Protein Powders: If you choose to use powdered protein supplements, you are choosing one of the most versatile forms of protein supplements on the market today. Unflavored protein powders can be added to just about any drink, and most of your favorite recipes for healthy, protein-packed meals and snacks. You can also get flavored protein powders that taste great when added to a number of drinks, including shakes, smoothies, and slushies. These protein supplements are available in such flavors as berry, fruit punch, pineapple, and mango. You can mix your protein drinks in take-along cups, and they become portable meal replacements you can have on the go.

Liquid Protein Supplements: If you are looking for a protein supplement that is ready for you to take along with you and drink anywhere, there are many delicious liquid protein supplements available at health, department, and grocery stores, as well as pharmacies, and even in some convenience stores. These supplements can also be added to your drinks, and there are unflavored liquid protein supplements that you can add to certain recipes. If you are allergic to milk and milk products, or are lactose intolerant, you need to read the ingredients carefully, because many liquid protein supplements are milk-based.

Protein Shots: These are another portable form of liquid protein supplement. These small and delicious shots of liquid protein have 25 to 30 grams of protein per serving, so even drinking one in a day will provide half of the recommended daily intake. Protein shots are available in such flavors as sour apple, lime, cherry, raspberry and grape. Protein shots are becoming increasingly popular with people who are constantly on the go, and need an extra shot of protein during the day.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for immunodeficiency patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Good Nutrition for Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s is a word that no one wants to hear in a diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition that is progressive, causing the loss of many functions in elderly people, including memory. Often, it is the short-term memory that is affected, and often, patients will relive memories of their distant pasts.

Millions of Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s, and in addition to affecting the memory, this devastating condition also affects the physical and emotional functions as well. Many Alzheimer’s patients inherited their condition through a faulty gene, but there are a number of theories as to how and why Alzheimer’s starts in many patients.

Progressively, Alzheimer’s patients will experience memory loss, the inability to communicate and even the inability to perform simple daily tasks that were once commonplace for the patient. In most cases, patients with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65, but there have been a number of reported cases of patients being much younger. Unfortunately, there is no test for Alzheimer’s disease, but a CAT scan or MRI can diagnose Alzheimer’s, or at least rule out other causes of dementia. Following stroke, heart disease, and cancer, Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in the elderly.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

There are many theories about the Alzheimer’s disease, one being that it is caused by a faulty enzyme related to neuron activity in the brain. The pattern of decline is the same in all Alzheimer’s patients, but the rate and level of impairment varies from patient to patient.

Noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include an abnormal loss of memory as well as confusion. Many patients will begin to forget things, such as the names of loved ones, dates, places, etc. They may begin to forget simple things, like the names of many items that they use every day. Often, Alzheimer’s patients become nasty when they were once loving and kind and have been known to become violent as well.

Many Alzheimer’s patients, when they become confused, look for a means to escape their confusion. Therefore, these patients must be watched at all times. All too often, Alzheimer’s patients have been picked up by police officers as they are wandering around the streets, confused and scared. In time, it will be necessary for most Alzheimer’s patients to move to a facility where they can receive around-the-clock care and attention.

Life Expectancy of Alzheimer’s Patients

Unfortunately, physicians are unable to correctly predict the life expectancy of Alzheimer’s patients because the disease, as mentioned above, has the same level of decline but every patient has different symptoms and their conditions degenerate at different rates. Early on in the disease, patients will start experiencing confusion and memory loss, which will increase over time.

The second stage of Alzheimer’s may not be reached by the patient for a number of years, and once the disease is into the third stage, decline is rapid. This is when the patient is no longer able to care for themselves, including eating and even getting dressed. Other illnesses can develop at this time as well as an increased rate of bone breakage, particularly in the hips. At this stage of the disease, the patient is usually bed-ridden and may even need to be tube-fed.

The Free Radical Damage Theory

Some researchers theorize that Alzheimer’s may be the result of damage caused by free radicals concentrated in the brain. These are found naturally in our bodies, and can cause damage by stealing electrons from healthy cells to use themselves. Free radicals can be found throughout the body, and there are a number of environmental factors that are known to increase the presence of free radicals in the body, including pollution, alcohol, smoking, and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Nutrition’s Role in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Factors that contribute to free radical damage include too much sun exposure and having a poor diet. In order to prevent, or treat, Alzheimer’s disease, everyone needs to follow a healthy diet plan that is rich in the proper vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Vitamin E is important, but because it can be dangerous when taken in high doses, it should only be taken on the advice of a physician. Vitamin E can also have adverse effects on other medications. Thiamin is also beneficial and may help in memory improvement. Again, this should only be used under a physician’s care, because large doses can cause cases of mild nausea. Another important nutrient that is necessary for all diets, especially for Alzheimer’s patients, is protein.

Protein for Alzheimer’s Patients

Protein is a macronutrient that is necessary in order for survival. Of course, one of the problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease is a loss of appetite and difficulty eating, and this can cause patients to not get the nutrients they so desperately need, including protein. But they need to digest the right proteins. There is a blood protein, ApoE, which transports cholesterol throughout the bloodstream, which, in Alzheimer’s patients, deposits extra amyloid plaque compounds in the brain. It may also cause these compounds to harden as well. People who test positive for the ApoE-4 gene are eight times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than people with the ApoE-2 or ApoE-3 genes.

Using Protein Supplements in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Patients

Because appetite and the ability to eat are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, many people need to find other ways to get the nutrients that they need without resorting to being tube-fed. As we get older, we need more and more protein in our systems in order for our bodies to function properly, and if Alzheimer’s patients are not getting the protein that they need from dietary sources, they may need to add protein supplements to their diets.

In addition to the many powdered and liquid protein supplements available on the market today, there is a terrific product from Protica called Profect. This protein supplement is great for Alzheimer’s patients because it is small (only 2.9 fluid ounces per serving), so there is not a lot for them to have to drink and digest. Also, Profect provides 25 grams of protein and only has 100 calories per serving. Profect contains 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, 10% of B vitamins and has no fat or carbohydrates. Liquid supplements such as Profect are ideal for Alzheimer’s patients who are having difficulty swallowing solid foods.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Cardiovascular Health and Good Nutrition Needs

The years between 2000 and 2010 cardiovascular related deaths have dropped 40% and stroke related deaths have dropped 35%. The number of people who smoke has only dropped 16% and those who are obese have declined by less than three percent. (Source Macready 2010) Good cardiovascular health relies on two different concepts - behaviors and factors. Finding the ideal of these two concepts is the most important way to get to good cardiovascular health.

Ideal Behaviors for Cardiovascular Health

The behaviors that are defined as optimal for good overall and cardiovascular health include: not smoking, obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight, and getting the right amount of exercise as defined by the American Heart Association.

Ideal Factors for Cardiovascular Health

These include an optimal blood pressure, fasting blood glucose level and total cholesterol levels. All three numbers should be within the range set by the AHA and are best when they are maintained without medication at all.

In the past, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetic Association, and the American Cancer Association have all focused on individual diseases, however the thinking has changed in the recent years. Instead of worrying about one disease, the recommendations are now to work toward an overall healthy lifestyle. The healthy behaviors that are recommended for good cardiovascular health are separated into tip for children and adults and include:

Smoking

- Adults: The sooner that you quit smoking the more health benefits that you will get. Lung function can be restored quickly, reducing the chance of developing heart disease as well as lung disease.

- Children: It is easier to never stop smoking in the first place than it is to quit once you have developed a habit.

BMI

- Adults: A healthy weight that is established by the AHA is the goal. However it should only be accomplished by using a healthy and well balanced diet, not a fad. Fad diets, especially those that ignore an entire food group or that sound outlandish can be dangerous because they tend to set up unrealistic expectations. The weight lost on a fad diet is typically water weight with weight gained back quickly. It is better to use a sensible diet that allows for slow, steady, and maintainable weight loss. For those who are having great difficulty losing weight, the goal should be to keep the weight from climbing any further.

- Children: should be encouraged to be more active, they should get at least an hour of physical activity every day and should be eating more healthfully too. In addition to the hour of active time, there should be a no-screen time period every day where there will no be television, computer, etc.

Healthy Diet

- Adults: Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, no fried foods, no added salt and healthy fats. Proteins should come from lean meats and plant sources including soy, the only complete plant protein.

- Children: No clean plate rule, small portions and healthy food choices should be the basis of the child’s diet.

The New Guidelines

The American Heart Association has set up a chart with three levels: poor, intermediate, and optimal health. The healthier your diet becomes and the healthier your other behaviors are, the higher your score will be (get your own heart score at www.heart.org/mylifecheck ).

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet includes all three of the macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Carbohydrates should be the healthy, complex variety and fats should only come from healthy sources. Proteins, which can come from both plants and animal sources, should also be lean. Protein supplements can also be included in the healthy diet and can be very beneficial to heart health. The American Heart Association suggests that the diet consist of a maximum of 35% protein calories with carbohydrates making up the bulk of the diet.

Animal Proteins

Animal proteins are complete because they supply all eight of the essential amino acids that the body cannot create for itself. The best of the animal proteins are lean meats like turkey and chicken as well as eggs and low fat dairy foods. Red meats should be avoided as much as possible.

Plant Proteins

With the exception of soy protein, plant proteins are incomplete because they lack one of the essential amino acids. A vegetarian or vegan can get adequate protein as long as they are getting a variety of different foods in this category.

Protein supplements

There are a number of different types of protein supplements including protein powders, bars, and liquid protein supplement shots. All protein supplements are made from either plant or animal based proteins and should be selected carefully, not only for the amount of protein that they contain but for the quality of ingredients. These supplements should not include extra sugars or fats.

Whey Protein and Heart Health

Whey protein is derived from milk as a byproduct of cheese. Of all of the protein powders, whey is the most common and comes in two forms: the concentrate which is the least expensive has 30-85% protein, while the isolate has 90% and is more expensive. The whey protein isolate has less lactose and may be tolerated by those who are sensitive to milk products.

Whey protein is an optimal source of amino acids, including branched chain amino acids which are unique in that they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue. They boost immunity, enhance muscle recovery after a workout and prevent muscle breakdown. It may also improve blood pressure and blood vessel function.

Whey protein, like most protein sources, helps to maintain a stable and even blood sugar level after a meal and may help with keeping hunger at bay.

Soy Protein

Two servings of any form of soy protein every day may lower blood cholesterol levels as much as nine points and may also lower the blood pressure. These two factors will together also lower the risk of a heart attack as well. (Source: Natural News) Like whey, soy is available in both a concentrate and isolate form and is a highly digestible form of protein. Soy protein is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Egg Protein

Egg protein is derived from the white of the egg which is deemed the most perfect protein, against which all others are graded. Egg protein powder is the highest source of the amino acids alanine, argine, glycine, and methione.

Rice Protein

Rice protein is derived from brown rice and contains all eight essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It is also hypoallergenic making it a good source of nutrition for those who have food sensitivities and allergies and is also good for vegans and vegetarians. (Source: Segounis)

Profect Supplement

Profect is a protein supplement shot that is small and portable as well as nutritious. It can be used before or between a meal to keep the blood sugar stable and help control the appetite. Profect is only 100 calories and is only 2.9 fluid ounces in size but has full 25 grams of protein.

Carbohydrates

Despite the bum rap they have been getting in recent years, carbs should make up the bulk of the healthy diet, at least, the complex carbs should. These include whole grain breads and pastas, vegetables and fruits and other foods. Simple carbs should be severely limited or avoided as much as possible.

Fats

Healthy fats play an important role in the heart healthy diet and should account for up to 20% of the daily calorie intake. Good fats include fatty fish, olive oil, and avocadoes.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Using Protein as a Source of Energy

Many people think that in order to get a quick boost of energy, they need to have a cup of coffee or something else that is high in caffeine. What a lot of people don’t know is that they can get a shot of energy which will continue working for them throughout the day. What is this miracle energy drug? It’s no drug - it is protein.

Protein is a macronutrient that we need in order to remain strong and healthy. It is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and maintenance. Our hair and nails are made from protein. In fact, if we do not get the amount of protein that we need in our diets, we actually risk developing a condition known as protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). When we hear about children dying of starvation in third world countries, this is usually the condition that they have died from.

It’s no secret that protein gives us energy, and there are many great food sources where you can find all of the protein that you need to get you through the day without needing a caffeine fix. If you are on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, but find that you don’t have enough energy, there are plenty of ways that you can rectify this just by making a few simple changes in your diet. Don’t worry; you will still get to eat plenty of delicious foods.

Dietary Proteins for Increased Energy

As previously mentioned, there are lots of tasty foods that are loaded with healthy proteins and are still diet friendly. So, you will be getting the protein that you need and still lose weight. One of the best ways to get enough protein is to drink milk and eat more dairy products. Yogurt is extremely high in protein (nearly 13 grams per serving), and so is a glass of milk (make sure it is skimmed so that you don’t get the extra fat). Cheddar and mozzarella cheese are also packed with protein and are recommended for many diet plans.

Here are some other protein-rich foods that will give you plenty of energy without a lot of calories:

Beans: Most types of beans, including string beans, are loaded with protein, and most are diet-friendly. Soy beans are extremely high in protein, and because soy contains all 22 essential and non-essential amino acids, it is considered to be a complete protein.

Nuts: Not just a delicious snack, nuts are protein-packed and loaded with other vitamins and nutrients as well. When it comes to eating nuts, you need to watch the fat and calorie content. For example, cashews, although high in protein, are also extremely high in calories. Try almonds instead, as they are also high in protein but not as fattening. When buying nuts of any kind, make sure that they are unsalted.

Peanut Butter: When talking about nuts and protein, we can’t leave out good old peanut butter. This is a favorite of many children and a terrific way to get them to eat healthy. Spread some peanut butter on one of the newer whole grain breads that looks and tastes like white bread, and your kids will never know that they are eating something healthy that will give them the energy to play.

Eggs: Here is a really versatile, high protein food. There are so many things that you can do with eggs, from using them as a stand-alone meal or snack to using them as ingredients in other recipes. For a delicious, protein-rich meal, scramble two egg whites with one egg yolk and a little bit of skimmed milk. When the eggs are cooked, spread on whole grain bread for a filling, scrambled egg sandwich.

Meat, Fish, and Poultry: These are all excellent dietary sources of protein. Red meat should be lean, and for the best diet results, keep your poultry intake to white meat. Fish is a great source of protein, and if you are in a hurry, here is a delicious protein-rich snack that will give you a boost of energy: spread some tuna on top of a whole grain cracker, add a slice of cheese and a few olive slices, and top with another cracker. Two or three of these is a filling, energy-boosting snack.

Get Energy With Protein Supplements

Sometimes you don’t have time to eat a full meal or you just aren’t hungry enough to eat everything that you need to make sure that you get all of the protein your body requires. When you aren’t able to eat a meal, you can still get your protein with protein supplements.

Protein supplements are a great way to get the protein that you need, and provide you with the energy that you need to get you through your busy day. You can incorporate them into a number of your favorite recipes, or if you aren’t looking for a meal, there are plenty of delicious protein-rich drinks that you can purchase or make at home yourself.

Profect by Protica is a good supplement: it has 100 calories, 25 grams of protein, zero fats, and zero carbs. In addition, Profect supplies 100% of the daily value of Vitamin C and 10% of the B complex vitamins.

Powdered Protein - This is an incredibly versatile form of protein supplement. Protein powders are available in a number of flavors from chocolate and vanilla to berry and fruit punch, and there are also unflavored protein powders which are great to add into recipes. With powdered proteins, you can make up delicious energy-boosting slushies, smoothies, and shakes that are packed with protein, portable, and not nearly as filling as a meal. These are ideal meal replacements for dieters and your kids will love them too. Here is a recipe for a sour slushie that you and your kids will want to make every day:

- 1 C Sugar-free lemonade

- 1 C Mixed frozen strawberries and raspberries

- 2 Scoops berry or fruit punch protein powder

- Ice

- Lemon juice

Mix the lemonade, berries, protein powder and ice in a blender. For a super-sour slushie the kids will love, add a couple of squirts of lemon juice.

Liquid Protein - These supplements can be used as meal replacements, either as a stand-alone drink or incorporated into other recipes. Many liquid supplements can also be used in shakes and smoothies, or you can buy pre-made protein shakes that you can take anywhere with you. If you are lactose intolerant, make sure that you read the ingredients before purchasing any liquid protein to make sure that it is not made from milk products.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein liquid for immunodeficiency patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Kidney Health Nutrition and Understanding Your Lab Values Through its Stages

After being diagnosed with kidney disease of any kind, many people will be faced with a lifetime of doctor visits, specialists, lab tests, dietary and fluid restrictions, and changes and the looming possibility of dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant if the disease continues to progress.

Medications and diet will be important to keep this from happening, which makes it even more important for the patient to pay careful attention to what is said by the nutritionist during each stage of kidney disease. While some will be lucky enough to slow or stop the progression of the various forms of kidney disease, it is very important to note that even if you do everything the way that you are supposed to, the disease may still move forward and become more serious.

One of the things that you will have to deal with is the constant need for many lab tests, which starts with a blood draw or a urine sample. In those who have serious kidney disease, a port may be placed so that the doctor can have constant access without having to puncture a vein each time. The port can also be used to give medications and can be more convenient, but can also be problematic because it needs specific care either by the patient, the patient’s family or, in some cases, a visiting nurse or care provider.

Some of the lab tests that you will need to have during treatment for kidney disease include:

Serum creatinine: muscle activity in the body creates creatinine, a waste product that is normally removed by the action of the kidneys. This tends to be one of the first waste products that start backing up in the blood vessels, which marks the start of kidney trouble.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): this rate determines how well the kidneys are functioning. A GFR that is below 30 indicates a problem and will warrant the need for a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). Any GFR below 15 indicates that the problem is serious and there will be the need for dialysis, and it may indicate the impending need for a kidney transplant.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): when the body breaks down proteins, not only from the foods that you eat but from normal metabolism as well, urea nitrogen is formed. This normal waste product is usually filtered from the blood by the kidneys and can rise if the kidneys are failing or if the patient is eating more protein than the body can effectively handle. The BUN can drop if the patient is eating too little protein as well.

Urine Protein: protein is a vital macronutrient, used by the body for a very wide range of systems and functions. Your body also creates some protein from other forms to be used for other reasons. The kidneys filter protein and protein byproducts from the bloodstream when they are working correctly; however, when they are not, protein will accumulate in the urine. Although there are other instances when protein can be detected in the urine, persistent, detectable protein levels in the urine is an early sign of impending kidney disease or damage.

Microalbuminuria: in those who are at higher risk for kidney disease, including those who have other conditions like high blood pressure or a very serious family history of kidney disease, this test will be used to detect even very small amounts of protein in the urine before the amount gets high enough to be detected by less sensitive tests.

Ratio of Protein to Creatinine: for some patients, the doctor will ask for a 24 hour sample of collected urine, which will show him how much protein is found in the urine each day. This test can be complicated because it relies on the patient collecting all urine for a full 24 hours, storing the container in their refrigerator and then bringing it to the lab the following day for testing. Instead, the doctor may choose to use the protein to creatinine ratio, which will estimate the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine instead.

Serum albumin: the body uses protein that it gets from food to create other types of protein, amino acids, hormones and enzymes. Albumin is one of these body proteins. Low levels of this in the blood can be caused by not receiving the adequate amount of protein in the diet or enough calories. It is also important to note that the body cannot store protein and needs new sources of it every day. Even a small amount of blood albumin can cause serious health problems, including the inability to fight off infections.

Normalized protein nitrogen appearance or nPna: this test is often used by the doctor to tell if you are eating enough protein or, in some cases, too much. The testing is done by collecting urine and blood samples, and you may be asked to keep a food diary as well.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): this testing may be asked for by the nutritionist rather than the kidney specialist and is used to check for symptoms of nutritional problems. The testing is done by asking questions about the daily diet, completing a weight check and a check of the fat and muscle amounts in the face, arms, hands, shoulders and legs.

Hemoglobin: the blood is made of several parts, including the hemoglobin, which is the part of the red blood cells that work to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A low level of hemoglobin indicates anemia. Treatment for anemia includes iron and a specific hormone.

Hematocrit: this is the measure of how many red blood cells your body is actually making. A low value for this test also indicates anemia.

TSAT and Serum Ferritin: these tests both measure iron in the body.

PTH or Parathyroid Hormone: an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous in the body can result in high levels of PTH and can cause bone disease.

Calcium: because calcium is vital to healthy bones and may be leached out during some forms of kidney disease, the level will be checked.

Phosphorous: a high level of this mineral can lead to weak bones. The doctor and nutritionist may put you on a phosphorous-restricting diet and may also give you a medication that will bind the remaining phosphorous in foods.

Potassium: this mineral is needed by the body so that the heart and other muscles work properly. The level of potassium has to be balanced or it will weaken muscles and can lead to heart irregularities.

(Source: National Kidney Foundation)

Blood and Urine Tests, Good Nutrition and Protein Supplements: A Case Study

Dave has kidney disease. At this point, he does not need to have dialysis; however, he does come to the lab very frequently to have blood work and to give a urine sample. He has had to do the 24 hour urine collection a time or two and is glad that the doctor has switched to using the protein to creatinine ratio instead. His overall diet was fairly healthy, but the nutritionist suggested that he change his fat intake to healthier Omega-3 fatty acids over the other, less healthy fats that he was eating and to increase the amount of protein and calcium in his diet. He will include a protein supplement because he’s had a lower appetite lately.

After trying protein shakes, Dave started using a new supplement, Profect, from Protica. Because it is so small, Profect can be consumed in a few seconds. While it only has 100 calories per serving, it gives Dave a high amount of digestible protein. He aims for two servings of Profect each day and then tries to increase his dietary protein from healthy plant sources for the rest of the day. On days when he simply cannot eat healthfully, he ups his intake of Profect to maintain his levels.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

- Gender and age

- Exercise and activity level

- General health status

Everyone knows that the amount that you weigh will change your overall nutritional needs. Obviously, a 250 pound man will need more food in general to maintain his current weight than a 150 pound man or a 150 pound woman, for that matter. To determine how many calories you actually need to consume to remain healthy, to maintain your current weight or to lose weight, you need to calculate your base metabolic rate (BMR) and your activity rate. The formulas for doing so are very general and can be off by several points, so if you can have these determined professionally, do so.

To get your estimated BMR:

- Multiply your desired weight in pounds by 8 and then add 200. For example, if a woman wanted to weight 140 pounds her formula would be 140 x 8=1120 +200= 1320.

To find out how many calories that you burn from typical, physical activity:

- Multiply the number of minutes spent walking by 4

- Multiply the number of cardiovascular and strength exercises by 8

Finally, to find out the amount of calories that you need to eat each day:

- Add the number that you got with the BMR formula to the number that you got from your activity level. To lose one pound of weight per week, a healthy and achievable rate, you decrease the total by 500. If that goal number is lower than 1000, however, consult a doctor for advice.

(Source for all formulas: You On a Diet, the Owner’s Guide for Waist Management. Roizen, M.D. and Oz, M.D.)

The average person typically needs around 30-35% of their daily calories to come from healthy protein sources, which again, will vary depending on how many calories you actually need. Healthy protein sources include low fat animal proteins, like chicken, turkey, some cuts of beef, low fat milk and cheeses. In addition, plant protein sources are usually healthier and lower in calories. Another option is including liquid protein supplements or other supplementary sources in your diet, so that you are getting the right amount of protein without adding unnecessary, additional calories each day.

Gender and Age for Protein Needs

Men tend to need more protein than women do, however, it may be related to the fact that they are bigger and tend to weigh more rather than a physiological need for more protein. Some protein needs might change with age however, especially when the metabolism changes and the body starts to slow down slightly. The type of protein that is needed by older adults might change as well, with many needing a source that is easier to digest and metabolize. If meat sources have become difficult to manage, then plant-based proteins might be a good replacement. In addition, the older adult is a perfect candidate for liquid protein shots such as Profect, which is made by Protica.

Profect is a single serving protein supplement that can provide the correct amount of protein in around 100 calories. It is less than three ounces and can be consumed in a few seconds and carried anywhere. It is perfect as part of the daily diet of the older, active adult.

Exercise and Activity Level

The actual amount of exercise that you get every day can greatly influence how much protein you really need. We have all seen the huge jars of whey protein powder in the health food stores and other areas. Some people may think that this is what is meant by protein, since they may not realize that there are many sources of protein, including vegetarian sources. Protein is used by the body a number of ways, including to build, repair and maintain lean muscle mass, however, not all protein that is consumed will become muscles.

The myth that the more protein that you eat, the more muscle mass you will create is a common one, but it is simply a fallacy. If you eat more of any type of nutrient, regardless of what it is, you will not build lean muscle mass, but instead you will gain weight. We increase the amount of food and nutrients that we need by burning what is consumed. We lose weight by burning more than what is taken in. We do this by increasing the amount that we move around. That is why it is so important to incorporate exercise into any weight loss plans or efforts.

A sedentary person will need a minimal amount of protein, perhaps as low as .4 grams per kilogram of body weight. Those who do light to moderate exercises might increase their need to .5-.8 grams per kg of body weight. Intense exercisers might need up to a full gram of protein per kg of body weight, with intense exercise defined as moderate to intense exertion for 30-60 minutes at least four days or more per week.

Body builders, especially those who have supercharged their body to nearly twice their normal size, need even more protein per kg of body weight, but do not need to go above 1.5 grams per kg. It should be restated that the body builders do not get huge because of excess protein. They do so because of their genetics and intense workout efforts, coupled with good, balanced nutrition.

General Health Status

For the normal healthy person, the amount of protein that they need will vary between .4 grams per kg of body weight and 1 gram. Once you have learned how much protein that you need per day, you can start working out the proper eating plan that gives you good nutrition and adequate, healthy protein for your body’s needs. However, there are some conditions that might require extra protein on a temporary basis. These conditions include:

- Sickness, especially with fever

- Trauma or accident

- Burns

- Those recovering from surgery of any kind

The Conclusion

Protein is a vital nutrient used for a variety of body functions. Not only does protein play a role in the building of lean muscle mass, it is vital for every cell in the body. Protein is transformed into enzymes which are then used to push biochemical reactions forward. These reactions are used to carry compounds across the membranes and through the blood in every part of the body.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

How Your Body Uses Protein

The body relies on three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fat, as well as many micronutrients. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, protein is not easily stored in the body, however, it will store protein just like the nutrients if there are too many calories consumed. Fat is the easiest to digest for the body. The body digests carbs based on what kind they are. Simple carbs are fast and easy to digest and lead to sugar spikes that can cause weight gain. Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer for the body to digest and do not contribute to the sugar spike, insulin surge cycle.

Proteins are the hardest for the body to digest and start burning energy from the moment that they enter the blood stream. Proteins, in addition to being slow to digest, are vital for every cell in the body and play a major role in a number of functions. Despite the importance of the nutrient, there is an upper limit to the amount of protein that is needed by the body. Ironically, the need for protein is never greater than in the first six months of human life, when pound for pound, the protein need is double what it will be for the rest of life, no matter what the circumstance or life stage.

Some of the Roles of Protein

The most obvious role of protein is in the creation and repair of muscles, but there are countless others. These include:

- Building of connective tissue

- Building cell membranes

- Contributing to the bone matrix

- Regulating the pH balance of the blood

- Forming hormones and enzymes, including those that play a role in the regulation of sleep, digestion and ovulation

- Boosting immune function (antibodies are proteins)

- Creating new blood cells

- Creating RNA and DNA

- Creating neurotransmitters

(Source: Nelson, 2009)

The Digestive Process of Protein

All proteins are made of a number of amino acids. While the human body can create many of these amino acids on its own, there are eight which are not made in the human body and must come from food sources every day. These are called the essential amino acids. A protein is either considered to be complete, meaning that it has all eight of the essential amino acids, or incomplete, meaning that it is lacking one or more of them. These eight amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. Animal proteins are complete, while most plant proteins are not.

These amino acids are technically simple compounds created from molecules of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen. Each of the amino acids will link together to form a chain, which are then referred to as a peptide. The average peptide will have over 500 amino acids in it.

Each protein is broken down into the simple amino acids during the digestive process. These in turn are absorbed and used by the body to make new amino acids, enzymes and hormones.

During digestion, the protein is first sent to the stomach, where hydrochloric acid in the stomach’s gastric acid breaks it down into its first components. The gastric enzyme pepsin, which is the only protease able to digest collagen, a protein in animal connective tissue, digests the amino acids. (Enzymes are classified as either proteinases or proteases.) The next step in the process takes place in the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine. Here, the pancreas will deliver its own protease enzymes, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Trypsin works to break down the protein into amino acids through a process called hydrolysis, where a water molecule is inserted between two amino acids to break their bond and separate them. At this point in the digestive process, the amino acids are small enough to pass through the intestinal lining and throughout the rest of the body.

During exercise, the production of the body’s proteins is decreased. The remaining protein is then converted to free amino acids and used for fuel for the working muscle groups. After the exercise is done, especially in the case of heavy resistance training, the rate of protein synthesis remains low while breakdown rates remains elevated for about twenty four hours. Without a new source of protein during this, the recovery period, the breakdown will likely exceed that of synthesis and the body will turn to its own muscles for fuel.

Evaluating Proteins

All proteins, especially those being used by elite, endurance and strength athletes, are evaluated on two scales. The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAA) judges the completeness of a protein. A complete protein, meaning one that has all eight essential amino acids, will earn a score of 1 on this scale. The second score is the biological value (BV) score, which will judge how much of a protein is actually retained by the body after it is broken down. All protein types are often judged against the egg on this scale because it scores 100, meaning that all of the protein that you get from eating an egg is retained by the body. Unless you are an elite athlete, it is not likely that you know or care about the PDCAA or BV score of your protein, and there are simpler ways to evaluate the foods and supplements that you consume.

Your proteins should be low fat, especially in saturated fat. They should be low in calories, or at least not extremely high in calories in relation to the portion size. Finally, they should taste good and have other nutritional benefits as well.

Protein supplements should be high in protein but low in calories and should not have added sugars or fats. Read all labels carefully, since some of the brands of protein bars are trying to pretend to be healthy when they bear little difference from the average candy bar.

Know Your Protein Need

From the infant in his cradle to the elite body builder to the old man who is playing shuffleboard, all humans need protein. Their actual need is as individual as they are, based on their age, their health, their weight and their activity level. Protein is important, but it can also be dangerous when consumed in extremely high amounts. The experts suggest that the upper limit is no more than 35% of the total daily calories, even for the elite athletes. As mentioned before, there is no greater need for protein than during the first six months of life, when the baby should be getting 2.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight. The elite body builder, on the other hand, should be getting around 1.6 grams per kg of body weight. (Source: US Guidelines on Protein and Nutrition) For the average sized man, that translates to roughly about 60 grams of protein per day, or about 8 ounces of meat. Women need less protein than men, unless they are pregnant, when the need increases dramatically. However, when a woman is not pregnant, excessive protein can lead to increased calcium loss through the urine, putting her at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis. (Source: Tsang, RD 2007)

For the average person, the protein need is between .5 and .8 grams per kg of body weight each day, more if you are very active and less if you sedentary. Timing is important as well, with athletes advised to eat a small protein meal or take their choice of protein supplement before they work out and immediately afterward so that the body does not resort to tearing down its own muscle mass in search of energy.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

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