Is there a such thing as too much protein? If you ask most people the answers would range from "I don't know" to "no". The reason for this is because of how protein is presented to us in our everyday lives. There are many products and diet trends that emphasis protein pushed through various mediums relentlessly. So, for the sake of clarity let's take a closer look at protein.
Increased Acidity
Protein is comprised of 25 amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. Protein also serves as an important transporter of materials and is used in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Protein, in other words, is very important to the body but over-consumption can have detrimental effects on the body. All protein metabolizing increases blood acidity. Increased blood acidity from protein is generally not a problem when it is consumed moderately. When consumed in excess the uric acid produced is high enough to lead to inflammation. If you are already predisposed to pain the increased acidity will only exacerbate it. In addition to increased inflammation and pain, higher blood acidity must be balanced by the body (since the body requires blood to be slightly alkaline for proper functioning). The two ways this is accomplished is through sodium and calcium. Once sodium stores are consumed the body removes calcium from the bones in order to bring blood pH to proper levels. Considering the average mineral and vitamin deficient diets of today the stores of sodium and calcium are depleted quickly. Overtime, bone calcium that has been depleted and not replaced leads to the condition of osteoporosis.
Digestion
Protein, especially animal protein, is notoriously difficult to digest. The primary cause of this difficulty is based on our nutrient deficient diets. Without the proper amount of B Vitamins and Zinc the body is heavily taxed to breakdown proteins its amino acid components and utilize them into efficiently.
Building Muscle
If you have been to a gym or health food store lately you undoubtedly saw many protein products most of which is aimed at people who want to build muscle. You know the ones in huge containers just waiting for pre and post workout consumption. Athletes and body builders have chased protein dreams of greatness mostly unaware of basic biological facts. Consider this point as illustrated in "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible": The body requires less than 2 lbs. of protein per year to gain 9 lbs. of muscle (muscle is approximately 22% protein). That averages to about 2.5 g of protein per day. You can get that much protein from just a few almonds. The inability to build muscle is seldom due to a lack of protein. Most often the lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as B3, B6 and Zinc are to blame.
How Much Protein
The recommended amount of protein consumption is approximately 15% of total calories consumed during the day. That's about 35 g for most people. Another point to consider is the quality of the protein. Quality proteins are more easily digested and assimilated into the body. Typically, protein of higher quality can be found in vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Animal products are not an ideal source of protein due to how taxing uptake can be as mentioned earlier.
Final Thought
The American (and Western) diet is heavily meat oriented. Very often most people exceed the recommended amount of protein on the daily basis. It's no wonder acidosis is becoming more prevalent with each passing day. Have you seen the commercials for a new drug called Uloric? Uloric is a drug a person can take to assist in ridding the body of uric acid which can often result in gout, a painful type of arthritis, and other conditions. It's just one more pill to correct what a well thought out meal plan could help avoid.
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