My name is Lilith Maclin and if you suffer from a digestive disorder, you can find a wealth of information about this type of medical condition in my blog. Three years ago, my husband was having severe stomach cramps and his doctor told him that he had a digestive disorder called ulcerative colitis. After my husband was diagnosed, I did thorough research to learn how to control and manage this disorder. We kept track of everything that my husband ate and when a certain food caused a flare-up of his condition, he eliminated that food from his diet. By learning all we could about this digestive disorder, my husband has been able to live pain free. If you want more information about this disorder and how to manage it, you can find it here by reading my blog.
-
Are You a Candidate for Contact Lenses? 19 April 2024
-
A Comprehensive Guide to Physician Jobs 12 January 2024
-
Exploring the World of Senior Independent Housing 4 December 2023
-
Treatments and Solutions for Breast Cancer and How It Works 9 October 2023
Managing Digestive Disorders
The Power Of Protein: How It Does Your Body Good
Louella Davidson
The nutritional buzz within the walls of fitness centers and the media hype about high protein diets can have anyone pondering the benefits of protein and whether or not they are getting enough of it. Before you take a blind leap of faith onto the bandwagon and start chugging down protein shakes, understand how proteins work, which ones reap the most benefits, and whether or not a high protein diet is right for you.
Diverse Duties
Proteins are macronutrients that are responsible for various roles in your body's function and maintenance. These duties include the following:
- Proteins serve as building blocks for muscle, bone, cartilage and skin.
- Proteins are the main components of hair and nails.
- Proteins carry out immunity functions to help combat bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders in the body.
- Proteins play a role in repairing tissues as sustained injuries heal.
- Proteins aid in the production and regulation of enzymes and hormones to maintain optimal metabolic function.
These functions are carried out by amino acids, which are the molecules that make up protein. There are two groups of these amino acids. Ten of them belong to a group called nonessential amino acids, which are those that your body can produce. The second group includes an additional 10 called essential amino acids. Your body does not produce these crucial amino acids, so they must be obtained through dietary protein.
Choose Carefully
You body stores carbohydrates and fats, but it does not store protein. Since protein and the essential amino acids play critical roles in maintaining optimal health, it is imperative to consume protein every day. There are two types of protein food sources, which are classified as complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins are the foods that contain all 10 of the essential amino acids and include the following:
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Meat
- Fish
- Dairy products, such as cheese
- Most beans, including chickpeas and black beans
- Soy
Incomplete proteins are the foods that are deficient in one or more of the essential amino acids and include the following:
- Most nuts
- Most seeds
- Most vegetables
- Grains
Before you turn out a dozen fried eggs onto your daily breakfast plate and consume a bacon double cheeseburger sans bun with every lunch, it is imperative to remember that a nutritionally balanced diet consists of all major food groups. Proteins are vital, but you must also consume plenty of vegetables, some healthy, plant-based fats, fruits and complex, unprocessed carbohydrates daily to attain all of the nutrients that your body needs to function.
High Protein Diets for Weight Loss
High protein diets are popular among those attempting to achieve weight loss. Consuming a diet that is high in proteins and low in carbohydrates enables the dieter to feel satiated for longer periods, which in turn helps to curb cravings and overeating. However, when opting for proteins, be sure to consider the other components of the source. For example, bacon is high in unhealthy fat and sodium and should be used sparingly. Conversely, beans are high in fiber and salmon is high in healthy fats, and so these should not be restricted.
Weighing In On Protein Needs
The daily protein requirement varies from one person to another, based on such factors as an individual's gender, age, activity level, weight and overall state of health. In general, a healthy adult male should take in approximately 56 grams of protein daily, and healthy adult women who are not pregnant or nursing should take in roughly 46 grams. The daily caloric intake from proteins alone should range between 10 and 35 percent.
Individuals who benefit from a higher protein diet include the following:
- Athletes and bodybuilders
- Those who are overweight and trying to lose weight or regulate insulin
- Those who are healing from physical injuries, such as broken bones
- Those who have bacterial or viral infections
Some individuals should take in fewer grams of protein daily, including those with the following health conditions:
- Kidney problems
- Osteoporosis
- Liver problems
There are several variations on the high protein-low carbohydrate diet, some of which can be unhealthy for anyone in the long run. Those that shun all carbohydrates, for example, can result in a medical condition known as ketosis. Before initiating any new diet, be sure to consult with your physician to determine the safest and most beneficial amount of protein that you should include in your daily nutrition plan.
To consult with a physician, contact a doctor's office such as Valley Medical Care.
Share