Integritus Prime

Recently, in our series, Beyond Medicine: Lifestyle Angels, we spoke about the importance of proteins in our diets. Protein is a body building food made of amino acids, which are arranged in chains to help in building muscles, tendons organs, skin and many other substances in our body like hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters. There are 9 amino acids that the body needs from our diet (known as essential amino acids) and our body makes the others. The amino acids are put together in a certain sequence to perform various functions.

When we eat food, protein is broken down into smaller particles (amino acids) and absorbed into the blood stream from the stomach and gut. The blood then transports them to all the organs in the body for use. Proteins can also be converted into energy by our bodies when the need arises.

Protein is derived from animal and plant sources mainly. Generally, it is believed that if you take protein from animal sources such as meat, dairy, fish and eggs – all essential amino acids are easily obtained. However, accept for fish, most of the animal –based proteins come with saturated fats, cholesterol and little or no fiber, which has a negative effect on our bodies.

Plant sources of protein are from beans, lentils, grains, nuts, seeds and all green leafy vegetables. Most of the plant-based proteins come with sources of good fats (mono and poly un-saturated) and fiber that are healthy for the gut. So basically, this is what the comparison looks like:

Purine is a chemical compound found in a concentrated form in certain foods and drinks, such as organ meats, seafood and alcohol, especially beer. When purine is digested in our body, a by-product is produced called uric acid. When we take too much of the above-mentioned foods or drinks, our body produces a lot of uric acid. When uric acid is not cleared by the kidneys fast enough, it crystallizes and accumulates in the joints, causing painful conditions like gout and kidney stones. When we eat too many purine-rich products in our diet, we predispose ourselves to gout, kidney stones and other lifestyle diseases.

The amount of protein we need is different for each person. It depends on a how old we are; whether we are still growing (like children); how active we are; or are we well or sick. Small/growing children; people recovering from sickness; pregnant and lactating women and athletes who are lifting weights, need more protein. General recommendation for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight per day. You will need to check what foods you are taking and their protein content to see if you are having enough. Usually the total amount for the day is taken in three meals and in snacks too. Lack of protein and carbohydrates (protein-caloric deficiency) in children causes malnutrition known as marasmus.

To be healthy, eat a balanced meal of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Plant based sources of protein are healthier with good fats and lots of fiber. Animal sources will provide you with protein, but be mindful of the saturated (bad) fats and lack of fiber.  Taking protein from plant-based sources helps avoid lifestyle diseases to a large extent. Other healthy lifestyle choices such as being active, managing stress, sleeping well and being positive also contribute positively to wellness. If you have questions about protein contact me at Margaret@alchemusprime.com