You may believe that the protein shake you’re drinking is a good option. Certain components in certain smoothies, however, may be harmful to your health. You may unknowingly be bringing inflammation into your body depending on the sort of proteins and additives utilised in these drinks. And, as you may be aware, inflammation in the body is harmful to your health.
Many individuals are unaware that protein shakes have been around for a long time. Bodybuilders in the 1950s chose to follow the diet of ancient Greek athletes and add protein to their meals. Based on very little study, Bill Hoffman invented Hi-Proteen, which utilised soy flour and an unadulterated quantity of sugar.
By the 1960s, protein and amino acid research had increased, and new products had been developed. Egg protein became a popular component, but it is now known to be an allergy that can lead to high cholesterol and digestive issues. Soy was also utilised on a daily basis, with new formulations being produced and additional study being conducted. While successful, there were still disadvantages.
Whey protein was developed in the 1980s and 1990s and quickly gained popularity due to its low cost and ease of digestion compared to egg protein. While whey protein has improved in terms of flavour, cost, and digestion, it still has its drawbacks, most notably as an allergy.
Understanding Your Body’s Inflammatory Response
When you eat a protein that your body is allergic to, immunoglobulin E antibodies are released. When this happens, antibodies signal your white blood cells to begin generating histamine in order to defend you from infection. However, too much histamine might cause your blood vessels to dilate and be discharged into your soft tissues. Increased blood flow, discomfort, and inflammation result when this happens.
Inflammation caused by whey protein can have a variety of effects on your body. The following are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of whey sensitivity:
- Redness, outbreaks, itching, and persistent eczema are all skin problems.
- Hives
- Bloating or fluid retention are two terms for the same thing.
- Gas or stomach cramps
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting are all symptoms of a stomach bug.
You might have the following in your respiratory system:
- A runny or stuffy nose, sinus headache, or face pressure or discomfort are all symptoms of sinus inflammation.
- Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort are all signs of asthma.
Most significantly, increasing inflammation in the body can lead to more serious issues such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Whey Protein Packs The Kind of Punch That Can Hurt
If you’ve ever had a dairy sensitivity or know someone who does, you’re undoubtedly well aware of how the body reacts to cow’s milk. When drinking milk or consuming goods containing milk, someone with this allergy may suffer difficulties breathing, hives, or stomach issues.
These symptoms are caused by an allergic response to the milk proteins whey and casein. The body reacts to these proteins by causing inflammation. The issue with whey protein in protein powders or shakes is that it is more concentrated than what would typically be found in milk.
Does Your Body See Whey as the Enemy?
Another problem with whey protein is that different kinds are utilised in protein supplements. Whey protein isolate, as the most processed form, causes irritation in the digestive tract. The majority of whey protein supplements on the market include this isolate and inflammatory components, including GMO maize, soybean oil, and artificial additives.
Even if you’ve never had a reaction to cow’s milk before, your whey protein powder or smoothie might cause inflammation. Of course, you may not recognise this at first until things begin to spiral out of control.
The Collagen Controversy
Some folks have resorted to protein powders that also include collagen to address the inflammatory issues that whey creates. But there’s a catch: there’s very little scientific evidence that collagen works as an anti-inflammatory. Of fact, the FDA has already approved bogus claims about its efficacy made by the cosmetics industry.
Plant Proteins for Lower Levels of Inflammation
Your body, like the water in a pool or a fish pond, has a pH level that must be maintained. For excellent health, a slightly alkaline pH range of 7.30 to 7.45 on the pH scale is ideal. Animal-based proteins, such as whey, are more acidic than plant-based proteins. When your body is excessively acidic, you’re more likely to have inflammation. The pH equilibrium of your body is thrown off by common diets that are heavy in acidic foods.
Your body has the ability to maintain a narrow pH range on its own. Our food choices may lead our bodies to work overtime to achieve that balance, which is a cause for concern. When your body’s pH becomes excessively acidic as a result of stress and a poor diet, you may have short-term symptoms like insomnia and headaches, as well as longer-term and recurring difficulties like many of the concerns listed above. Chronic weariness and weakness might be a clue that something is wrong with your body, since it could mean that your body is stealing vital nutrients like calcium from your bones and organs, causing your kidneys to work overtime.
Going a step further, if your body loses the struggle against inflammation, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
- Joint pain and weakness
- Skin that is parched
- Infections caused by yeast
- Immunity is weakened.
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Damage to arteries
Plant-based proteins from wholefood sources such as the yellow pea, algae, chickpea, and ancient grains have been found to help the body reduce inflammation. Because they are inherently alkaline, they assist in bringing your body’s pH levels into a more alkaline condition.
Benefits of Plant-Based Sourced Proteins
Consider these advantages of wholefood plant-based protein sources, as if reducing the body’s inflammatory response wasn’t enough:
- Peas are high in amino acids, which aid muscle repair. Pea protein, like dairy protein, helps you feel satisfied for extended periods of time.
- Protein, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in algae spirulina. It has six times the protein of tofu, 39 times the iron of spinach, and nearly triple the antioxidants of blueberries.
- Quinoa has been dubbed the “superfood of the future” due to its high nutritional density and full protein content. It has twice as much fibre as other grains and is naturally gluten-free.
- Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as protein. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart and can also help you lose weight.
Do What’s Best for Your Body!
If you had the time and energy to create your own diet, you’d definitely aim to replace inflammatory foods with nutrient-dense foods that encourage a healthier balance. Here are three easy things you can do right now for free to start feeling better!
Instead of whey, go for a plant-based complete protein. For a limited time, you may get a free sample of our Complete Protein. Instead of coffee, you should drink tea. If you’ve never tasted Matcha green tea, here’s a free organic sample to try.
At least one meal every week, choose plant-based meals over meat/dairy. PlantFusion’s Complete Meal is a delicious meal replacement that contains all of the essential nutrients.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, or the places where bones meet. Arthritis affects around one in every five people, although the reason might vary depending on genetics, age, gender, obesity, or trauma.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent arthritis forms. RA is an autoimmune condition that causes joint discomfort by the body attacking its own bone structure. Osteoarthritis is a condition that develops as the cartilage that protects your joints deteriorates over time.
The Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms range from moderate to severe, making it difficult to move around and do daily chores. Swollen, stiff, or warm to the touch joints are common symptoms.
Tenderness in various joints is also possible. Many people with arthritis take steps to control joint discomfort because the degree of their symptoms might vary from day to day. One area of investigation for arthritis treatment is dietary modifications, which include protein.
How Protein Might Impact Arthritis
Protein is a macronutrient that, like fat and carbs, is required in relatively significant amounts by the human body. Muscle, hair, nails, cartilage, skin, and blood are all examples of where it can be found. A protein-rich diet keeps you satisfied for longer, reducing snacking and overeating. Because the body can not retain huge amounts of easily available protein like it does fat and glucose, getting protein through food is essential.
Protein needs are 0.8 grammes per kilogramme of body weight for a healthy adult. A 150-pound person need 55 grammes of protein per day, according to this calculation. Individuals who are really unwell or who have just undergone surgery may require extra protein to maintain muscle mass, and should seek advice from a physician or nutritionist.
Most people do not need to supplement since Americans consume more protein than they require. Individuals should focus on the sort of protein they consume rather than striving to eat more of it. Epidemiologic studies show that eating leaner protein sources with less saturated fat than more commonly consumed protein-rich meals has health advantages. Beans, lentils, poultry without skin, and fish are all examples of low protein sources.
Protein’s role in inflammation and arthritis research is still in its infancy. Protein is likely to have a distinct influence on people with rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis since the mechanisms behind each form of arthritis differ. There’s some evidence that eating too much protein might cause inflammation, possibly because many high-protein diets are rich in fat. Another research in individuals with osteoarthritis found advantages from a whole-foods, plant-based diet on self-reported functional status assessments.
Reduced muscle mass is one possible issue for those with osteoarthritis, especially those who are older. Protein absorption and conversion into muscle fibres become less effective as the body matures. Illness and discomfort can also affect one’s appetite and desire to eat. As a result, it may be especially vital to ensure that these people obtain adequate protein from a variety of sources.
Conclusion
More research is needed to learn how protein affects joint health and whether supplementing with certain amino acids might help with arthritic symptoms. On the other hand, those with arthritis should make an effort to get enough protein from various sources.
Our focus at MEND is on nutritional supplements that support the body’s natural healing and recovery processes. It’s in our MEND products (Orthopedic and Regenerate) to provide a convenient protein supplement when your body needs it the most.