In a recent conversation regarding nutrition with a client, the topic of slightly increasing protein intake came up and was answered with an age old response that I feel has been well covered in the literature, however, because word (rumour) travels faster than a full study like this one , the debate continues with regards to the increased protein and renal (kidney) failure.
Basically, for those who do not want to click on the study and get all the details, people who already have pre-existing kidney disease should be smart about their protein intake, however, there have not been any well rounded long term studies to suggest that healthy people should decrease their protein intake.
Most people, because of the way we eat, don’t take in much protein at all as most of the North American Diet is based on processed carbohydrates with some protein and little fat. Many people are afraid of protein and fat because of what conventional wisdom continues to sell, which is unfortunate and is leading to a society of unhealthy people.
If we look at the research, we can find arguments for both sides of any topic, so then we get confused. The easiest way to solve the problem, at least for the individual is to look into their own life and to analyze their diet/lifestyle. First, ask your doctor to run a battery of tests to see where you are in terms of blood lipids, inflammation and adrenal fatigue, then you know if you are healthy at a cellular level. Next, take some time to contemplate your current body composition, sleep routine, energy levels and performance, and make any necessary adjustments if you are not happy with what you see. One way to make some adjustments is through understanding what and how much food you eat on a weekly basis.
Take a food journal as it is often a great tool for people to recognize what they are missing and what they are indulging in on a regular basis. Next, look into your activity. Are you generally active? Do you move often? Do you lift heavy objects a few times a week? Do you train with intensity or do you stay in your comfort zone?
In the end, if you are healthy at a cellular level, have a desired body composition, and have abundant energy, you are most likely eating what your body needs. If not, then you need to seriously look into your nutrition, exercise and sleep habits to make the necessary adjustments to get yourself on the road to success. It is as simple as that.
Until next time,
Karl
In a recent conversation regarding nutrition with a client, the topic of slightly increasing protein intake came up and was answered with an age old response that I feel has been well covered in the literature, however, because word (rumour) travels faster than a full study like this one , the debate continues with regards to the increased protein and renal (kidney) failure.
Basically, for those who do not want to click on the study and get all the details, people who already have pre-existing kidney disease should be smart about their protein intake, however, there have not been any well rounded long term studies to suggest that healthy people should decrease their protein intake.
Most people, because of the way we eat, don’t take in much protein at all as most of the North American Diet is based on processed carbohydrates with some protein and little fat. Many people are afraid of protein and fat because of what conventional wisdom continues to sell, which is unfortunate and is leading to a society of unhealthy people.
If we look at the research, we can find arguments for both sides of any topic, so then we get confused. The easiest way to solve the problem, at least for the individual is to look into their own life and to analyze their diet/lifestyle. First, ask your doctor to run a battery of tests to see where you are in terms of blood lipids, inflammation and adrenal fatigue, then you know if you are healthy at a cellular level. Next, take some time to contemplate your current body composition, sleep routine, energy levels and performance, and make any necessary adjustments if you are not happy with what you see. One way to make some adjustments is through understanding what and how much food you eat on a weekly basis.
Take a food journal as it is often a great tool for people to recognize what they are missing and what they are indulging in on a regular basis. Next, look into your activity. Are you generally active? Do you move often? Do you lift heavy objects a few times a week? Do you train with intensity or do you stay in your comfort zone?
In the end, if you are healthy at a cellular level, have a desired body composition, and have abundant energy, you are most likely eating what your body needs. If not, then you need to seriously look into your nutrition, exercise and sleep habits to make the necessary adjustments to get yourself on the road to success. It is as simple as that.
Until next time,
Karl