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It’s sometimes difficult to get all the necessary nutrients in a busy day. Protein supplements are for people who have trouble getting enough protein in their diets. People undergoing cancer treatments, treatment for diabetes, those trying to drop some pounds, and those recovering from surgery especially need a bit of added protein.

Amino acids are what make protein so important and are its main components. The supplements are often used to replace meals for dieters and by athletes and bodybuilders to speed muscle recovery and encourage muscle growth after a workout.

Your body needs protein to break down into amino acids, in order to keep your muscles healthy and strong. No amount of working out will build muscle if you are not getting enough protein to provide the basic building material. It’s best to have some before and after working out.

Protein supplements serve the purpose of giving your body the protein it needs when it is not getting enough through your daily diet.

What Protein Supplements Can Do For You

Liquid protein supplements have a certain advantage in that they are digested quickly and easily. They are perfect for vegetarians and anyone else who doesn’t eat a great deal of meat. Protein supplements are also great for anyone who works out on a regular basis, not just bodybuilders, since they help the muscles recover after exercise.

Many foods contain healthy proteins, but many more are not as good for people in general. Unfortunately, it is often hard to find time to eat a proper meal, let alone make sure the meal is properly nutritious. This is one of the situations protein supplements are made to address. Most protein supplements are quick to prepare and easy to ingest. You could probably make a protein smoothie in less time than it would take to prepare a cup of coffee – and it is likely better for you than coffee, anyway. A protein bar can be eaten as you run out the door or drive to work, or it could be a quick snack while you work. Liquid protein supplements can be mixed into a cup of juice while you’re on a coffee break. Nutritionally, this beats the usual donut and coffee hands down.

People Who Use Protein Supplements

Dieters use liquid protein supplements to replace meals, most commonly lunch and/or breakfast. People who just have no time to eat properly can use liquid protein supplements to be sure they are getting the right amount of nutrition. Athletes are big users of protein shots or other quick supplements, which both build new muscle and keep present muscle healthy. There are many medical patients who can use protein, especially after surgery for recovery. No specific reason is necessary for someone who just wants to be as healthy as possible. Just about anyone can benefit from taking a protein supplement, even if perfectly healthy and not prone to heavy workouts.

The Benefits of Whey Protein

Whey protein is a very popular type of protein supplement. It is derived from dairy products, but it doesn’t have the usual fat, lactose sugar, and calories one would get from simply drinking a glass of milk. Whey protein’s popularity comes in part from its ability to help the body produce the antioxidant glutathione.

Whey is made from milk protein and is produced as a natural by-product whenever cheese is made. When a curdling agent, rennet, is added to milk, cheese is made from the curds, and there is a liquid left behind, known as whey. It probably doesn’t sound terribly appealing right now, but science has provided a way to make it palatable. This whey is processed into a virtually tasteless powder which can then be added to food or drink.

Like most proteins, whey protein is great for muscles, for recovering from a workout, surgery, or injuries, and to give you energy during a workout. In general, it is a great way to help keep yourself healthy from day to day.

Whey protein is fairly easy to find when shopping for diet supplements. It can be found in protein bars, ready to eat. It can also come in powder form, which can be mixed with fruit juice or fruit and ice to make a smoothie that serves as a great tasting (and very nutritious) meal replacement. Some of these powders can even be sprinkled on or mixed into a meal seamlessly to give it an added nutritional boost.

Body builders, of course, need protein supplements. They, like everyone else, need to learn about supplement before taking them. While including them is undeniably a good thing, taking too much of it can be harmful, as with anything.

Should Fat and Calories Be a Concern?

There is a rumor floating around that protein supplements can cause weight gain. In a way, it’s true. But there is more than one kind of weight to gain. Muscle mass is heavier than fat and you will increase muscle mass with exercise and protein. This can be discouraging when you step on the scale and see your weight has increased. Rest assured, you are not getting fatter, just stronger.

Protein Shots

Anyone worried about the above title should know first and foremost that protein shots do not involve any needles whatsoever. They are small liquid protein supplements that fit into a purse or backpack. Profect from Protica features a number of flavors and a protein shot is an effective between-meal snack. Since they come ready to drink, there’s no mess that one gets from mixing powders or liquids. Athletes, medical patients, and people on diets who need extra protein can really benefit from the ease and nutrition of a protein shot.

Protein supplements are easily one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of protein. Athletes need not be the only ones to benefit. You can use powder, protein shots, or liquid supplements, but whatever the case, you will begin to see the results soon enough, as you look and feel more fit. You’ll also have more energy during the day. There’s no reason not to at least give them a try!

Our kidneys do a lot of work to help keep us healthy. They are responsible for filtering out waste from our blood. They release hormones that regulate blood pressure. Our kidneys process more than 18 gallons of blood each and every hour of the day, and filter more than half of the fluids we take in. Unfortunately, our kidneys are susceptible to a number of ailments, from simple kidney infections to kidney stones to chronic kidney disease, which can ultimately lead to renal failure.

There are many symptoms of renal failure. Many patients have vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Others find that their urine is foamy or bubbly and that they urinate often during the night. Other symptoms include blood in urine, difficulty urinating, weight loss, pale urine and increased urination. Some of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease include hypertension, gout, diabetes and family history, and there are some ethnic groups, such as African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander, who are more susceptible to chronic kidney disease.

Kidney failure can be caused by a number of things, and often, chronic kidney disease that leads to kidney failure is fatal. Some of the factors that can cause kidney failure include dehydration, the use of diuretics, an obstruction of renal veins or arteries, major infections, muscle breakdown (called rhabodmyolysis) and hopuvolemia, which is a low blood volume which can be caused by extreme blood loss.

More than 26 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease and millions more are at risk of developing it. The best way to keep this disease in check is to be diagnosed in the earliest stages when the disease is at its most treatable. Many patients with chronic kidney disease are also at risk of developing heart disease, which is a major cause of death for chronic kidney disease patients. When chronic kidney disease progresses to its final stages, it can lead to kidney failure.

Proper Nutrition is Necessary for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

It is essential that patients with chronic kidney disease follow a diet that has been planned specifically for their needs, one that has been created by a physician, dietitian or nutritionist. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, patients actually need less protein than the average, healthy person (normally, 35% of the daily caloric intake should come from protein). In the final stages, they need more because dialysis depletes the body of protein, which is needed to help rebuild tissues.

All About Protein

Protein is a macronutrient that everyone needs in their diets in order to survive. It is comprised of chains of amino acids and contains hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. Protein is a dietary source of energy and is necessary for the building, maintenance and repair of muscles and other tissues. Studies have shown that a number of serious health issues and diseases could be prevented by getting enough of the right proteins in our diets, and those who are in renal failure need different amounts of protein at different stages of their disease. There are two types of amino acids, essential and non-essential.

Essential Amino Acids – There are eight essential amino acids. They are called essential because they are amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce itself. Essential amino acids must come from dietary sources as well as protein supplements. The eight essential amino acids are: leucine, methionine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, threonine, phenylanine and tryptophan.

Non-Essential Amino Acids – These are amino acids that the body needs and can manufacture itself. The 14 non-essential amino acids are: l-arginine, glycene, apartic acid, glutamine, alanine, asparagines, histidine, cysteine, taurine, serine, cystine, proline, threonine and glutathione.

There are two different types or proteins: complete proteins and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins contain all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the amino acids, but when eaten in combination, can provide the nutrients needed.

Protein Supplements Can Help

Many patients in renal failure, especially those who are in the final stages, require much more protein than the average person. Because they also must maintain low-calorie, low-fat diets, many physicians and dietitians recommend that patients use protein supplements. Not only are they loaded with the protein that patients need for tissue recovery and energy, they also have plenty of other vitamins and nutrients.

There are a number of different types of protein supplements available, in addition to protein capsules (which can be taken any time with your favorite liquid, such as water, milk or juice.) The most popular types of protein supplements are protein powders, liquid proteins and protein shots.

Protein Powders: Protein powders are a popular choice for many people, probably because they are so versatile. There are many unflavored protein powders (many of these are made from rice or soy protein) that can be used in just about any recipe to add protein to every meal. There are also protein powders available in a number of delicious flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry, and fruit punch, which can be used to make great-tasting shakes, smoothies and slushies that can be used for meal replacements.

Liquid Protein Supplements: Liquid protein supplements can be purchased in a form that is used to mix with a number of drinks, such as juice or milk. There are also liquid protein supplements that are pre-mixed in ready-to-drink, pre-measured servings that are extremely handy because they can be taken anywhere. Some of these supplements are available in such flavors as chocolate and vanilla.

Protein Shots: These are another portable form of liquid protein supplement. These small and delicious shots of liquid protein have 25 to 30 grams of protein per serving, so even drinking one in a day will provide half of the recommended daily intake. One of the more popular protein shots available today is Profect, by Protica. This 2.9 fluid ounce drink provides 25 grams of protein and only 100 calories, as well as being low in fat and carbohydrates. Profect is available in many delicious flavors, such as Blue Raspberry and Grapefruit-Mango, and contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, as well as 10% of the daily recommended amount of the B complex vitamins.

Some people assume that the only cholesterol they ever get is through their diets. So, if you do not eat any food with cholesterol, you would have zero in your body, right? This is actually incorrect because the body makes its own cholesterol, an amount equivalent to ten eggs every day. Just as the body digests and breaks down amino acids to form hormones for a number of functions, cholesterol in the body is used to make hormones.

Your blood cholesterol levels should be tested every six months because high cholesterol is a very serious health risk and can be a risk factor for more serious conditions. Once you have tested positive for high blood cholesterol, your doctor might suggest even more frequent testing. If your score is 200 or higher, you will fall into the frequent testing category. For most cases, the treatment is multi-pronged and will include the use of medications, diet and exercise and nutritional supplements. For some people these changes and adjustments will be enough, while for others further testing will need to be done to find out exactly why the cholesterol is high and remaining that way. Other doctors might suggest an even more stringent testing routine and lower test results. Numbers for HDL (high-density lipoprotein) should be above 35 and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) below 160, according to Dr. William Castelli, M. D., who adds that 35% of all heart attacks occur in people who had total cholesterol numbers of less than 200. (Source: Feinstein, 1996)

There are a number of steps that you should take to change your diet including one of the simplest, which is adding soy and soy products to your diet, especially in place of animal products that may adversely affect your cholesterol levels. In addition to soy in all of its forms, there are a number of foods that may be good at reducing cholesterol levels.

Know Your Risks

Cholesterol is not the only risk factor for heart disease, but it is a major one. There are many other behaviors and factors that can contribute to your risk of developing heart disease. It is important to know these risks because of the prevalence of heart disease not only in the country, but over the entire world.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, kills over sixteen million people every year worldwide and is responsible for up to 30% of all deaths. In the United States, heart attack and stroke accounts for 40% of all adult deaths. (Source: Natural News) Treatment for the various heart diseases can include surgery, sometimes a closed procedure but often an open heart surgery that can be very painful and require a very lengthy recovery period. In 2006 there were 450,000 coronary bypass surgeries performed and the following year, more than two thousand heart transplants took place as well. (Source: The Texas Heart Information Center)

Medication is suggested at different levels of elevated LDL, and most people at moderate risk are medicated at 130 while the American Heart Association says that higher risk people should be medicated at 100. These people include:

- Those who have had a previous heart attack

- Diabetics

- Family history of heart attacks before the age of 55

- Chest pain

- Surgery for blocked arteries regardless of technique

Other Heart Disease Risk Factors

There are a number of other risk factors that you should be aware of that can make high cholesterol even more significant:

- Being overweight, even by 20 pounds.

- Smoking

- Hypertension

- Untreated anxiety or depression

The American Heart Association Diet Guidelines

Healthy adults should follow the safe and healthy diet plans suggested by the American Heart Association. Anyone who is under a doctor’s care for any condition should follow the suggestions that are given to them by their own care team. The diet guidelines are:

- Complex carbohydrates should be 50% of the daily calories

- Protein should be 25-30%

- Fats should be the remainder of the daily calories and should come from healthy sources that are monounsaturated and rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids.

- Sodium intake: less than three grams (3000 mg) per day.

The guidelines emphasize the need for a variety of foods and suggest limiting the alcohol consumption.

DASH Guidelines

Another food approach to combating high cholesterol and heart disease is the DASH diet. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and emphasizes plant based proteins over animal ones, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. Those who follow this diet are 24% less likely to have heart disease and 18% less likely to have a stroke. (Source: Heart Insight, 2008)

Food Combos That Are Worth a Try

No, it’s not the burger and fries combo. These foods work together to boost each other’s best feature so that it works even better. These heart healthy combinations include:

- Garlic and Onions: They provide organ sulfur compounds and together they create healthier blood vessels and a stronger heart.

- Citrus fruits and oats: Together they provide Vitamins C and E, flavones and phytochemicals. This combo gives lower LDL cholesterol, a healthier heart and blood vessels.

- Nuts: including almonds, cashews and walnuts and fish provide vitamin E, Vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids to lower cholesterol.

(Source: Magee, RD. 2008)

Soy and Whey Proteins and Their Benefits

Protein, an important part of a healthy diet, can come from the foods we eat or in supplement form. All proteins are either plant derived or animal derived and can be considered to be complete or incomplete by the number of essential amino acids that it provides. A complete protein provides all eight essential amino acids including: leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methione, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. In children, a ninth amino acid called histidine is also needed from food sources because they cannot make it for themselves.

Of all of the plant forms of protein, only soy is complete. Research has shown that soy protein is beneficial for a number of reasons, including the ability to lower blood cholesterol levels by 9 points and the possibility of lowered blood pressure as well. These two factors work to lower the risk of heart attack. (Source: Natural News 2006) Soy protein powder, one of the easiest ways to get more soy protein into the average diet, is highly digestible and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those who may be lactose intolerant. For those who would like to get real food sources of soy instead, there are a number of choices including tofu (firm to silken) miso, tempeh and soy milk.

Whey protein is derived from milk, a byproduct of the production of cheese. The most common form of whey protein is the whey protein concentrate which is 30-85% protein and is typically the least expensive. The whey protein isolate is 90% protein and is more suitable to those who are lactose intolerant. (Source: Segounis) Whey protein works toward better heart and cardiovascular health in a number of ways including as part of an ACE inhibiting activity. An ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor works by stopping one angiotension from being converted to a second.

In addition to helping the body use other macro and micro nutrients better, it also helps to maintain a normal blood pressure. The whey derived peptide called NOP-47 is also important in improving vascular function. (Source: Mercola 2009). In addition to both soy and whey protein supplements, there are others. Profect is a liquid protein supplement shot from a research motivated company called Protica. This shot is small (2.9 fluid ounces total) and can be easily taken anywhere you need to go. It is only 100 calories but provides a full 25 grams of protein per serving, and contains zero fat and zero carbs. It has a combination of protein sources and also has a full day’s worth of Vitamin C and 10% of the daily needs of the Vitamin Bs.

Cardiovascular disease kills over 16 million people worldwide every year and is the direct cause of over 30% of all deaths. In the United States, both heart disease and strokes account for over 40% of all adult deaths (Source: Natural News 2006). In 2006, there were over 450,000 coronary bypass surgeries performed in the United States and there were over two thousand heart transplant surgeries the following year. (Source: The Texas Heart Institute Heart Information Center). The risk for developing heart disease of any kind can depend on a number of factors, including:

- Family history

- Weight

- Diet and exercise habits

- Smoking

- Gender

- Other health risk factors

Having a family history of any type of heart disease may increase your risk of developing certain conditions and may also increase your risk for heart attack or stroke, even without other risk factors being present.

Weight is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, especially with diseases that are caused by clogged arteries and plaque buildup. Weight can be most dangerous when it includes having a BMI of 27 or more and a waist to hip ratio of .9 or more. A woman’s waist measurement should be 33 inches or less. A quick look at your shape is also very telling as well: if you resemble an apple, with most of your weight above the hipline, you are at greater risk of heart disease than those who are pear shaped, or carrying their weight below the hips.

Diet and exercise habits are also an important risk factor to consider. It is recommended that you should get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. (Source: Ammer, 2005). The choice that you make for exercise is entirely up to you, but your doctor may have some suggestions as well. Good choices for exercise include walking, yoga, swimming and other water sports. A healthy diet is also important, including all of the important nutrients. To find healthy diet suggestions, consult the American Heart Association’s website. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is also a good and heart healthy suggestion.

While smoking is known as a risk factor for a number of other diseases, its role in heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, is very important to keep in mind as well, especially for those who have the other risk factors. Smoking raises the risk of heart disease in women five times or more than nonsmoking women of the same age.

It was long thought that most types of heart disease struck men more often than women, however, the dangers of heart disease for women have become more thoroughly researched in the recent years. Women do tend to get heart disease later in life, however, and it tends to be more severe. It is now the leading cause of death in women who are over 66 years old and claims six times more than the number of breast cancer deaths (Source: Ammer, 2005).

Diabetes, a serious disease on its own, can also raise the risks of heart disease by damaging the arteries, raising the blood pressure and possibly worsening the cholesterol levels. Having a poor overall lipid profile is also a dangerous. Women who have reached the age of menopause who are not taking estrogen may face the same risk of heart disease as a man who is ten years younger.

Diet Suggestions for Heart Disease (Before Heart Disease Starts)

Research by the Nurses’ Health Study showed that women who started eating a diet plan similar to that of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) had lowered their risk of heart disease and stroke. DASH is based on healthy proteins (such as plant based rather than animal based protein choices), fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. The study stated that at the end of period, those eating from this plan were almost 25 percent less likely to have heart disease and almost 20 percent less likely to have a stroke. (Heart Insight 2008)

Protein should be included in any healthy diet and, in fact, is nearly impossible to omit even if it was tried. However, the right type and the right balance must be found. Protein should not make up more than 35% of the daily calories according to the American Heart Association. Two servings of soy protein each day can lower blood cholesterol by 9 points and may also lower the blood pressure as well as the chance of heart attack. (Source: Natural News, 2006)

Whey protein is also beneficial for heart disease. Not only may it improve blood vessel function, it may also help with blood flow by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to its vacoconstrictor form, angiotensin II. (Source: Mercola 2009) Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese and is a mix of lacto-globulin, alpha lactablumin and serum ablumin.

Protein is important in the diet and can be gained from food or supplement sources. No matter which type is picked, they are either animal based or plant based. Animal based proteins include turkey, chicken, fish, dairy products and eggs. Plant based proteins include beans and soy products as well as rice. Supplements of all kinds can be made from any of these and are often a blend of protein types. Vegans and vegetarians who are interested in adding protein supplements to their diet can do so by eating more rice or soy dishes or adding rice or soy protein powders.

Profect, from Protica, is also a good choice for those who are interested in adding protein supplements without adding a lot of calories or needless sugars and fats. Profect is only 100 calories and gives a full 25 grams of protein with zero carbs and zero fats. There are a number of flavors to choose from, it is less than three fluid ounces and can be taken anywhere that you need to go. Profect provides 10% of the daily vitamin B complex needs, as well as the entire amount of vitamin C needed for a day.

Shocking Food Pairs for Heart Health

Some foods and nutrients work better when they are put together. For an after-workout, pick-me-up drink, the blend of carbs and protein in chocolate milk is considered to be one of the best. Popcorn mixed with a little trail mix is a good snack choice, blending protein and a little fat. Garlic and onions blended together blend organosulfur compounds for healthier blood vessels and heart. Olive oil (phytochemicals) and vegetables combine together to give better anti-inflammatory protection, and citrus fruits (vitamins C and E, flavones) and oats (phytochemicals) work toward a healthier heart, lower cholesterol levels and improve the health of the blood vessels. Nuts, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts (vitamin E), and fish (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D) lower cholesterol. (Source Magee, 2008)

We need protein in our diets in order to survive. It’s as simple as that. But, protein is also necessary in the prevention and treatment of a wide array of serious health issues, including some cancers. Protein is what makes our muscles grow properly, and even our hair and fingernails are made from protein.

Eating a diet that is high in protein has a number of excellent long-term health effects, including lowering the risk of heart disease, especially in women. In some cases, high-protein diets can even help to reverse some of the effects of heart disease.

One of the ways to prevent and treat heart disease is with a low fat, low carbohydrate diet that is high in protein. There are many ways to accomplish this, with loads of delicious foods that are healthy for your diet, and absolutely loaded with protein. Some foods you may want to consider incorporating into your diet to help build your immune system and fight any number of health issues, including heart disease, include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, whole grains, beans and milk products.

Studies have proven that a diet high in protein foods can help treat existing heart conditions. A French study that was published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that survivors of heart attacks, after altering their diets to include such protein-rich foods as beans and whole grains were more than 50% likely to not have a repeat performance of their heart attacks.

Protein Facts

Not only is protein useful in helping prevent and treat a number of diseases, protein is necessary for survival. Protein is a macronutrient that is made up of chains of amino acids. Protein contains nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, and there are 22 amino acids that protein provides for our bodies, eight essential amino acids and 14 non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are named so because the body is unable to produce them, so we must get these proteins from dietary sources.

There are two types of protein: complete and incomplete. Complete proteins are proteins that contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids, but when eaten in combination, you can get the proteins you need to maintain a strong, disease-free body.

Protein Supplements When Your Diet Just Isn’t Enough

If you are not getting the protein you need from your diet, you may need to use protein supplements. You may think of bodybuilders and athletes when you think of protein supplements, but studies have shown time and time again that taking dietary supplements can benefit anyone. The average adult needs as much as 75 grams of protein daily (100 grams for pregnant or nursing women), and if you don’t have the best eating habits, and tend to eat unhealthy foods or skip meals, protein supplements are just the thing you need.

There are different types of protein supplements, and each one works just as well as the other. It’s really all just a matter of taste. Powdered supplements are extremely versatile, and can be used in many recipes, including shakes and smoothies. They are available unflavored, or in such delicious flavors as berry, fruit punch, chocolate, and vanilla.

Liquid protein supplements are another convenient option. Flavorless supplements can be added to your favorite dishes, and there are flavored liquid supplements that work great in shakes and smoothies. There are also liquid protein shots, which provide 25-30 grams of protein per serving, nearly half of the recommended daily intake. You can also get many ready-to-drink liquid protein supplements, which can be found in health food, department, and grocery stores, pharmacies, and even some local corner stores.

Types of Protein Found In Supplements

There are many food proteins found in protein supplements, and the one you choose depends on your tastes, lifestyle, and certain health factors, such as allergies and food intolerances. One of the most popular proteins found in supplements is whey protein. This is a derivative of milk, and a bi-product of the cheese-making process. Because whey contains all 22 of the essential and non-essential acids that make up protein, it is considered to be a complete protein. Those who are allergic to milk products, or are lactose intolerant, should opt for a different type of supplement, such as rice.

Some of the other popular protein supplements include:

Soy Protein – Soy is a vegetable-based protein, so it is the ideal protein supplement for vegetarians. It is also great for people with allergies to milk and milk products. Soy is another complete protein, and it is often used by dieters, because it has no cholesterol or saturated fats, and has a low glycemic index, so it will not cause spikes in blood glucose levels. Soy protein is also good to help reduce bad cholesterol.

Egg Protein – This is thought to be one of the greatest forms of natural protein. The yolks, which are the least healthy part anyway, are useless, because all of the protein in eggs comes from the whites. There are many protein supplements available on the market that contain egg protein. If you have allergies to eggs or poultry, this is a type of protein supplement that you should avoid.

Casein Protein – Casein is another milk derivative, and is what whey protein originates from. Although it is slower to digest than whey protein, which goes to work almost immediately, its effects last longer. Many people recommend that you use a combination of whey and casein proteins, so that you get the best benefits from both. This is another protein that is not good for people with allergies to milk and milk products.

Whey/Soy Isolate Protein – These proteins are pretty much the same as regular whey/soy proteins, except that they are much higher in the concentration of protein. Because of this, you are getting a much better protein than if you were just using the regular products, as much as 98% of the daily recommended intake. Whey/Soy Isolate protein supplements are more expensive than other supplements.

The concept of consuming a pill that consists of your meal for the day may seem futuristic and foreign to many people. It’s actually a typical practice to eat capsulized food. However, in modern-day reality, things are quite different. Capsulized foods are meant to positively impact the world and solve one of our largest problems.

To understand what capsulized foods are and how they’re positively changing the way in which the world eats, it’s helpful to see the problem that capsulized foods are designed to solve. In a word, the issue is that we lack.

Despite the growing awareness of eating healthy, most attempts to supply individuals with healthy measl and nutritional products suffer from some kind of ‘lack’.

Many foods lack convenience. Many foods are not conveniently packaged. These convenient foods are normally processed and have artificial ingredients. Preparing meals takes an enormous amount of time out of one’s day.

Portability also determines convenience. A full course meal often can’t fit into a lunch box. A meal with unsaturated fats, glycemic carbohydrates, and complete proteins on the dinner table is a rare sight indeed.

There is a lack of sources. Our world is abundant with natural and processed foods. We do not understand how to combine these foods in a healthy way. The array of selections adds to the confusion, and generally the food alternatives we would like are not available to us. Many different diets additionally require their set of needs which may make it even tougher to observe a healthier diet.

There is a lack of nutrient-density. This refers to the amount of nutrition within a given food. For instance, a soft pretzel weighing 60 grams has a low density of nutrition, whereas an egg also weighing 60 grams has a high density of nutrition. A soft pretzel weighs 60 grams yet it has an extremely low density of nutrition where as an egg weighing 60 grams is extremely nutritious. However, many processed foods have great merit since they do provide dense nutrition in a small quantity of food. You should now establish foods which are rich in nutrients and include them in your diet.

It is within this situation of that capsulized foods provide real eating solutions. Sometimes called “compact liquid foods,” capsulized foods are extremely portable, require no preparation time at all, and travel easily because of their small, sturdy, and light-weight containers. These liquefied capsulated foods are also easy. This is of primary importance to eaters who simply do not have time to prepare and then sit through a conventional meal. Capsulized foods are also rich in nutrients. They also help solve all the lackings that our current dieting system has in a cost-efficient way.

Capsulized foods additionally tackle the issue of flavor [i].

No one will continue to eat a nutritional supplement if they don’t like its taste. People only tolerate foul medicine because they normally do not have to take it on a daily basis. Eating is something we do at least three to five times a day. Capsulized food has suffered because of this fact. That is, until very recently. Producers today understand that in order to develop a capsulized food – a food that can become a staple in consumer diets — taste is paramount.

Capsulized foods often provide a complete macronutrient- and micronutrient-enriched meal in only a few liquid ounces. This allows consumers to go from hungry to satiated, and from undernourished to nourished in less than five seconds. They also usually contain around 100-200 calories and are great for those attempting to maintain their weight or who’re on a calorie-reduced diet.

The defining target market for nutritional supplements is no longer elite athletes, but the millions of everyday individuals who have been exposed, some since birth, to sugary cereals, fast foods, potato chips, candy bars, and caffeinated soft drinks [ii]. This broad group of consumers is interested in healthy selections, but has proven its absolute power in punishing products that fail to reach the lofty bar set by taste buds. They also demand convenience, and capsulized foods deliver.

Eaters can now, by way of capsulized foods, benefit from the convenience, portability, nutritional-density, and taste that they have demanded for decades. This is extraordinarily helpful to today’s and future generations to come.

REFERENCES

[i] Source: “Taste Matters”. AFIC. http://www.afic.org/Taste Matters.htm

[ii] Source: “Sports Drinks and Energy Bars: Fuelling the Couch Potato”. Kalorama Information. http://www.kaloramainformation.com/editor/viewcontent.asp?prid=373

Diabetes is a disorder caused by the pancreas’ inability to release enough insulin to handle the blood sugar in the body during digestion. There are three types of diabetes: Type I, or juvenile diabetes, Type II, also called adult onset diabetes and Gestational diabetes. Each type of diabetes has its own considerations and warnings for good health. Proper nutrition is important no matter what type of diabetes has been diagnosed.

Type I diabetes affects about 10% of all diabetics and is typically diagnosed at a fairly young age. Type II diabetes is typically discovered sometime after the age of 30, however, with so many children being obese, it is being found at younger and younger ages. The mechanisms for Type I and Type II diabetes are very different – juvenile diabetes is considered to be a defect in the pancreas itself. The body will start attacking the organ, destroying its ability to make insulin.

Type II diabetes, on the other hand, starts because the other organs in the body start resisting the insulin which is produced by the body. Type II is a progressive disease, starting with a need for dietary changes, then leading to a need for medications and eventually to needing insulin. A precursor to diabetes, pre-diabetes, can be present in the body for many years. Type II diabetes is more common in women than in men and tends to run in the family. Reduction of the risk of this type of diabetes is regular exercise and weight control. Warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, especially at night, constant hunger, blurred vision, unusual fatigue, sores that will not heal, unexplained weight loss, menstrual irregularity, and chronic yeast infections.

Risk Stats for Diabetes

Type II diabetes affects about 10% of all adults in the United States, with 90% of those people considered to be overweight or obese. Women who develop gestational diabetes are 20-50% more likely to develop Type II diabetes within five to ten years after the birth of the baby. Gestational diabetes is dangerous for the baby as well as the mother – the pregnancy is automatically classified as high risk (Source: Ammer, 2005).

Risk factors for diabetes include being more than 20% over your ideal weight, having persistent hypertension, having poorly controlled blood cholesterol, having a family history of it, especially in parents or siblings, being of certain ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic American, Native American or Asian American, or having gestational diabetes or having had a baby that is over nine pounds (with or without the diagnosis of gestational diabetes).

Testing needs to be done, including fasting blood sugar, A1C testing starting at 45 and completed every three years unless there is reason to test more frequently. Those who are at higher risk may need to be tested every year.

Protein Needs in Diabetes

Type II diabetes can be controlled with diet – just a small reduction in weight can typically eliminate the need for medication. Diabetes, if left unchecked, can lead to some very serious health risks, including an increased risk for kidney disease, blindness, heart disease and amputation. Protein plays a very vital role in not only helping to lose weight but in stabilizing the blood sugar levels that can be so hard to control for the diabetic.

When the body digests food, it is broken down at a rate based on what it is made of: fats and simple carbohydrates break down very quickly, while complex carbs digest at a slower rate. Proteins break down very slowly within the body and require more work by the body. This creation of energy also causes increased heat, a phenomena called thermogenesis. (Only alcohol creates more thermogenesis than protein)(Source: Westerterp). Fats are broken down to fats, carbs are broken down to be used for energy and protein is used as the last resort for energy but is used by the body for a large range of other functions.

Protein is important in the body, but can be dangerous if it makes up too much of the diet, especially in the presence of heart or kidney disease. The American Heart Association recommends that the upper limit of protein intake be no more than 35% of the daily calories, however, each diabetic’s doctor will set specific dietary guidelines. A person with stages one to four of chronic kidney disease should strive to limit protein because of their disease, but within reason and only under the direction of a doctor, a dietician or a nutritionist (Source: National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse).

For weight loss purposes, calories should come from carbohydrates (50%), proteins (30-35%) and fats (15-20%). The higher level of protein makes the diet more satisfying without deprivation. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) The protein need in the body is so great that if we do not get the right amounts, the body will eat more food to make up for it (Source: Massey University, 2009). The more food that is needed, the more calories will be ingested. It is a myth that protein does not turn to fat in the body – if there is too much consumption, the body will store it as such.

Protein comes from two sources, plants and animals. Plant protein, with the exception of soy protein, is incomplete because it lacks one or more of the amino acids that the body needs to have supplied by the diet. Because they are incomplete, vegetarians need to make sure that their diet is balanced and varied so that they do not miss out on any of the essential amino acids. The typical vegan diet gets about 10-12% of its calories from protein, while the average diet is 14-18% protein (Source: Mangels).

Animal protein is complete and comes from sources such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Leaner protein sources should always be selected so that the diet is lower in saturated fats as well as calories. Good animal proteins include tuna and salmon as well as other fatty fish. Turkey is another good protein source, specifically roasted, skinless breast meat. Low-fat dairy products and eggs are also excellent sources of animal protein that can work well in the quest to lose weight and be healthier.

Protein supplements are also important to add to the diet but should be of specific types. Some may be loaded with additional sugar, which can cause too much blood glucose. Profect, from Protica, is a small liquid supplement that supplies 25 grams of protein in only 100 calories with zero fat and zero carbohydrates. In addition, Profect supplies both vitamin C and vitamin B complex.

Be wary of protein bars, especially those with candy like flavors, as they may have enough calories or a high enough sugar content that they are equivalent to candy bars. Diabetics should discuss their supplement options with their doctor for optimal health. There are certain brands, especially of protein shakes, that are specifically designed for diabetics. Protein supplements have the advantage of stabilizing the blood sugar and preventing hunger between meals.

Are you getting enough protein in your diet? Better yet, do you know how to tell if you are getting enough protein in your diet? If you don’t, then it’s time that you educate yourself about the need for protein and how you can get more into your daily diet, without making any drastic changes to your eating.

One way that you can get more protein is to use protein supplements, either with meals or as meal replacements. In fact, protein supplements are often one of the main components of liquid diets.

What is Protein?

Before we can begin discussing how to go about getting more protein in your diet, first we must learn what protein is and why we need so much of it. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, protein is “any of various naturally occurring extremely complex substances that consist of amino-acid residues joined by peptide bonds, contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usually sulfur, and occasionally other elements (as phosphorous or iron), and include many essential biological compounds (as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies).” In other words, protein is something that the body needs in order to function properly.

Protein is comprised of essential and non-essential amino-acids, and is used by the body to build, repair and maintain muscles. When it is digested, it is broken down and absorbed by the body for later use. In addition to building and repairing muscle tissue, protein also provides energy and high protein diets are quite popular for weight loss.

Protein is used by the body to create hemoglobin and some proteins are beneficial for your heart. Proteins also help to protect you from a number of diseases.

Who Needs Protein?

Everyone on the planet needs a certain amount of protein in their diets every day in order for their muscles, nails, hair, and other tissues to grow in a healthy way. Many bodybuilders and other athletes take advantage of protein supplements before and after workouts to provide energy and to promote muscle recovery. The amount of protein that we need varies by sex and age. For instance, the average adult male requires about 65 grams of protein in his daily diet, while the average adult woman requires about 55 grams. Teenagers require about the same as adults, and pregnant women require more, at about 70 grams or more.

Types of Protein

There are a number of types of protein, and some types are great for some people but not so great for others, especially those who have food intolerances or allergies. The main types of protein are whey, casein, soy, rice and egg.

Whey Protein

One of the most popular types of protein, especially among bodybuilders and athletes, is whey. This is a protein that is quickly and easily digested, so it provides immediate muscle recovery effects following workouts. Because whey is a milk derivative, a byproduct from the cheese making process, it is not recommended for people who are lactose intolerant.

Casein Protein

Here is another protein that is a milk derivative. In fact, whey comes from casein in the cheese-making process. Casein is another popular protein supplement, and although it is slower to digest than whey, its effects are longer lasting. Casein is considered to be a complete protein, and there are even some lactose-intolerant people who have reported using casein with no adverse effects.

Soy Protein

This is the best type of protein for people with allergies or who are lactose intolerant. Because it is made totally from soy and is vegetable-based, it is the ideal source of protein for vegetarians. Soy protein contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, and is considered safe for everyone, although some people may experience some digestive troubles. Soy protein is also considered to be a complete protein.

Rice Protein

Gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, fat and sugar, rice protein is a terrific protein supplement for vegetarians, people with allergies and the lactose intolerant. It is available in powdered forms, and can be used to make delicious shakes and smoothies or sprinkled into your favorite recipes. Rice protein comes from brown rice, and is considered to be a complete protein because it contains all of the essential and non-essential amino acids.

Egg Protein

Long before the introduction of protein supplements to the general public, many athletes and bodybuilders were known to use egg proteins as a part of their diets. Often, at least from what we see in the movies and on television, these athletes would actually drink a glass of raw eggs. This is fine if a person can actually do this without vomiting, but there is a much simpler way to get a quick egg protein fix. Just enjoy a protein supplement that is made from egg protein. This is another protein that should not be used by people with certain allergies, such as eggs or chicken.

Dietary Sources of Protein

Some of the best dietary sources of protein are beans. Any type of beans have this high protein benefit, from baked to kidney to soy. Beans are just loaded with protein. Red meat is also high in protein, but cup of baked beans has as much protein as a six-ounce serving of steak. Either option is a healthy, delicious choice that will provide all of your daily protein needs in one serving.

Both poultry and eggs are terrific sources of protein, but if you are eating poultry, remember to eat white meat because dark meat is much fattier. Three ounces of breast meat provides more than 25 grams of protein, which is nearly half of the recommended daily amount. Fish is another great protein source, and it is also low-carb and doesn’t have a lot of saturated fat.

Of course, milk protein is excellent, and whey is one of the most common forms of protein supplements. If you don’t want to drink a glass of milk for protein, you can also enjoy a piece of cheese, some yogurt or any other delicious milk product.

Types of Protein Supplements

If you are interested in using protein supplements, there are a few options available to you. If you are a chocoholic, you may want to try one of the many delicious protein bars, which are also chock-full of other essential vitamins and nutrients. Or you may like one of the other protein supplements, including powders, liquids, protein shots and capsules.

Protein Powder – These are great for people who are busy and are looking for something that they can eat or drink on the go. Protein powders can be used to make tasty shakes and smoothies, or they can be incorporated into a number of recipes.

Liquid Protein – You can also use liquid protein to make shakes and smoothies, or it can be consumed by itself. They are often used post-workout for muscle recovery, and many people, especially people on low-calorie or liquid diets, use liquid protein supplements as meal replacements.

Protein Shots – These are tasty little drinks that not only provide 25 to 30 grams of protein per shot, but they also give an energy boost without the need for one of those expensive energy drinks. These are available in a number of tasty flavors, including sour apple, grape and raspberry.

There are three stages of weight loss surgery- the preparation, the surgical recovery phase and the postoperative phase. Each one is very important and should include the mental and physical preparations so that it goes as smoothly as possible and so that you can get the best possible results for your efforts. The more information that you have, the better you can prepare for your weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery is one of the most common procedures done in American hospitals and surgical centers today. Education is important, especially when it comes to the expectations of the bariatric patient, because unrealistic hopes can lead to disappointment with the final results. It is important to note that the psychological aspects of being obese and working towards a healthier weight is important because for those who have tried other programs before the surgery, a disappointing 3% or fewer have been able to maintain their weight loss for any length of time and typically regain the weight after ending any weight loss diet or program that they have tried. (Source: Carlson, 2008)

Before the surgery can be completed, some patients will need to lose some weight; ironic considering the type of surgery that they are having. However, those who have excessively high BMIs are at higher risks for a number of problems and complications during surgery.

Most weight loss surgery is done for patients who have a BMI of 35 or higher, with the average being 40. Lower BMI requirements will be considered for gastric weight loss surgery if there is a secondary, weight related health condition that threatens that person’s life. There is a cut off for the surgery however, with the extreme cases having to either wait until they are in a safer category or opting for another surgical procedure until they have lost this weight.

The months or weeks leading up to the weight loss surgery is not the time for a splurge or one last feast before the whole way that you eat has changed. Instead, this is the time to start learning a little bit about how much you really need to eat to stay healthy, what a balanced diet really looks like and how to make the most of your nutrition without taking in more calories than you really need.

Pre-Surgical Nutritional Needs

Prior to surgery, the body is getting ready to go on a journey. Just as you would fuel up your car for a trip, you need to make sure that your body is ready to go as well. You need to learn about how much food you really need. Every day, your body takes in a set number of calories. Whether or not you get the right amount of foods and nutrition depends on the foods that you eat and how they react in your body.

When you eat certain foods (saturated fats and simple carbohydrates for instance) the blood glucose level skyrockets, very quickly leading to a sugar rush. The body reacts to this by flooding insulin which deals with the problem by sending the food to be stored as fat. Very little of the food is converted to energy, which is why you get the sudden slump or crash after eating a candy bar or a donut. You start with the euphoric sugar rush and then end with the plummeting crash and feel worse than you did before. The problem with the sugar high/sugar crash cycle is that you just eat again- and may just repeat the problem over and over. The more you do this, the more weight you gain and the harder the weight will be to lose when you are ready to do so.

During the time before the surgery, you should be learning what a good carb really is, how much protein is the right amount for you and what kind of fats you should avoid. You should also learn a few simple exercises so that you will be more active once you are back up and moving.

The Surgery

There are a number of different surgery types for weight loss including the most common, the Roux-en Y gastric bypass. In this procedure, the stomach is transformed into a much smaller pouch and the upper level of the small intestine, the duodenum is bypassed altogether. After surgery, all food will pass straight into the jejunum instead. All enzymes that would have entered the digestive system in the duodenum, including trypsin, a pancreatic protease enzyme that breaks protein down into amino acid molecules, are still released and will continue their work as usual. Trypsin breaks down protein through a process called hydrolysis where a molecule of water is inserted between two amino acid molecules to break their bond. (Source www.surgeryideas.com/gastricbypasssurgery )

Other surgical types include the Lap Band surgery and the sleeve gastrectomy. The Lap Band is an adjustable gastric band that fits over the top of the stomach. The advantage is that it can be adjusted as weight loss occurs, ensuring that it is always effective. There are also disadvantages that should be discussed with your doctor.

After the surgery is completed, the stomach will only hold a small amount of food at a time. You will no longer be able to drink with a meal; beverages will have to be 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after each meal. Because you can only eat such a small amount at a time, it is important that the foods that you eat are very high in nutrition. Profect, a liquid protein supplement from Protica, supplies a full 25 grams of protein in each one hundred calorie serving. Because it is less than three fluid ounces, it is perfect for those who have small stomach pouches (most will hold about three ounces of food per meal) and can also be used to start weight loss before the surgery takes place.

Other protein sources are beneficial, but most supplements are too large for consumption by the surgical patient. The typical protein shake is a full 12 fluid ounces and will have to be consumed a little at a time. Using a protein supplement powder might be more beneficial instead, but again, may be too much for the small pouch created by the surgery.

Profect is also perfect for the first few weeks after surgery when only liquids will be allowed. In addition to having more protein than leading competitors, Profect supplies 10% of the day’s worth of the Vitamin B complex (a common deficiency following weight loss surgery) as well as the full day’s worth of Vitamin C. Following a few weeks of liquids only, the patient is moved to soft foods and then gradually to solids.

After Surgery

Once you get back to eating solid foods, your body should be adjusted to the smaller amount of calories. Mentally, you should also be changing the way that you think of food. Food is not comfort or entertainment; it is the fuel source that keeps your body going. The right nutrition will keep you healthy and strong enough to continue on your weight loss journey, working toward a stronger, more resilient body that is free from the dangerous diseases and conditions that obesity can bring, including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life balance, which is still a luxury for tens of millions of working parents, has been overtaken by an even greater demand: a work-life-nutrition balance. Unfortunately, this increasing demand for nutrition has not been accompanied by a useful strategy that enables people to reclaim time from their harried lives.

The result of this dilemma has been an additional layer of stress applied on top of an already stressful life. This has further highlighted stress as America’s top health problem something that was first brought to public attention in the early 1980s, and has since more obvious in the 2 decades since then[i].

Once the link between time mismanagement and stress is made – and it is virtually axiomatic at this point that this link exists[ii] — a range of adverse health and nutrition consequences often result. The vicious cycle that ensues is harrowing and known to most people through direct experience, or via painfully seeing it manifest in the life of a family member, friend, or colleague.

Stress can — and often does — lead to unhealthy eating[iii], which in turn, leads to even more stress because the body is not receiving the essential micronutrients and vitamins that it requires. While this is happening, since poor eating is often associated with undesirable weight gain, another level of psychological stress – this one associated with body image problems – is unleashed.

Although if the cycle ended here this would be enough to solidify this as a major problem, it continues beyond this point and becomes worse.

This psychological stress due to body image problems/weight gain often leads to “emotional eating”. It is estimated that 75% of all overeating is the result of emotional eating[iv]. This, in turn, leads to yet more nutritional deficiency, since the emotional eating is typically of unhealthy comfort foods that are rich in saturated fat. This – as can be inferred — leads to yet more stress, and the cycle continues, unabated, often resulting in malnutrition, obesity, and in more cases than most average people realize, even suicide.

The almost clinical description of this negative cycle in the preceding paragraphs does not remotely capture the indescribable pain and suffering that tens of millions of Americans experience each day due to the collision of stress, lack of time, and poor eating habits. While no description could accurately capture the devastation that this negative loop causes, it is enough in the context of this article to firmly declare that it is a profoundly significant crisis.

No quick-fix solution to a problem of this magnitude is possible, and any attempt for an overnight solution should be met with the most aggressive skepticism. The key to addressing a situation of this immense complexity is to identify the root cause, and then provide remedies that mitigate or in some cases, avoid the negative loop from the beginning in the first place.

One of the root causes of this problem has been noted already: a lack of time. If more Americans had more time, or felt that they had more time, the stress associated with not having enough time would not be able to pull them under and into a negative nutrition spiral. Therefore, a solution that works on this level – the level of time – is going to be help solve this problem to some extent.

It is within this awareness that time is of the essence that a number of nutritional supplements have been created. Unfortunately, while many of these supplements take mere seconds to ingest, an array of them are not providing the body’s requirement for micronutrients and vitamins.

Furthermore, and quite irresponsibly, many so-called “energy bars” are very high in calories and carbohydrates, and as such can lead to emotional eating and trigger weight gain. It is even more unfortunate than this to observe that the race to market many nutritional supplement products has been more about making money through clever advertising and slogans, than it has been about helping people save time, eat healthy, and avoid potentially life-altering negative stress cycles. This is evidenced by the number of so-called nutritional supplements that are little more than expensive and pretentious candy bars.

However, there are some products that have risen to this ethical challenge – products that have been truly inspired by actual nutritional scientists who see a dire need in society, and have engineered a useful product to help meet that need.

The easiest way to identify such products is to find those that deliver a complete, balanced source of nutrition for time-starved individuals, including: adults, kids, athletes, sedentary individuals, and all those in between. At the same time, these elite products should provide a range of essential nutrients so that, in effect, the nutrition source can be relied upon as a complete meal when time is severely limited.

Solving America’s time-starved dilemma is bigger than any one product, or series of products, to solve. However, though the perfect solution to this complex problem remains elusive, it is clear that part of that eventual solution will depend on resolving causes, and not chasing symptoms. Nutritional products that offer scientifically developed meal and supplement solutions will be a major ally in this resolution.