Are Supplements Necessary for Good Health?

Even though there are many kinds of supplementation on the market, and it can get confusing as to what is helpful to take, there is evidence that certain supplements are indeed a good addition to the diet. Some medical experts still question the need for additional supplementation to the diet, but there is growing evidence through studies that support the use of various products. Here are some good reasons to take certain supplements.

Most adults and children will benefit from taking some supplements simply because of the nutrient depleted diets that most of us eat. Even if you eat enough food with the variety that is suggested by nutritional experts, it’s a safe bet to assume that you will not get enough vitamins and minerals to support total body health. Processed foods, toxic environments and stressful living easily leads to nutritional gaps that should be filled. Supplements like a multivitamin are the only thing that can adequately close this gap and provide the important nutritional support your body needs.

The prevention of disease is another good reason to add supplements to the diet. Some of the most important nutrients discovered for disease prevention include antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, selenium and vitamin E, although there are many others. Antioxidants have the potent ability to clean up free radicals from the body’s cells, so that they do not cause serious health problems such as cancer.

Another reason to take good supplementation is the anti aging properties found in many herbs and other nutritional products. For example, Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and to help prevent dementia later in life. Ginkgo biloba is a wonder herb that also helps brain and heart function.

Enhanced performance in various areas of life are another reason people to choose to take certain supplements. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are especially tuned in to taking supplements like creatine, protein and amino acids that can help build the body as well as enhance their performance in a sport or enhance their body’s appearance. The evidence for taking nutritional products continues to mount as many people are experiencing the healthy benefits of adding various supplements to their daily diets.

Don’t forget to visit Supplements Digest for more info about probiotic benefits and probiotic side effects for good health.

A Vitamin

Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and blindness thanks to the eradication of the cornea.

The capacity of vitamin A to stop these 2 visible problems and its mechanism of action in doing so is widely known. Up to date reports suggest that vitamin A may affect some visible difficulties in folks who are not vitamin A-deficient. Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy ( SFD ) is a retinal degeneration disorder which may cause night blindness and shares likenesses with age-implicated macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the most usual cause of loss of vision in the elderly.

A Vitamin In an SFD family, it was discovered that vitamin An at 50 thousand IU daily resolved night blindness inside a week in those members of the family who were initially stages of the sickness. The mechanism of this effect isn’t clear. Some other visible defects have also shown improvement from the employment of vitamin An analogs.

A Vitamin for Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Vitamin An and retinoids have been discovered to hold back expansion development, particularly those of epithelial origin, in a variety of in vitro ( in a lab dish ) studies. All-trans-retinol has been illustrated to suppress the poisonous behaviour of cultured cells transformed by radiation, chemicals or viruses, to delay the development of transplanted cancers and to stop malignancy in animals exposed to various forceful cancer agents.

All-trans-retinoic acid is an authorised drug for the treating of acute promyelocytic leukemia. While the utilization of retinoids has demonstrated anti-cancer activity for some categories of cancers, it isn’t proved to be a universal cancer treatment.

A 2 year study ( EUROSCAN ) of high-dose retinyl palmitate showed no benefit-in conditions of survival, event-free survival, or secondary first tumors-for patients with neck and head cancer or with lung cancer, a lot of whom were prior or current smokers. The employment of vitamin An and vitamin An equivalents for cancer treatment is a juggling act between the healing benefits and potential lethality.

A Vitamin Antioxidising properties Vitamin A deficiency has been found to cause oxidative damage to liver mitochondria in rats. Vitamin A has been found to protect against chemical prompted lipid peroxidation in the heart, brain and liver. A Vitamin for immune mechanism support Vitamin A deficiency ends in a reduced resistance to infection having a repercussion on both cell mediated and antibody mediated immunological responses. Nonspecific immune reactions concerning neutrophils, macrophages and natural killer cells, are also influenced by vitamin A deficiency. Retinol could also excite the immune reaction in animals and folk who aren’t vitamin A deficient. In animal studies, high applications of retinyl palmitate have been discovered to excite the nonspecific protection mechanism and improve the antibody answer to explicit antigens. In one study, surgical patients developed lymphocyte growth after a week of treatment with high shots of vitamin A. The effects were only clear toward the end of the seven day period. Vitamin A’s effects on protection seem to be broad. It was demonstrated a number of years back that high-dose vitamin A can protect against some of the immune-depressing effects of radiation and cancer chemical treatment. Animal studies, in vitro studies, and some human studies, have shown that vitamin A can protect immune function by helping to maintain the integrity of epithelial barriers to infection and by turning on phagocytes and cytotoxic T-cells. An in vitro experiment showed clearly that a kind of vitamin A found in breast milk represses herpes simplex virus-1.

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B12 Vitamin

A vitamin is a chemical substance that is required for a particular chemical reaction to happen in the body, but isn’t synthesized by the body, and therefore should be included in the diet. The nutritional requirements for standard function are typically relatively tiny. Most vitamins that are known today were discovered because their deficiency causes recognizable diseases. Examples are scurvy, due to a deficiency of vitamin C, which eventually galvanized British sailors to carry limes onboard ship, and beriberi, due to a deficiency of thiamin, or vitamin B1.

B12 Vitamin Supplemental vitamins are customarily not required by folks who’ve varied, well-balanced diets and ordinary metabolism. Nevertheless supplements are often advisable for folk with some diets or increased requirements for vitamins, for example expectant mothers and growing youngsters. Also, numerous gastrointestinal sicknesses can meddle with absorption of vitamins and cause inadequacies even in people who have satisfactory nutritional supplies.

B12 Vitamin Vitamin B12 is needed for a number of crucial biological reactions. Two of its most vital roles are in the production of elements of DNA and the correct working of different parts of the neurological system. Tissues in which cells are consistently dividing,eg bone marrow and the lining of the whole gastrointestinal and respiration tracts, require a constant supply of vitamin B12. Ordinary function of cells across the nervous system and spine also needs vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 comes from animal products and bacteria. The stomach produces a factor that ties to the vitamin in food and permits it to be soaked up in the small intestine. Therefore , the prime causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are dietary deficiency and malabsorption.

B12 Vitamin Diets that are lacking foods from animal sources have a tendency to be low in vitamin B12 ; strict vegans, for instance, need a source of B12. Nevertheless it can take five years for somebody with adequate stores of vitamin B12 to develop a deficiency after a major change in diet. Sicknesses of the belly and small intestines can cause Problems with assimilation and consequent vitamin B12 deficiency. A few individuals make antibodies to the cells that produce the gut factor necessary for absorption of B12, and thus can’t produce the factor. As a result, they develop a condition called pernicious anemia, which may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells. Extensive bowel resections, removal of much of the stomach, or inflammatory bowel illness can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency. All of these conditions need to be treated with monthly vitamin B12 injections since the vitamin cannot be absorbed from food or tablets without the stomach factor.

B12 Vitamin Vitamin B12 deficiency has several major manifestations. A really characteristic anemia, in which the red blood cells are bigger than normal, may progress to incorporate low numbers of white blood cells and platelets as well . The leading indications of anemia include fatigue and difficulty breathing on effort. The lining of the mouth and stomach tract can be thin and unnatural. The neurologic symptoms are especially serious and frequently tough to recognise. Difficulty with position sense, nerve damage, depression, memory loss, and dementia are seen with vitamin B12 deficiency even when the hematologic manifestations aren’t obvious. Latest studies have highlighted the value of screening for B12 lack in older folk with mild dementia. B12 insufficiency in older people is related to changes in the stomach tract with aging and reasonably limited diets, both Problems that appear to be more common with advancing age. Pernicious anemia is most common in older ladies. For this reason, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for USA citizens suggests that folk over age fifty consume vitamin B12 in its crystal form ( i.e, fortified foods or supplement tablets ).

B12 Vitamin Diagnosing non-serious cases of vitamin B12 deficiency can be hard. While trying to find low B12 levels can be handy for diagnosis of grim deficiency, serum levels of folate, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, 2-methylcitric acid, and cystathionine can help in making the diagnosis in milder cases. The sole medical suggestions for administration of vitamin B12 are deficiency of the vitamin or risk indicators for developing such deficiency,eg stomach or bowel disease or a limited diet.

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Muscle Building – Take Nitric Oxide Supplement to Build Fast and …

It is widespread talk among the fitness trainer and profession bodybuilder, what is the easiest way to build strong and attractive muscles. Bodybuilders and.

The rest is here:
Muscle Building – Take Nitric Oxide Supplement to Build Fast and …

Cardiac Health Warnings for All and Good Nutrition

Everyone is familiar with the tragic stories of the young, impossibly healthy athletes who have dropped dead on the field after routine exertion. There was the high school basketball player who fell to the floor during the game and had to be shocked back to consciousness. There was the young Russian ice skater who died after a routine practice. An autopsy revealed no drugs, no alcohol and no physical anomalies that would explain his death at such a young age. There have been runners, football players, soccer stars – all gifted athletes, all in peak, physical condition – all of them dead or near dead because of a phenomenon called SCD, also known as Sudden Cardiac Death. There are several conditions associated with SCD as well as some factors that can increase its risk. These include:

- Hypertrophy cardiomyopathy or heart muscle thickening

- Atypical blood clotting

- The muscles not getting enough oxygen – anomalous coronary artery

- Faulty heart rhythm or congenital Long QT Syndrome

- Irregular heart muscle tissue which can lead to heart rhythm problems.

- Use of cocaine

(Source: The American Heart Association)

Any athlete at any level of competition should be tested for heart conditions before they compete, however those who are involved in extreme sports are at higher risk, so should pay even closer attention to their body’s signals. Here are some of the reasons that increased testing should be encouraged for all athletes:

- Out of every one million marathon runners, nearly four or more will die during the marathon. There is not a single age group that is not affected by this risk.

- One third of runners after a marathon had an increased level of a biomarker that indicates heart muscle damage.

- Higher levels of creatine kinase enzyme have been found in long distance runners, this is used to measure damage in the heart after a heart attack.

In addition to this testing, there should be someone on every athletic field or in every arena who can perform CPR or is versed in how to use the defibrillator, although in some cases even this may not be enough to do any kind of good.

Good Nutrition & Sports

The amount of calories needed by an athlete compared to that of the average person can be staggering. For some extreme athletes, their daily intake is almost double what it would ordinarily be simply because the body is burning so much fuel. To stay competitive and strong, they must make sure to get not only enough foods, but the right food sources into their bodies every day.

Carbohydrates- These are used by the body as one of its primary fuel sources and the only source of energy that the human brain will accept. The carbs that are included in the diet for an athlete should be healthy, complex carbs that do not cause sugar spikes and unhealthy weight gain. Whole grain foods and vegetables are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which should make up as much as 60% of the overall diet.

Fats- Healthy fat options should makeup as much as 20% of the overall daily calories; however, an athlete who is training may be eating far less than this amount and may be sticking to around 10-15%. Fats are an important source of energy for the body and certain types, including Omega 3s, actually protect the heart. Good sources for these include Omega 3 enhanced eggs, salmon and other cold water fish, nuts and nut oils.

Proteins- Protein should make up 25-35% of the daily calories at most, according to the American Heart Association’s recommendations. In addition, the source of the protein should be carefully analyzed. All animal proteins plus the plant-based protein from soy are complete, meaning that they deliver the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot make on its own. However, many of these protein sources are also high in calories and saturated fats. Choosing leaner protein sources protects the body from increased cholesterol and can include turkey breast, fish, low fat or non-fat dairy foods and plant-based proteins.

Additionally, protein can be added to the healthy diet by using protein supplements, which can boost intake for those who are struggling with making good choices. There are dozens of protein supplement options to consider, including protein powders made from soy, rice, whey and egg as well as protein bars, shakes and enhanced waters. In addition to these, there is a small protein supplement called Profect from Protica that delivers a significant amount of protein (25 grams) in a very small serving (2.9 fluid ounces/100 calories). Available in a number of flavors, Profect is perfect for the athlete because it is small, portable and easy to contain.

Cardiac Health Screening: A Case Study

Sean is a young and gifted hockey player. He spends hours on the ice perfecting his shot and hours in the gym perfecting his body. He is able to avoid most hits and can crunch players against the board and be off with the puck in a flash. Sean, the young and vital athlete, has a ticking time bomb in his chest. He is at risk for a heart rhythm change that can potentially kill him in a second. He has no current risk factors for heart disease and his family’s health has been fair for the last few generations. Despite all of this, he is at risk for sudden cardiac death. After reading about yet another of the athletes that have fallen to this condition, Sean agrees to go in for testing. His heart shows no abnormalities at this time, however he will do everything he can to protect his health.

He will continue to train hard so that he is in top condition. He will continue to play hard every shift, every minute. He will not smoke or use drugs of any kind, and he will continue to eat a healthy and well balanced meal. This will now include the addition of Profect, a protein supplement from Protica that will boost his protein intake but not his calorie count.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

When Is a Calorie Not Just a Calorie?

Every few years there are new diets introduced suggesting that if you count calories you will be more conscious of them, and therefore you will eat less and lose weight. But being conscious of calories is not the same as choosing not to eat as many. Simply acknowledging the calories in that bacon triple cheese burger with extra bacon and chocolate milkshake is not going to negate them. It will not block their artery clogging cholesterol, saturated fat and simple carbohydrates that leave you feeling hungry even though you never burned them off.

A calorie is simply a unit of measure. It is the amount of energy that is needed to raise the temperature of one gram of pure water one degree Celsius. There is nothing magic about the calorie in and of itself. It doesn’t matter what time you eat or what in what order you consume your foods. The calorie will still affect your body in the same way. If you eat too few calories, you will feel hungry and may become sluggish and tired.

Eat too many calories and you will feel sluggish, bloated and possibly unwell. Continually eat too many calories for your own body and you will gain weight. There is no real trick to the concept of the calorie. It is actually quite simple: Your body has a set need for calories to maintain its current weight. If you eat more than your body actually needs to have, the additional calories will be converted first to additional energy and then to fat. More unnecessary calories coming in leads to more fat.

On the other hand, if there are too few calories taken in, the body will be forced to burn its own stores of fat for energy. If the body goes too long without a new source of calories, however, it will stop burning the right fuel and will instead hold onto every single calorie that comes in, making you remain at the same weight even though you are eating far less than before.

The Calorie and the Concept of Hunger and Appetite

The calorie is simple enough to understand, but there is more at work behind the scenes. Complicated processes called hunger, appetite, digestion and metabolism can be influenced by emotions and other outside factors.

Appetite can be influenced by more than just a need for food. The body can feel like it is starving because of emotional, visual or other cues. In fact, the body can be influenced by something as simple as the time on the clock, eating not because you are hungry but because your body is conditioned to expect food at this time every day. Watching other people eat can also make you eat, even when you know that you are not really hungry. Actual hunger rarely prompts the office worker to hit the vending machine mid afternoon, but rather he is driven by his sense of habit.

Real hunger can be a difficult thing to understand, but there is also the concept of misplaced hunger. It is important to understand the difference between real hunger and false hunger or you will end up eating more than you intended and more than you need, even when you are not hungry at all. For some people, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Imagine that you need eight ounces of zero calorie water and instead eat a three hundred calorie snack. Instead of giving the body what it was asking for, you have given it three hundred calories more than it needed and have also skipped giving it the water it needed in the first place.

But a Carb Calorie Counts for More than a Protein Calorie?

Each gram of fat and carbohydrates has nine calories while each gram of protein calories has four. In addition, the body burns up more energy while digesting protein than it does with either of the other macronutrients. That being said, there are different considerations for which nutrient is needed, when it is needed and how much should be eaten. The brain, the mysterious, complex organ that controls every system and other organ in the body, can only accept and use energy that is generated from complex carbohydrates.

Protein is used to build muscles and skin but also plays a number of other very complex roles in the body. It contributes to cellular creation, the generation of bones, ligaments and tendons and also helps the body to create new chemicals that are used during the digestion, ovulation and even sleep. Protein also plays a role in the cardiovascular system, helping to maintain the pH balance of the blood and keeping the blood pressure regulated.

It is important to get the right number of calories from the right kind of foods. For some people, habit eating and a lack of understanding of real hunger can be a serious problem. Some people become so overwhelmed with the deluge of information that they simply stop eating completely, which is just as bad as overeating to the metabolism. It is important to remember that the body actually does need to get new energy sources every day, in evenly spaced meals, perhaps eating more frequently throughout the day instead of eating two or three large meals and nothing more. Healthy between-meal snacks can be a great way to get the energy you need to keep your metabolism high.

Using protein supplements or protein based snacks can be a great way to accomplish this, helping you to avoid the lure of the vending machine at the end of the hall. Protica, a company famous for its small protein shot, Profect, also offers a number of other protein supplements including two protein candies, Protein Twist and Protein Taffy. Check these and other protein supplement products out on the web site, http://www.protica.com for information on the benefits and available flavors as well as the ways to order your favorites today.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

The Truth About Diet Food

Think about it: everything that you eat is part of your diet by the mere definition of the word. But, in reality, when people are talking about diet food, they mean certain types of products that line the shelves of every grocery store in the country- usually with huge labels that proclaim them to be “fat-free” or “sugar-free” or any number of variations on those terms.

The problem with these foods is simple: the human brain recognizes the word ‘free’ as a very positive thing, a green light to eat these foods at will without worry of their health repercussions. After all, free is free, right? In most cases, that is patently false; fat-free, sugar-free, and the other terms do not mean calorie-free, but even when the food is calorie-free, there might still be problems with it and they all start with the way that the human body and the mind work.

An Example: Diet Sodas and How They May Cause Weight Gain

It was discovered that beverages contributed to weight gain and that many, many people drink more of their calories than they get from solid food. Huge beverages, especially sugar-laden soft drinks are largely to blame for the increasing number of people who are overweight. Sodas are filled not only with sugar but caffeine and some also contain phosphates, which can contribute to the development of osteoporosis over time. Instead of suggesting that people limit the amount of sodas that they consume or making healthier beverage choices, diet sodas were created- but they did not solve the problem at all.

Think of it this way: Dave, feeling a little sluggish at his desk starts craving a little jolt of energy and a little sugar to get him going. He goes to the vending machine and gets a cola drink and goes back to work. He does this four or five times a day and pretty soon, Dave has gained quite a bit of weight. The average can of cola has more than a single serving in it, with the calorie count listed as 160-180 per serving, not for the whole can. A serving is equal to eight ounces, so that additional four ounces is worth 80-90 more calories for each can. A 20 ounce bottle of soda will equal two and a half servings of cola and can be worth 250 calories (or more). Chug down three or four bottles of those a day and you are getting 1,000 calories from liquids alone. The average adult needs between 1400-2200 calories a day and does not live on soda alone, so the problem becomes very clear, very fast.

So, Dave, who has gained weight from his soda addiction, switches to diet soda. As one of the most popular and biggest selling diet foods, it has to work, right? Not exactly and the problem is not with the lack of calories but with the way that the body sees and processes it. Used to the sugary rush of the regular sodas, the body expects to find sugar in heavy doses after the diet drink is consumed. Instead, it is confused and starts craving the sugar that it was promised and did not get. Instead of helping to lose weight, the diet soda can instead be contributing to weight gain and it is the same with other types of diet foods as well. Low fat cookies still have calories and to make up for the lack of fat; they may have higher sugar content or harmful chemicals that can cause the body to stop processing foods correctly. The body needs fat, but it needs the healthy kind in the right amount. It is the same with carbohydrates and protein as well.

Diet Food Should Mean Healthy, Natural Foods as Much as Possible

Too many people rely on processed foods, even the ones that are labeled as diet foods, for their nutrition. The more processed a food is before you eat it, the less work your body will have to do to break it down and the more likely it will be stored by the body as fat. A glass of orange juice is nutritious in small amounts, but eating the orange gives you fiber, vitamins and fewer calories. You also have to work to get to that orange, peeling and segmenting it, chewing to break the fruit down before you actually swallow it. With the juice it is nothing more than open a container, pour, drink and done. The more work you have to do to break down foods, the better.

In a perfect world, everyone would eat the right foods for their body’s health and in the right amounts. They would cook these foods in their own kitchen using only healthy cooking methods such as baking, roasting, and broiling. They would steam vegetables and scrub and then eat whole fruits. There would be no need for diet food at all because all foods would be part of a healthy diet. However, that is not the case. There are far too many people who do not have the time to cook or to even eat a whole meal. While many of these people will simply grab a burger from a fast food place, others will look to another aspect of the diet food industry: the meal replacement and supplement products.

Choosing a Good Meal Replacement or Supplement Product

For a meal replacement product to be healthy, it has to have the right nutrients and provide enough calories for the average adult. There are meal replacements and supplements that are marketed specifically for children. There are a number of products on the market that qualify, however there are some that may have too much added sugar or fat to be beneficial for weight loss.

Fruitasia, a product from Protica, can be used as either a meal replacement or as a supplement and has a number of health benefits. First, it is 100% fruit and vegetable and provides three full servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit in each small serving. For less than three ounces, Fruitasia also provides 5 grams of dietary fiber, proven to aid in weight loss and to be beneficial to colon health. Fruitasia is cholesterol-free, preservative-free and 100% all natural. Unlike a number of other meal replacements, it is also lactose and egg free as well as yeast, wheat and gluten free. There are so many people who have not been able to choose a meal replacement because of food allergies or intolerances, so Fruitasia may be the answer they were looking for.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

High Protein Diets: Are They Right for Everybody?

Not that long ago, the biggest diet fad was the Atkins diet, at the time thought to be the saving grace of the diet industry. People could still eat their bacon and eggs in the mornings; they just had to skip the toast and the juice on the side. They could still have their bacon cheeseburgers, they just had to skip the buns, the ketchup, and the French fries. Unfortunately, they also had to skip the dill pickles that go so deliciously with these foods. But, how effective could a diet that suggested eating burgers with bacon and cheese really be? And, how long could a human body continue to go without complex carbohydrates without developing serious problems?

As it turns out, not very long. What should have been a very simple diet to follow – after all, you ate all the high fat meats that other diets tend to banish on day one – turned out to be very difficult after the second or third week. Energy crashes were very common. Moods plummeted. The carb-craving-crankies set in and stayed a major factor for many people who were no longer satisfied with simple weight loss; what they wanted was to lose weight and still feel fairly human.

The long-term health effects of the Atkins diet and similar diet pans are just now starting to catch up with many of its devoted followers. However, there are other high protein diets that are far more reasonable, easier to follow, and most importantly, healthier.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

There is a formula that is typically used to determine how much protein a person needs; however, there are variables that have to be accounted for during this process as well. The basic protein formula is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. To get the right amount of protein using this formula, you simply divide your current weight in pounds by 2.2 which will give you your weight in kilograms. That number is then multiplied by 0.8 to determine your daily protein needs. However, if you are a very active person, your daily protein needs will automatically go much higher. If you are not active at all, your protein needs will be lower.

In addition to activity levels, you have to know your basic health condition as well to determine the right amount of protein that you need because certain health conditions mean that you will need to get more protein to regain your health. While high protein diets may push protein above this 0.8 gram per kg mark, it will not go that much farther. The average body builder only gets about 1.5 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of their own body weight to get bigger. They do not build their remarkable bodies with protein alone, but with good overall nutrition, dedication, and hard work. Genetics also play a large role in their size and the ability to build large muscles. (Source: Osterweil)

How High is Too High?

Most of the high protein diets get around 30% of their daily calorie intake from protein with carbohydrates and fats making the other 70%. Taking protein intake up to 35% and lowering fat intake to around 15% is beneficial for weight loss and can help the dieter feel full for longer than the lower protein amount. However, protein intake of higher than 35% is not recommended because it can lead to a number of serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and kidney and gall stones. The American Heart Association suggests that protein intake be limited to no higher than 35% for safety and that the bulk of the protein comes from very lean meat or plant sources whenever possible.

Using a Protein Supplement to Ensure Protein Intake

While most people know what they should eat, there are many times when they cannot eat these foods because they do not have the time to sit down for a healthy meal or they are too busy on the road to stop and get something that qualifies as healthy. Because so many people are just too busy, the concept of using a protein supplement became a viable alternative to the less-than-healthy food choices on the road and certainly better than continually skipping meals. Protein supplements can be found in many forms, including the protein supplement Profect from Protica.

Small in size, Profect is high in protein, low in calories with zero carbs and zero fat. In addition to Profect, Protica also offers Proasis, the first all-natural protein supplement. Both Profect and Proasis are available in a number of sizes, including the single serving size, and a number of refreshing flavors so that there is always a variety of digestible and healthy protein to be consumed.

Increasing Protein and Good Health

In addition to using protein supplements such as Profect and Proasis, there are a number of healthy protein-based foods such as skinless, roasted turkey breast, salmon, and eggs. Non-meat food sources that are high in protein include milk, cottage cheese, other cheeses, soy foods, and other plant-based proteins.

High Protein Diets and Health: A Case Study

Lindsay was one of the first people to jump on the Atkins diet fad, using only Atkins approved or licensed foods in addition to the red meats, eggs and other foods on the approved list. She felt great after losing nearly 10 pounds the first week, but by the end of the second week, she was dreaming of dancing potatoes and corn on the cob and snapping at her coworkers and family. By the middle of week three, she couldn’t take it anymore. She was dragging herself out of bed, too sluggish to exercise. Weight loss had stalled completely; she was constipated and felt generally unwell. She returned to her old habits and unfortunately, regained her weight and then some.

She found a different high protein diet plan, one that included leaner protein sources, lower calorie counts and most importantly, complex carbohydrates that her body actually needed. This diet was much easier to follow and gave her slower, steadier, and healthier weight loss without feeling deprived or snapping at friends and family.

In addition to eating lean meats such as turkey and other poultry, she was getting heart healthy fish and plant-based proteins. She was also still getting vegetables and other foods so she was better able to stick to her diet plan. To keep herself on track while she was on the go, Lindsay used Profect as a healthy, between meal snack that enabled her to stay full until it was time to eat again.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

Protein Energy Malnutrition: How Serious Can it Be?

Protein is a major component of every cell, organ, and function in the body. It is vitally important and is found in a number of sources in the typical diet- including in foods that are not so good for the human body, like processed or fast foods. Even though protein is found in so many different food sources there are still many people that do not get enough calories in their diet including protein.

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a potentially fatal body deprivation disorder that is the leading cause of death in developing countries. PEM happens when there are not enough calories or proteins to meet the body’s nutritional needs. However, it does not always happen simply in the absence of protein in the diet, it can also occur when the body is either unable to absorb the protein or is not able to convert it for its own use.

PEM is not a common problem in the United States; statistically however it does affect two different demographic groups: the elderly who are living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities and children from poor families. It occurs in one in every two surgical patients and strikes 48% of all other, admitted, hospital patients. (Source: FAQS.org)

There are two varieties of PEM, Primary and Secondary. Primary PEM occurs when there is a lack of overall protein sources in the diet and too few calories. Secondary PEM is more common in the United States and is typically a complication that has developed from another disease including: AIDS, cancer, chronic kidney failure, inflammation, and bowel disease. PEM can develop slowly during a chronic illness or when the body is in a state of semi-starvation, but may develop quickly if there is an acute illness.

Protein energy malnutrition occurs in both hospital patients and long term care facility residents for a number of reasons. Many of them cannot chew or swallow correctly, preventing them from getting enough food into their system. Others may have slowed or faulty digestive systems, keeping them from processing the foods that they are taking in and leaving them feeling uncomfortable and unwilling to eat the next meal. Many of them are also not active and may have slowed or completely absent metabolisms, preventing them from feeling hunger at all. The elderly also tend to have a reduced sense of appetite to begin with, even when healthy.

In addition to the inability to eat and get enough calories in the diet, these patients may have additional nutrition losses because of bleeding, diarrhea, high sugar levels, kidney disease, malabsorption disorders. There are also other conditions that greatly increase the nutritional needs in the body, especially the need for protein. These conditions include: fever, infection, surgery, trauma, tumors, burns, and the use of some medications.

Continued inability to get enough calories or enough protein in the diet can lead to severe problems and can alter the form or function of every organ in the body. How fast or severe the condition actually is will depend on prior nutritional and health status, the nature of the disorder, and the speed of its progression.

Protein energy malnutrition ranges from mild to severe; however there are no set criteria for setting the levels. Most doctors agree that a loss of ten to twenty percent of body weight constitutes moderate PEM. At this level, there is a weakened grip and the inability to perform high energy tasks.

Severe PEM involves a weight loss of more than twenty percent and is potentially fatal. At this stage of the condition, the patient will be unable to eat any normal sized meals even if they have an appetite, the heart rate will be abnormally slow and the blood pressure will be dangerously low. The body’s core temperature will also drop below normal. The skin will appear baggy and wrinkled and the hair will be dry, thin, and brittle. Constipation is very likely at this point as is lethargy. The patient will also be more prone to pressure ulcers (commonly referred to as bed sores) and other skin lesions as the body is unable to fight off damage to the skin’s surface or underlying infectious agents.

It is very important that those people who are most at risk for protein energy malnutrition (children, the sick and the elderly) be given enough calories, including all three macronutrients to ensure their good health or to help them recover from illness or trauma. Using a protein supplement may be beneficial because is it more easily assimilated into the body. Once the condition has reached the moderate to severe stage, the likelihood of fatality becomes even more eminent without medical and nutritional intervention.

There are several different types of protein supplements that can be considered at this point, however they must meet the same criteria to be useful:

- They must contain high quality protein that can be assimilated by the body without extra effort. (Protein requires the most energy by the body to digest)

- They must not contain additional ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or be hard to digest or finally, could displace the protein.

- They must be palatable. A protein supplement that is very high in amino acids is typically very bitter and will not be easily eaten by the average person. The protein in the supplement should be broken down into smaller peptides so that it is easier to use and does not have the bitter taste.

- They should be adaptable meaning that the patient should be able to transition with the same protein supplement from feeding tube to consumption without the need to introduce a new supplement source to the system which could increase the risk of allergic reaction in some people.

- They should not cause a rise in blood sugar which can happen in the presence of added sugars.

- They should address the actual problem of protein digestion or absorption if at all possible.

- Finally, the protein supplement should give as many additional benefits as possible without comprising current health status or impeding healing.

There are a number of protein supplement types including the protein powders that can be added to other feeding sources and protein supplement shots. Protein powders have a number of advantages and disadvantages for each of the four types.

Whey Protein Powder: Advantages

- Enhances the production of glutathione, an immunity booster

- Highest level of natural food sourced branch chain amino acids which can be metabolized straight to muscle tissue

- Excellent source of the amino acid leucine which is vital for muscle growth

- Helps with the optimal intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates and the micronutrients

- Helps preserve muscle tissue

- Maintains a healthy blood sugar level

- High calorie protein source

Whey Protein: Disadvantages

- Potential allergic reaction in those who are lactose intolerant

- Too much whey can damage the liver

Soy Protein: Advantages

- Highly digestible form of protein

- Improves the nutritional value of other foods

- May decrease cholesterol

- Is suitable for vegans

- Source of phytoestrogens which are beneficial in a number of conditions and diseases including osteoporosis and breast health

Soy Protein: Disadvantages

- Potential allergen

- May not be indicated in some forms of breast cancer

Rice Protein: Advantages

- Hypoallergenic

- Easy to digest

- Suitable for vegans

Rice Protein: Disadvantages

- May be difficult to find in some areas

- May be more expensive to buy

Egg protein Advantages

- Made from the white of the egg, considered to be the perfect protein source

- Fat free

- High quality protein

- Highest food source in the amino acids, alanine, argine, glycine and methione.

Egg protein disadvantages

- Allergen potential

- May react with some medications

In addition to these powdered protein sources, there is another to consider that meets all of the criteria: Profect from Protica. It is available in a number of strengths and flavors and can be used as is or can be mixed with fruit juice or water. It can also be used as a feeding source for those who are being fed by alternative means either as a temporary or permanent solution.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

Protein Needs in Heart Health

Heart disease kills sixteen million people worldwide every year and accounts for about thirty percent of all deaths in that same time period. In the United States, cardiovascular disease accounts for forty percent of all adult deaths every year (Source: Natural News 2006). The risk factors for heart disease are the same for a number of other chronic, potentially fatal diseases and include: obesity, smoking, genetic or family history of the disease, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Controlling weight can also improve the other risk factors making it one of the most important.

All three of the macronutrients – fats, carbohydrates and proteins are important; however protein may play a surprising role in not only weight management but heart health as well. Whether protein is coming from food or supplemental sources, it is important to choose the right kind and to get the right amount of it. The American Heart Association recommendation for protein intake is no more than 35% of the daily calories which is more than enough for most people even those who are very active. It is necessary to choose quality protein, no matter how much you really need. (Protein needs are based on weight, health and activity level).

Protein, whether it is from food or from supplements, comes from two sources: plants and animals. Plant proteins, with the exception of soy protein are incomplete because they lack one or more of the eight essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. There are twenty amino acids in all; the body can make eleven of them on its own. Each amino acid is used for a different function in the body including making hormones and enzymes that are then used for digestion, sleep, and ovulation. Soy proteins and soy products are complete because they contain all of these amino acids.

All animal products are complete proteins, however there are some that are far better choices than others because of the fat and calorie content. For those who are eating for better heart health, choosing animal proteins that are lower in saturated fats is very important to reduce the cholesterol in the diet. Meats are good sources of proteins of course, but other animal protein foods include low fat dairy products and eggs. The egg is considered to be the perfect protein because it is all bio-available (all the protein in the egg is used by the body). All other protein sources are judged in relation to the egg.

Supplements of every type are made from either plants or animals and in some cases, both. Protein supplements can be a very beneficial part of a heart healthy diet as long as they are:

- High quality protein

- Low in calories

- High in additional nutrients

- Low in simple or added sugars.

Protein supplements should also be free from artificial ingredients. All ingredients should be clearly listed on the label- if you do not know what is in it, don’t use it!

What Protein Does in the Body for Heart Health?

Protein has a number of roles in the body from building and maintaining lean muscle mass to a role in the central nervous system. Protein is found in the hair, skin, eyes, nails, and all of the organs. In fact, next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the human body (Source: womens-health-fitness.com). Protein is used in the body:

- To build connective tissue

- To build, repair and maintain contractive tissue

- To build cell membranes

- As part of the bone matrix

- To maintain fluid balance

- To regulate the ph balance of the blood

- For the formation of hormones and enzymes of the body

- As part of the immune function

- To make neurotransmitters (these are used to send nerve messages from each area of the body)

- To create RNA and DNA

(Source: Nelson, 2009)

Each type of protein may affect heart health differently though, with whey and soy protein being suggested as especially beneficial for a number of reasons.

Whey Protein and Heart Health

Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese making, a derivative of milk. It contains a mixture of very beneficial nutrients including an antimicrobial property called lactoferrin that is useful for healing wounds (Source: The Whey Protein Institute). While there are a number of benefits to whey protein, there are some risks as well. Too much whey protein can cause liver damage. Whey protein is not for those who are lactose intolerant (whey protein isolate has less lactose and may be okay.)

Whey protein may help to improve blood vessel function including improving blood flow and blood pressure. A whey derived peptide (NOP-47) also improves vascular function.

This is the most common protein supplement and comes in two different forms, the isolate and the concentrate. Whey protein concentrates are the least expensive and typically have between 30-85% proteins. Whey protein isolates have 90% protein and again, have far less lactose than the concentrate. Whey protein is not appropriate for vegans but ovo-lacto vegetarians can use it in their diet.

Soy Protein and Heart Health

Soy protein in all of its forms is beneficial to heart health. Two daily servings of protein may lower the blood cholesterol by nine points and may also lower the blood pressure (Source: Natural News, 2006). Soy can be found in tofu, miso and tempeh as well as in edamame and soy milk. In addition to these, soy is also available in meat substitutes like veggie burgers and similar products. Protein supplements made from soy are derived from soy flour and can be used to improve the nutritional value of other foods. Soy protein is suitable to vegans and is a complete protein.

Other Protein Supplements and Heart Health

Using a protein supplement as a meal replacement or a snack can be a good way to lose weight, beneficial to your overall health as well as to the heart health. Protein helps decrease hunger allowing you to eat fewer calories without feeling deprived. Profect from Protica is a good between-meal snack because it stabilizes the blood sugar while providing high quality protein – 25 grams per serving with a low calorie count (100 per serving). Profect has 100% of the day’s Vitamin C, 10% of the daily supply of Vitamin B complex and comes in a number of flavors including: Blue Raspberry, Cool Melon Splash, Grapefruit-Mango and Fresh Citrus Berry. Protein bars in comparison can have as many as 180 calories but only 12-15 grams of protein (depending on brand and size, of course).

Because heart health depends on the right amount of each nutrient, it is important to make sure that you are discussing your individual needs with your doctor. Getting the right number of calories every day is important to overall health, including cardiovascular health. Anyone with suspected or confirmed heart disease should be following doctor’s recommendation for nutritional needs and guidelines.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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