The Deal With Protien
Everyone knows it's good, but what's the real deal?
A Few Facts on Protein
Protein is referred to as a macronutrient; that means that it's is used by all parts of the human body in very large amounts. This is because protein contains Amino Acids, which are essentially the building blocks of humans and all other forms of life in general. They build up tissues, and help tissues to grow. Thus, the muscles are loaded with lots of protein, and in order for them to grow, like many of us would like, we need to consume protein.
Can More Protein Help The Body?
Yes, it can. Because muscles are primarily made up of protein, more protein intake will allow them to grow. However, the protein must be consumed in conjunction with plenty of exercise. Without exercise, the protein will not be used to grow muscles; it will instead be used in other parts of the body. However, with exercise, protein can be a positive influence in causing hypertrophy in muscles.
Is There Such Thing As Too Much?
Yes, there certainly is. Although protein is made up of the building blocks of life, too much of it is not a good thing. Too much protein can lead to acidic bodily fluids, because of the amino acids present in protein. Your body responds to this increase in acid by releasing calcium, which can cause calcium-based kidney stones. Excess protein in the diet can also lead to dysfunction in the liver. Subjects with high protein intake in a laboratory study had disorders caused by dysfunctional livers, such as Hyperalbuminemia, and these disorders were cured once the high protein intake was removed from the diet.
What's The Healthy Medium?
Protein won't lead to any adverse side effects if it is consumed with plenty of other calories and nutrients. Protein must also be consumed with plenty of fluids such as water as well. The DRI recommends .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight which leads to an average of around 56 grams of protein for the average male, and 46 grams for the average woman. If you're lifting and trying to gain muscle, this amount obviously should increase. Physicians recommend an amount between .5 and .7 grams per pound of bodyweight if you're lifting.
Gavin Before
Gavin decides to increase his protein intake to .6 grams per pound of body weight, in conjunction with good diet and plenty of exercise.
Protein
Good proteins that provide all essential amino acids in controlled amounts
Gavin After
Gavin's muscles have grown due to his increased protein intake and wise dietary choices.
What do I Think?
My opinion is simply to be smart about protein intake. Like all other things that can be great, it's only great in moderation and when consumed intelligently. If someone binges on protein thinking it'll get them ripped by next Tuesday, that's idiotic and unhealthy. However, if this same person consumes it generously nut not too much and realizes that significant bodily changes takes months, if not years, then he'll be just fine. Just think, be patient, and know the facts.