Over the last few decades we've been exposed to many different approaches to diet: keto, paleo, carnivore, vegan, low-carb, Mediterranean, Atkins, macrobiotic, and on and on. All variations on a theme, that being, which macronutrient to prioritize: Protein, Fat, or Carbohydrate. Today let's talk about protein.
PROTEIN: The essential building block for your entire body.
When most people think of protein, they immediately picture muscles. While it's true that protein plays a critical role in muscle growth and repair, that’s just the beginning. Protein is essential for nearly every function in your body, for the structure, metabolic function, and regulation of all tissues and organs, including muscle.
Every cell in your body relies on enzymes—proteins that manage biochemical reactions, including those that affect your metabolism. Protein also plays a vital role in producing neurotransmitters, which help regulate everything from mood to sleep. In fact, protein is required to build many of your body's vital structures: your bones, ligaments, tendons, liver, brain, skin, and fingernails are all made from protein.
To understand the importance of protein, we must first understand that proteins are built from amino acids. These are the compounds needed to build the proteins your body needs to function. There are 20 different amino acids, and each protein source offers a unique combination of these amino acids. Some sources, like animal proteins, provide a more complete and balanced profile of amino acids, while others, like plant-based proteins, may require a little more variety in your diet to ensure you're getting the full spectrum.
By focusing on getting enough protein—and ensuring your amino acid intake is on point—you’re supporting not just muscle health, but the overall function of every system in your body. The right protein, in the right amounts, is the key to optimizing your health, recovery, performance and aging well.
Do you know how much protein you need for optimal health?
I'd like to help you figure that out - reach out today.
Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call today.
I'm Lisa Thompson, a Functional Nutritionist (FNTP) and I'd like to guide you on a journey to optimal health by providing education, support, accountability, motivation and inspiration. Using a holistic approach, I look deeply at how all of our inter-dependent systems work uniquely, and specifically in each of us- keeping in mind the bigger picture and LIFESTYLE choices that impact our well-being. For instance: how and when we eat, whether we get good sleep, what role exercise plays in our life, and how community, friends, family and belief systems impact our health and vitality.
I am currently taking new clients at this time and would love to work with you.
Email me: lisa@lisamarlenethompson.com