Protein is an essential component of all living matter, since it’s instrumental in the structure of cells and for the information shared within the organism. The skin, hair, nails, muscles, brain, and internal organs are made up primarily of protein.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are 25 prominent amino acids which have been identified. Nine of these can’t be synthesized in the human body, and are called essential amino acids. These need to be included in the diet on a daily basis.
Since the essential amino acids are easily obtained in a diet which relies on a variety of protein rich foods, deficiency isn’t usually seen in most omnivores with good digestion. Where we see problems is in cases of poor protein digestion due to lack of hydrochloric acid (either due to abuse of antacids, or inherent acid deficiency). Another area where we see deficiency is with vegans or vegetarians who aren’t schooled in how to insure protein in their diet through proper food choices.
Most animal protein like milk, eggs, meat, and fish contain all nine amino acids, qualifying them as high quality proteins. A number of plant foods are deficient in one or more of the essential amino acids, and all cereal grains are deficient in lysine, (for those of you with chronic cold sores and other herpes outbreaks, take note). Rice and corn lack the amino acids Threonine and tryptophan. Peas, beans, and other legumes lack methionine and tryptophan. Soybeans and seed oils are low in methionine.
Many vegetarian diets rely heavily on rice and beans for protein, but the lack of tryptophan in this kind of diet sets up some major problems. Without tryptophan, production of serotonin is inhibited as well as melatonin. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which decreases activity of neurons, allowing for sleep and relaxation. Serotonin controls emotions, perception of pain, promotes calmness, and lifts depression and anxiety.
Tryptophan produces nicotinic acid which is the active form of vitamin B-3, niacin. This reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls, reduces blood fats and is a growth hormone stimulator. iconic acid is instrumental in fueling the Krebs cycle. This is how we burn fuel for energy. If we lack this, metabolism slows down, and weight loss is interfered with. An unbalanced vegetarian diet is not conducive to a weight loss program.
Methionine is a huge one. This gives rise to other sulfur based non-essential amino acids, and relies heavily on liver function. This is a major defatting amino acid. It plays a very important role in preventing fatty liver. If the person has a fat allergy, sulfur containing amino acids may play a fundamental role in reversing the condition.
Sulfur containing amino acids are natural carriers of selenium, and play an important role in slowing the aging process and can help protect agains cancer. A lack of sulfur containing amino acids can cause sore throat and swollen tonsils.
Besides the nine essential amino acids, we have 16 non-essential amino acids. These are called non essential because the body can synthesize them from the essential amino acids. For most of the conversion, a healthy liver is essential.
When poor amino acid balance is an issue, diet is the first place we need to look. After that, digestion. If heartburn or reflux are present, chances are, you have insufficient acid in your stomach to tear apart the complex proteins and allow for absorption of individual amino acids. If proteins purify due to lack of digestive juices in the stomach, the toxic byproducts are absorbed into the portal blood stream and go straight to the liver. This has the potential of interfering with conversion of essential to non essential amino acids.
If you struggle with digestive issues, please don’t shut down digestion completely. Look into repairing the damage with proper digestive support.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are 25 prominent amino acids which have been identified. Nine of these can’t be synthesized in the human body, and are called essential amino acids. These need to be included in the diet on a daily basis.
Since the essential amino acids are easily obtained in a diet which relies on a variety of protein rich foods, deficiency isn’t usually seen in most omnivores with good digestion. Where we see problems is in cases of poor protein digestion due to lack of hydrochloric acid (either due to abuse of antacids, or inherent acid deficiency). Another area where we see deficiency is with vegans or vegetarians who aren’t schooled in how to insure protein in their diet through proper food choices.
Most animal protein like milk, eggs, meat, and fish contain all nine amino acids, qualifying them as high quality proteins. A number of plant foods are deficient in one or more of the essential amino acids, and all cereal grains are deficient in lysine, (for those of you with chronic cold sores and other herpes outbreaks, take note). Rice and corn lack the amino acids Threonine and tryptophan. Peas, beans, and other legumes lack methionine and tryptophan. Soybeans and seed oils are low in methionine.
Many vegetarian diets rely heavily on rice and beans for protein, but the lack of tryptophan in this kind of diet sets up some major problems. Without tryptophan, production of serotonin is inhibited as well as melatonin. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which decreases activity of neurons, allowing for sleep and relaxation. Serotonin controls emotions, perception of pain, promotes calmness, and lifts depression and anxiety.
Tryptophan produces nicotinic acid which is the active form of vitamin B-3, niacin. This reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls, reduces blood fats and is a growth hormone stimulator. iconic acid is instrumental in fueling the Krebs cycle. This is how we burn fuel for energy. If we lack this, metabolism slows down, and weight loss is interfered with. An unbalanced vegetarian diet is not conducive to a weight loss program.
Methionine is a huge one. This gives rise to other sulfur based non-essential amino acids, and relies heavily on liver function. This is a major defatting amino acid. It plays a very important role in preventing fatty liver. If the person has a fat allergy, sulfur containing amino acids may play a fundamental role in reversing the condition.
Sulfur containing amino acids are natural carriers of selenium, and play an important role in slowing the aging process and can help protect agains cancer. A lack of sulfur containing amino acids can cause sore throat and swollen tonsils.
Besides the nine essential amino acids, we have 16 non-essential amino acids. These are called non essential because the body can synthesize them from the essential amino acids. For most of the conversion, a healthy liver is essential.
When poor amino acid balance is an issue, diet is the first place we need to look. After that, digestion. If heartburn or reflux are present, chances are, you have insufficient acid in your stomach to tear apart the complex proteins and allow for absorption of individual amino acids. If proteins purify due to lack of digestive juices in the stomach, the toxic byproducts are absorbed into the portal blood stream and go straight to the liver. This has the potential of interfering with conversion of essential to non essential amino acids.
If you struggle with digestive issues, please don’t shut down digestion completely. Look into repairing the damage with proper digestive support.
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