Is Your Protein Powder Inflaming You?

July 26, 2011 - by Dr. Jockers

One of the most popular supplements in our society today is protein powder.  These powders come from a variety of different sources and a number of unique manufacturing processes.  Unfortunately, 95% of commercial protein powders have toxic ingredients that could be slowly inflaming your body and depleting the cellular nutrient stores.Protein supplements can be a great addition to a healthy diet. This is due to their ability to provide essential and branched-chain amino acids in a highly absorbable form.  While there are many different protein sources only a few are of high quality.  Most commercial protein powders use inferior protein sources and fill their products with artificial sweeteners and preservatives that are highly toxic.

The most common protein sources used in commercial powders include soy, egg, whey, & wheat gluten.  An intelligent consumer must be very suspicious of these.  Soy and gluten containing proteins (wheat, barley, rye, oat, kamut, & spelt) are highly allergenic and promote inflammatory reactions within the body.

Soy Protein is an Anti-Nutrient:
Soy protein is an anti-nutrient that should be avoided for several reasons.  Soy contains phytic acids that bind and pull major minerals such as calcium, magnesium, & zinc from the body.  High processed soy consumption is linked with deficiencies in these major minerals.  Soy also contains enzyme inhibitors that turn off natural enzyme’s needed to perform critical cell functions.  Goitrogenic substances that block thyroid hormone are highly prevalent in soy foods as well.

Animal protein that comes from animals raised in conventional factory farms are extraordinarily toxic.  These animals are pumped full of dangerous hormones and anti-biotics while eating genetically modified, pesticide laden grains.  This combination causes massive amounts of toxic bioaccumulation within the animal tissue and animal byproducts.

Grass-Fed Animals More Nutrient Dense:
Animals raised naturally on organic, free-range pastures that feed on grass and seeds are very healthy.  Therefore these grass-fed animal sources are very healthy forms of protein.  However, manufacturers most often process these protein sources at high temperatures.  This processing highly denatures the amino acids.  Denatured amino acids are acidic, inflammatory, and micro-nutrient deficient.   This is a hazardous product to consume.

Non-denatured, grass-fed whey protein concentrate (not isolate) from organic pastures is the highest quality protein source for most individuals.  This form of whey protein contains beta-glucans, lactoferrins, & immunoglobins that enhance immune function.   Additionally, non-denatured whey contains all the branch chain amino acids and optimal ratios of essential amino acids.  Finally, non-denatured whey protein is one of the best food sources for boosting cellular anti-oxidants such as glutathione.

The Best Vegetarian Proteins:
The best vegetarian proteins are from brown rice, peas, & hemp.  Brown rice protein is considered the most hypo-allergenic protein which is especially important for individuals with chronic food allergies and leaky gut syndrome.   When mixed with a high quality pea or hemp protein they form a complete protein source with all essential and branched-chain amino acids.

Hemp protein is one of the very few plant based complete protein sources.  Hemp is a great source of sulfur containing amino acids methionine and cysteine which are necessary for cellular detoxification and the production of vital enzymes.  Additionally, it is rich in branched chain amino acids that are needed for muscle growth and repair.

Your protein powder should also contain medium chain triglycerides from sources such as coconut oil to improve bioavailability and aid in digestive comfort. This should never contain artificial flavorings and preservatives of any kind.  This source should be sweetened with natural sources such as stevia and/or xylitol.   Certain individuals may feel inflamed using a grass-fed, non-denatured whey protein.  They should switch to a high quality vegan protein such as hemp, pea, or brown rice and monitor results.