Protein

Question 1

Protein Basics

Answer 1

• 4 cal/g
• made up of chains of AAs
• used to build, maintain and repair
• liver is main site of protein synthesis (kidneys, too)
• “complete” protein provides all essential AAs (mostly in animal products)
• if your body is low on protein, it will take from somewhere else in your body

Question 2

Amino Acid Basics

Answer 2

• building blocks of protein (there are about 20)
• 8 or 9 are “essential” - complete protein provides ALL
• liver can store for only 3-5 days
• if one AA is in short supply in the liver, it cannot make any protein containing that amino!

Question 3

Biological Value

Answer 3

• BV (of protein)
• measured by determining proportions of AAs that are absorbed, retained and used in the body
• whey protein has the highest BV
• eggs: highest BV of any whole food

Question 4

Major Roles of Protein

Answer 4

• building materials for growth, repair and maintenance of:
• blood, muscles, skin, tendons, bones, organs, hormones, enzymes, NTs, antibodies
• maintains volume and composition of body fluids
• regulates pH of tissues and fluids
• transports nutrients
• backup energy source

Question 5

Protein Digestion and Absorption

Answer 5

• HCl activates pepsinogen (proteins —> peptides)
• pancreatic proteases break peptides into shorter chains
• peptidases break down into small chains and AAs
• carried across villi into blood
• AAs stored in liver for reassembly that make up “us”

Question 6

Proteins and Leaky Gut

Answer 6

• poor protein digestion and leaky gut —> allergies and autoimmune disorders
• ensure good protein digestion for clients on pain meds and other drugs

Question 7

Liver and Protein

Answer 7

• poor liver function = poor protein utilization

- B6 needed for transamination and deamination

Question 8

Transanimation

Answer 8

creation of new proteins (anabolic)

Question 9

Deanimation

Answer 9

• dismantling of proteins (catabolic)
• takes off nitrogen
• occurs when: there is excess protein in the body
• breakdown of protein is needed for energy (not enough carbs/fat)
• a limiting AA is missing

Question 10

Protein Deficiency Signs

Answer 10

• loss of muscle tone
• confusion
• slow wound healing
• irritability
• low libido
• food cravings
• too acid or alkaline
• fluid retention
• fatigue, muscle weakness
• thin hair, weak nails
• weight loss

Question 11

Protein Excess Signs

Answer 11

• acidosis and dehydration
• constipation
• putrefaction of the gut if stomach acid is inadequate
• loss of bone (if low vitamin D and Ca)
• musculoskeletal issues
• kidney dysfunction
• ammonia/nitrogen in blood

Question 12

Protein Requirements

Answer 12

• 0.8 g/protein per kg body weight for adult (non-athlete)
• building diets require more protein
• take in what you need, not more or less

Question 13

Animal Protein

Answer 13

• requires plenty of digestive enzymes
• you are what the animal eats!
• complete sources of protein

Question 14

Vegetable Protein

Answer 14

• must be properly combined to be complete and usable
• beans with grains
• beans with nuts, seeds
• milk products with grains
• liver stores some AAs for 24-36 hours (don’t need to combine in every meal)

Question 15

Micro Algae

Answer 15

• 60% absorbable, no HCl needed
• high in protein, betacarotene, EFAd, minerals
• refreshing, vital, relaxing, cooling
• sustainable harvested whole food

Question 16

Bee Pollen

Answer 16

• full of protein as free AAs
• energy and nutritive tonic
• addiction recovery, antibiotic
• blood building and recovery
• developmental disorders
• allergy and hay fever sufferers test with 1 pellet first
• may induce allergic reaction

Question 17

Brewer’s Yeast

Answer 17

• nutritional yeast
• contains protein, fiber, B vitamins, chromium
• creates heat, stimulates metabolism
• helps with blood sugar
• avoid with gout
• do not exceed 2 Tbsp/day