Bg jugs of protein can be seen on the covers of muscle magazines, and some health stores showcase walls of protein buckets. All of which has contributed to the many misunderstandings about protein supplements.

Protein is sold by weight, and most of those buckets are not filled to the top. Due to the fluffy texture of protein, there tends to be a lot of blowback during the filling of the buckets, which requires the buckets to be larger. There is also an element of marketing involved in the size of the buckets. Most men who want to use a protein supplement for muscle building do not see the same perceived value as they would a smaller bucket containing the same weight.  Manufacturers also have enjoyed the ample shelf space and label space to showcase their products. However, as the uses of protein outside of the gym continue to evolve. The size of the buckets is also moving to better align with the everyday user and the more environmentally conscious.

Protein supplements were often thought to be a supplement that you take if you are going to the gym or training.  It is often associated with bodybuilding because muscle growth & repair can only be achieved if the person is building stronger muscle fibres, and protein does that. However, protein is moving more mainstream as a supplement for all age groups, men, women and even children.

Protein is a key nutrient you need in your diet to sustain life, energy, growth and repair. Every cell in your body requires protein to function. Proteins contain a large number of amino acids, each one providing a different role in the healthy functioning of the body. Did you know there are 20 different amino acids the body requires nine of which are essential ( which means not only does your body require them to function, you have to get them from your diet)

Protein contains a large number of amino acids, and amino acids are a component of muscle.  To build lean muscle (not bulky muscles), you need to feed your muscles protein.  This same principle applies to everyone, not just the sports enthusiasts.

• Taking a whey protein supplement (powder) is an excellent way to ensure that children who are picky eaters are getting enough protein in their diet for their growing muscles.
• It serves the same purpose for seniors to help prevent the atrophy of muscle.
• Whey protein contains natural prebiotics, which are those foods that your good bacteria like to feed on, resulting in better gut health.
• An ingredient found in whey is called Lactoferrin, which plays a role in helping your body absorb iron through your digestive system.
• Taking whey protein also helps to increase the hormones that are responsible for satiety (feeling of fullness), which can result in fewer calories consumed.
• It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels, reducing those sugar spike cravings and, for this reason, is a suggested supplement for type II diabetes. 
• Other science-backed discoveries for whey are for immune health (due to high cysteine). It may help reduce inflammation by positively affecting the reactive inflammatory response.

What’s the Scoop On Proteins

Whey protein is a concentrated component of cow’s milk. Upon arrival at the manufacturing facility, a good quality whey manufacturer tests the milk for safety, hormones, toxicity etc. Special enzymes are added to the milk to create a separation from the curd and the liquid (whey). The curd is used to make various types of cheese, including cottage cheese. The curd is sold to a cheese manufacturing facility, and the whey moves on to be pasteurized and dried into powder form.

How whey protein is processed (ion-exchanged, microfiltration, etc.) will determine how the product behaves in your digestive system but also determines how many of the healthy amino acids are left intact.

A whey isolate is the most favoured type of protein because it contains the most concentrated amount of whey (90-95%), with most of the lactose and fat removed. Making this supplement a better choice for anyone with lactose intolerances or on a carbohydrate reduced diet.

Whey protein concentrates are a combination of proteins, depending on the manufacturer and brands. It can be a combination of the above whey Isolate protein with casein protein (whole milk protein), egg protein etc. A whey-concentrated protein is less expensive but can also be harder to digest, depending on present gut health and the types of proteins used in the combination.  

Whey protein got a bad rap for causing liver or kidney disease, but in actuality, it does not cause liver disease. However, because protein is filtered through both organs, it can exacerbate a pre-existing condition. If you are prone to kidney stones, you do need to be aware that the increase of amino acids will put extra pressure on the kidneys to remove the waste, and you need to drink water to help with the process. Whey protein contains a small amount of purine (found in many foods) and is responsible for making uric acid. An increase of uric acid could increase the risk of a gout attack if consumed in large amounts.

Who should consider a Protein Supplement?

• If you are not able to meet your daily protein needs, protein supplements serve as an excellent option. 
• Instead of skipping breakfast, fuel it with a protein smoothie
• Your elderly parents or young children are picky eaters
• You need something to help you feel more full ( satiety)
• Increased muscle ( fibres) helps to increase metabolism
• You have health conditions such as leaky gut, crohns or IBS
• You are recovering from injury, surgery
• You are in our senior years and want to help sustain muscle
• You are a sports enthusiast that requires muscle repair
• People with dietary restrictions ( consider vegan-sourced proteins)
• Your children are not consuming enough healthy protein sources throughout the day