Proteins are the basic structure of all living cells. Proteins are used in making hormones, blood plasma transport systems, and enzymes. The basic building blocks of proteins are called amino acids. There are two types of proteins complete and incomplete. Amino acids are categorized as essential and nonessential. Of the twenty amino acids that have been identified, nine are considered essential amino acids those that are not manufactured by the body, these must come from the dietary intake.  The body can manufacture the non-essential amino acids from the by-products of carbohydrate metabolism. Amino Acids are crucial for proper Central Nervous System (CNS) function.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

• Alanine – provides energy for muscle tissue, brain and CNS; aids antibody production to enhance the immune system; helps metabolize sugars and organic acids.
• Arginine – improves immune response to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells; promotes healing and liver regeneration; aids the release of growth hormones for muscle growth and tissue repair.
• Aspartic Acid (Asparagine) – aids in the excretion of ammonia, which is toxic to the CNS; may increase resistance to fatigue and increase endurance.
• Cysteine – antioxidant protection against radiation and pollution; slows the aging process; deactivates free radicals; neutralizes toxins; aids in protein synthesis. Crucial for the skin development aiding in the recovery from burns and surgical procedures. Hair and skin are comprised of 10-14% Cysteine.
• Glycine – aids in the release of oxygen during the cell-making process. Important for hormone production in strengthening the immune system.
• Glutamic Acid (Glutamine) – improves mental capabilities; helps healing of ulcers; reduces fatigue; helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and sugar cravings.
• Taurine – stabilizes membranes excitability in the control of epileptic seizures. Controls
  biochemical changes responsible for the aging process; aids in the excretion of free radicals.
• Proline – promotes proper joint and tendon function; strengthens heart muscles.
• Serine – storage source of glucose for the liver and muscles, antibody production enhances the immune system, synthesizes fatty acid covering around nerve fibers (insulator).
• Tyrosine – transmission of nerve impulses to the brain; fights depression; improves memory and mental alertness; promotes the proper function of the adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands.

Essential Amino Acids

• Histidine – hemoglobin component; used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency may cause hearing problems.
  
  
• Isoleucine and Leucine – mental alertness, also provides manufacturing components for other essential biochemical components in the body, which are utilized for the production of energy and upper brain stimulants.
• Lysine – Insures adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen (component of bone, cartilage and connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes. Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia & reproductive problems.
• Methionine – a sulfur source, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails. Lowers cholesterol by increasing the liver’s production of lecithin and reduces liver fat build-up. Protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine thereby reducing bladder irritation; promotes healthy hair growth.
• Phenylalanine – allows brain to produce Norepinephrine used for the transmission of signals between nerve cells and the brain; regulates hunger, antidepressant; improves memory and mental alertness.
• Threonine – a component of collagen, Elastin, and enamel protein; reduces liver fat build-up; promotes proper digestive system function and metabolism.
• Tryptophan – a relaxant, alleviates insomnia, prevents migraine; reduces anxiety and depression; promotes proper immune system function. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular spasms. Works in conjunction with Lysine to lower cholesterol levels.
• Valine – Promotes mental health, muscle coordination and tempers emotions.

Other protein comes from the recycling of enzymes and other proteins. Protein is synthesized in all tissues in the body; however, the liver and muscles are the most active. The body synthesizes about 300 grams of protein per day even though average intake is only 70 grams.

Proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient quantity to sustain life are called complete proteins. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) is a measurement of protein’s completeness. Protein is rated according to various indices. The most common measurement being the Biological Value or BV of the protein. The higher the BV value the more readily the protein is absorbed by the body. Eggs have the highest BV value (100). Whey protein’s value is close to 100 while beans have a BV of 49. Ratings of greater than 100 refer to the chemical score of an amino acid pattern in a reference protein to a test protein and not the BV.

Meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs contain complete proteins. Incomplete proteins such as vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts are those which do not contain all nine essential amino acids by themselves. However, combinations of incomplete protein foods or mutual supplementation can supply all nine essential amino acids such as beans with rice or peanut butter on wheat bread. Therefore vegetarians can get all the amino acids required by combining incomplete protein foods. It is not necessary to combine proteins at the same meal as many people believe. Therefore a breakfast of one incomplete protein and a dinner of another incomplete protein will provide the benefits of eating a complete protein.

Examples of Complete Combinations of Incomplete Proteins

Grains & Legumes

• peanut butter sandwich
• rice and beans
• vegetable stir-fry & rice
• chili & wheat bread
• tortillas & beans
• pea soup & roll

Grains & Nuts/Seeds

• rice cakes/peanut butter
• roll with sesame seeds
• banana-nut bread
• oat-nut bread

Legumes & Nuts/Seeds

• chickpea humus
• trail mix
• bean soup & sesame seeds

Grains & Dairy

• cereal with milk
• macaroni & cheese
• yogurt with granola
• cheese sandwiches
• rice pudding

Examples of Protein rich foods:

• High Fat – Meat, salmon, eggs, peanut butter, milk, cheese
• Low fat tuna, egg whites, redBeans, skim milk, non-fat cheese

Proteins begin digestion in the stomach but are primarily digested in the small intestine and metabolized by the liver for the building of tissue. Proteins not required for building can be utilized as an energy source and can provide 4 calories per gram. About 98% of the protein from animal sources and about 80% of the protein from vegetable sources is absorbed by the body.

Fasting causes the body to use protein as an energy source even to the point of breaking down vital tissues such as organs and muscles to use as an energy source. Excess protein, not utilized for tissue repair or growth or as an energy source is converted by the body to fat and stored.

Protein requirements depend on the individual and daily activity. Tissue growth, whether due to growth, injury, weight training, or pregnancy, can effect protein requirements. During illness, protein is not only required for repair but is generally used as an energy source. According to RDA requirements, an adult should consume approximately 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight on a daily basis (0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight) as a minimum requirement. As an example, a 150 pound person should consume approximately 50 grams of protein daily. This translates to 200 calories of protein daily. As a general rule, for intense weight training, up to 1 gram per pound of body weight may be consumed.

Since protein metabolism produces nitrogen in the body this creates an extra workload for the kidneys and liver to eliminate the excess. Dehydration can occur because the kidneys require increased amounts of water to dilute the nitrogen. Dehydration can impede workout  performance. It’s therefore important to adequately hydrate when consuming increased levels of protein.

Hair-loss and thinning, as well as, brittle and discolored fingernails can be external manifestations of protein deficiencies. Internal ramifications can be muscle wasting, weak ligaments and cellular dysfunction since amino acids will be in short supply. Muscle growth will also be limited or unavailable due to an insufficient amount of protein.

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