The mission to achieve optimal health is an evolving journey. A key component of that journey is finding the best source of nutrients. In many instances this becomes a case of the least offensive option. Something that’s going to give you what you’re looking for without leaving too large a trail of collateral damage behind.
Rarely do I find this to be more true than when it comes to protein powder. Now, in an ideal world all of our protein would safely and conveniently be derived from grass fed animals, free range chickens and eggs, wild fish, etc. Unfortunately this is not the case and due to convenience, availability and lack of consistently strong alternatives, supplementing with a protein powder is something many (self included) find themselves doing.
All day, everyday we are constantly using protein to carry out life’s functions. This constant turnover makes it imperative to obtain an adequate amount from an outside source in order to thrive. Add consequences of life such as elevated stress, physical activity, injury or a virus to the equation and the need for a sustained quality protein source grows .
My personal search for the “best” appears to be a never ending process. It is a process that also accompanies the search for the best nutritional choices and supplement supply for myself and my patients. Just when you get comfortable with a product, new research emerges or your own school of thought changes. Even worse, a report surfaces that your go to product contains traces of antibiotics or metals (true story).
Being that individually we lack the time, knowledge and overall resources to whip up our own concoctions, we will always be at the mercy of a third party manufacturer who to varying degrees, has that bottom line on their mind. It is our choice and has become my professional and personal duty to avoid the comfort of blissful ignorance and stay diligently abreast on the latest information pertaining to what we put in our one and only body.
One of the most popular, powder protein sources is whey. And while I personally have not used whey in a couple of years as I try to refrain from dairy products, I do recognize that it does possess many endearing and attractive qualities highlighted by its superior bioavailability. What I’ve listed below are some buzz words and guide lines to look for if selecting a whey product.
The list is by no means perfect and can be hard to use as a checklist to satisfy all criteria. It is however a good starting point as you decide which factors are most important to you. This list has been loosely compiled from research. Feel free to interject or add your own suggestions as we continue on that quest for the perfect products.
• NON-DENATURED
WHY: Traditionally, even the most expensive whey products available (isolates, ion exchange and hydrolyzed) are by-products of cheese manufacture. The milk goes through a heating process at high temperatures (163 degrees F) which damages the whey proteins.
Many manufactured whey proteins are also high in MSG (manufactured glutamic acid), which is toxic to neurological patients. In fact, typical whey protein powders may be detrimental to patients with neurological disorders because they contribute to an excess of glutamate in the body which can damage the nervous system, especially the brain.
True non-denatured whey protein on the other hand, is not a by-product of cheese manufacture; it is a “native” whey protein, which means it is not manufactured at all. It is the optimal natural precursor of glutathione (powerful antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, detoxifier, etc.). It contains exceptionally high levels of non-denatured Cysteine and Glutamine, the amino acids required for intracellular glutathione production.
• COLD PROCESSED/MICROFILTERED or ULTRAFILTERED
WHY: Native Whey protein is obtained through a very specific process that differs from standard whey protein: the proteins are extracted directly from skimmed milk using membrane technologies, preferably COLD PROCESSED or at low temperature (microfiltration and ultrafiltration). The state of the art low temperature process removes casein and lactose to leave only the purest, most biologically active whey protein.
• NO GROWTH HOMONES or GMOs
It is important to use whey protein from herds that graze on disease-free, pesticide-free, chemical-free, natural grass pastures and the milking of the cows are not subjected to any chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, or injected pathogens. While some of these may be removed during the filtration process, some remain and can now wreak havoc within your own body.
• NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS and LOW CARB/SUGAR
• CONCENTRATE v ISOLATE
Protein isolates are proteins stripped away/isolated from their nutritional cofactors.
Isolates are exposed to acid processing to eliminate the fat, which denatures protein, leaving them deficient in key amino acids and nutritional cofactors.
When you remove fat, you actually remove components of its immune supporting/boosting properties. Fat provides not only calories; most foods rich in healthful fat – including nuts and seeds like almonds and chia – are carriers of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and phytosterols.
Overall you’re left with an inferior whey protein if you take the fat out.
Clarke Chiropractic and Wellness 