Pro-Optimal Whey Protein
Because Whey Protein contains high concentrations of Glutamine, which is one of the most important nutrients for your intestines. Glutamine is the primary energy source for your immune system. It has the ability to “repair Leaky Gut Syndrome” by maintaining the integrity of the bowels.
Although Glutamine is an amino acid that is frequently used as a sports and fitness supplement, it has been found to help modulate the immune system and protect the mucosal protective layer in the intestine. Studies have demonstrated that glutamine can help improve blood flow in inflamed segments of the colon in patients who have ulcerative colitis, although its benefits did not extend to the most seriously affected portion of the colon (Kruschewski M et al 1998). Glutamine is also able to reduce leakiness of the intestine, which may help to reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Pro-Optimal Whey Protein
Why Is Whey Protein So Important?
Studies Show Whey Protein is very important, and essential for healing.
1) Transforming Growth Factor-β, a Whey Protein Component, Strengthens the Intestinal Barrier by Upregulating Claudin-4 in HT-29/B6 Cells
Click here to read the Article
“….In conclusion, TGFβ1 affects claudin-4 gene expression via Smad-4-dependent and -independent transcriptional regulation, resulting in barrier protection, a cytokine effect that is also found in whey protein concentrates used in enteral nutrition…”
2) Glutamine and Whey Protein Improve Intestinal Permeability and Morphology in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
“… Conclusions: Intestinal permeability and morphology improved significantly in both glutamine and ACG…”
Click here to read this Study
“…In conclusion, cheese whey protein protected rats against DSS-induced gut inflammation. This can most likely be explained by its threonine and cysteine content. Protection can be the result of both the stimulation of intestinal mucin synthesis and modification of microflora composition…”
There are many reasons to add good quality Whey Protein shakes to your
regimen:
1) to ensure nutritionally balanced supplementation
2) to ensure you ingest adequate amounts of L-Glutamine (which through
various processes converts into Glutathione) which is key in colonic repair,
and reducing inflammation
3) when in a bad flare, you can do what’s called “Bowel Rest” at home, and
only ingest protein shakes
Glutathione, a small peptide found in the highest concentrations in fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats is also beneficial to the small intestine, since it can directly act as an antioxidant in the intestinal tract and help decrease damaging molecules that may be produced during inflammation. Vitamin C, from citrus fruits, and vitamin E, found in whole grain cereals and nut oils, are important antioxidants for the small intestine and work with glutathione to support intestinal healing.The cells that line the intestinal tract need fuel to continue their process of nutrient uptake. The preferred fuel for these cells is the amino acid glutamine, which can be obtained from proteins. Some studies have shown that short-chain fatty acids may also support the small intestinal tract barrier because they can serve as an alternate fuel for the cells that make up the intestinal lining. The small intestinal tract cells also require energy to maintain integrity of the cell wall, and production of energy requires healthy levels of vitamin B5. Mushrooms, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, corn, broccoli, and yogurt are concentrated sources of vitamin B5. The intestinal tract cells also require a number of vitamins, so adequate overall nutrition is necessary.
Pro-Optimal Whey Protein
What do you need to know? 9 Essentials to Look for in Your Whey Protein Powder
Many make it a point to start their day with a whey protein shake . They aim to support good bacteria in their gut and boost their energy and muscle strength – not to mention give their mornings a delicious start!
The bad news is that not all whey protein powders are created equal.
Natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola says that many commercially-available whey protein powders “are significantly damaged and nutritionally deficient due to over-processing and because the original source of the whey is compromised.”
Dangerous levels of heavy metals are also found in some popular leading brands. A recent test from Consumer Reports showed that 3 of the 15 protein drinks tested contained risky levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
Unsure about your whey protein powder? Dr. Mercola presents the 9 essentials to look for:
- All-natural, grass-fed cows’ whey
Beware of pesticide-treated, grain-fed cows’ whey. All-natural, grass-fed cows’ whey offers a superior amino acid and nutrient profile. It is also rich in healthy fats like lipolic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). - Hormone-free, NOT hormonally treated cow source
“Many American dairy farmers inject the hormone rBGH in dairy cows to increase milk production. This hormone has been linked to serious diseases, including cancer,” reveals Dr. Mercola. - Cold-processed, NOT heat-processed
Cold processing protects the natural nutrients in whey. Heat processing, on the other hand, makes the whey acidic, nutritionally deficient, and inadequate for consumption. It also damages the amino acids and micronutrients that are present. - Acid-free processing, NOT acid / ion exchange processing
Acid / ion exchange processing may be cheaper, but it denatures the amino acid profiles. This is because it uses acids and chemicals to separate the whey from the fats. - Whey protein concentrate
Say no to protein isolates, or proteins that are stripped away from their nutritional cofactors. Your body cannot assimilate proteins in isolated form. - Low carb and naturally sweetened
Never take anything with artificial sweeteners, unless you want to subject yourself to a host of health problems. Your whey protein powder should be low glycemic, low carb, and not contain sugar, gluten, artificial sweeteners, fructose, glycerin, or sugar alcohol. - Maximum biological value
The ingredients, source, nutrient concentration, and type of processing affect the whey’s quality and ability to deliver health benefits. Choose one that can retain maximum biological value – instead of those that are damaged and missing key amino acids and nutrients. - Easy to digest
Avoid digestive stress. Look for a whey protein powder with medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which supports easy absorption and quick digestion. All-natural coconut oil is the best source of MCT, says Dr. Mercola. - Free from toxic heavy metals
Both whey and non-whey protein powders could contain harmful levels of heavy metals: mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium, to name a few. Choose ones that have no or very low levels that won’t pose a health risk.
Pro-Optimal Whey Protein
Where do I buy my Whey Protein?
I take Dr. Mercola’s Pro-Optimal Whey Protein because it is well formulated into a high quality product which gives you what you need: Glutamine, and Glutathione, and to make it easily digestible it contains some digestive enzymes as well. It is available in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate flavors, and if you don’t like it, you can try one of his other high quality whey protein products – all manufactured to the same high standard. His Whey Protein products satisfy all the nine essentials above, and is certified free of GMO ingredients, pesticides, and chemicals. You can get his Pro-Optimal Whey Protein on his website.
How Do I Take Pro-Optimal Whey Protein?
I take it daily, mixed in my breakfast shake.
Here’s the recipe for “Morning Glory Shake”:
- 8 oz. of Almond Milk
- 1 scoop of Pro-Optimal Whey Protein powder, chocolate flavored
- 1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
- 1 teaspoon of Maca Root Powder
- 3 scoops of L-Glutamine powder (approx. 15 grams of L-Glutamine)
- 1 scoop of D-Ribose powder (approx. 5 grams)
Mix all the ingredients in a blender – on very low speed, as the amino acids in the Pro-Optimal Whey Protein are delicate and can easily be destroyed with heat (through high speed blenders which create heat), and enjoy. This “Morning Glory” shake is just delicious and so packed with all the nutrition you need, not just to start your day off right, but to help heal you immune system and colon.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT BOWEL REST:
A word about Bowel Rest – a term used that means your intake limits your digestive process and literally rests your colon from doing work; typically this means a liquid diet. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe you do this in the hospital, so it can be done via intravenous fluids or through a feeding tube while being monitored.
3) at home by severly limiting your ingestion of foods (see below)
Depending upon how severe your flare or condition is (please check with your doctor for his input of course), there are ways you can do this Bowel Rest from home, within your control, and its purpose is to “calm” your colon down. In years past, when I was flaring badly, I would do Bowel Rest for 3-4 days, and always found it to be soothing to the gut, almost as if it enabled a “reset” of sorts.
How did I do my Bowel Rest?
It would mean that for 3-4 days, I would have 5-6 protein shakes a day. To ensure the best possible outcome and nutritionally balanced sustenance, I would add the liquid vitamins and liquid minerals ( I addressed this in an earlier Update), D-Ribose powder (important sugar necessary for ATP cellular production), in addition to other supplements like L-Glutamine amino acid powder, Maca Powder, Chia Seeds ( all addressed in earlier Updates) – for the recipe, please see Morning Glory Shake above.
There are other schools of thought on this; some who believe that bowel rest should be done with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Although these are great, I don’t agree because they do not provide your body with the adequate nutrition or protein your body requires. That’s the reason I strongly recommend Bowel Rest done with Protein Shakes (with either almond milk or rice milk, no soy).
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