Protein is a group of nutrients responsible for building and strengthening one’s muscles and helping repair body tissue. They are produced by amino acids, many of which you must gain through your diet. Even when one should consume recommended amounts of protein, such needs can differ per person.
Our health relies on the different things we have and do. It’s also necessary to determine the best steps to ensure we are as healthy as possible. The following four factors help identify how much protein we might need. Longevity Live Paid Content.
1. Diet and Eating Habits
People may have told you that you might be overeating or even less. This is because diet is a crucial factor in our health. What we eat affects our body in many ways, with physical health the most apparent. The healthier the food we eat, the healthier we become.
For instance, you might lack protein if you have not eaten protein-rich foods. And if you have not been eating well (i.e., overeating foods deemed unhealthy or not eating at all), chances are it’s not just protein you will need, but a whole other group of nutrients.
Of course, not everyone can share the same diet. Foods deemed healthy to some people may be harmful to others, and too much of one thing may be too little to somebody else. Fortunately, there are a variety of foods that are rich in protein.
For example, you have many options if you have an ordinary omnivore diet. Meat is a favorite protein source, and this, as well as animal products, is rich in all the essential amino acids. Fish is also a great source of protein and healthier. Alternatively, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you can still have several plant-based options, like legumes, whole grains, whey, and more.
If you think your diet consists of less food rich in protein or any other nutrient, it will help to add more nutrient-rich food for regular consumption. You may consult this with a dietician.
2. Occupation and Everyday Routine
What do you do for a living? You must have been hearing this phrase all around the internet. Your occupation -particularly the activities you have to do while in it- plays a role in your health in many ways. It could reflect your health and make a reasonable basis for your ideal diet. This is because our activities will require a certain amount of nutrients to keep doing our everyday activities.
For instance, if you do work that primarily involves physical labor, like construction or farming, you will need a lot of energy to accomplish physically laborious tasks and enough protein for muscle buildup, strength, and recovery. The same applies if you regularly do other physical activities, such as hobbies like hiking or wall climbing.
On the other hand, if you have a desk job, are still a student, or don’t regularly do anything physical, you will need only an adequate amount of protein, perhaps the amount generally recommended by doctors.
You can also adjust your protein intake depending on what you do daily. You can eat more protein-rich foods on a physically exhausting day and less if there’s nothing to do.
3. Body Goals
What do you want for your body? Is there something you want to achieve? Would you like to have more or less weight, or perhaps to build some muscle? Part of what shapes our bodies are the food we eat and the activities we do, like exercise. As many people say, a good diet and exercise can lead to having the ideal body you like.
Where does the protein fall in, you ask? As mentioned, protein helps shape your body differently if you do it right. Protein is responsible for many things in the body, so that it can help you with your plan. Assuming you plan to work out, eating protein before or after exercise can help your muscles perform well.
The amount of protein you may need to accompany your workout may vary. It would help to ask a professional trainer or dietician for assistance. You might be recommended products like protein powders, which you can regularly consume in appropriate portions.
Protein powders have a lot of variety, so you can find the best whey protein powder or the Best Casein for your workouts, whichever is recommended to you.
4. Medical History and Conditions
One particular thing one might be concerned with is the lack of nutrients. This can come with health conditions a person might be born with or could acquire due to certain situations.
Protein deficiency, while not typical, is existent and may lead to several health problems. Such health concerns could include eating disorders or genetic problems. As much as possible, consume as many nutrient-rich foods as possible, protein included.
If you or somebody you know suffers from severe illness, do not hesitate to seek medical help.
To Conclude
Protein is one of the many essential nutrients our body needs not just to survive but to allow us to function normally and to do our everyday tasks. Depending on numerous factors, you may need specific amounts of it. It’s best to visit a professional, like a physician or a dietician, to know the best protein diet for you.
Who is the author?
Elizabeth Elaine Reed is a fitness and health writer with an eye for all things lifestyle. Elizabeth has always been in love with the idea of living life to the fullest. She spends her days reading up on the latest research about health, exercise, and nutrition—and when she’s not doing that, she’s cooking something delicious or trying out new recipes. She also loves spending time outdoors—hiking, biking, and skiing.