How does protein support muscle health??

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 25 year old male. I would like to know the importance of protein in the body. What are the main functions, and the recommended daily intake for different age groups and lifestyles? What are some good dietary sources of protein, both animal and plant-based? How does protein contribute to muscle health, weight management, and overall well-being? Are there any potential risks of excessive or inadequate protein consumption? For individuals having specific dietary preferences or restrictions, what are the alternative protein sources that need to be taken?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and maintaining muscle mass, among other important functions in the body.

Protein and weight loss:

  1. Protein helps decrease levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, while increasing levels of appetite-reducing hormones such as GLP-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin, leading to a natural reduction in calorie intake.

  2. Approximately 20-30 percent of the calories from protein are expended during its digestion and metabolism.

  3. A high protein intake can increase your daily calorie burn by 80-100 calories.

  4. Increasing protein intake can significantly reduce cravings and the desire to snack late at night, while also improving muscle mass.

Side effects of protein:

Generally, proteins are more challenging to digest. Excessive consumption, especially of large amounts of legumes and pulses, may cause flatulence and abdominal distention.

Daily recommendation:

  1. 1 gram per kilogram of ideal body weight.

  2. 1.5 grams per kilogram of current body weight for those aiming to gain weight.

  3. Since you have not provided details about your height, weight, and level of physical activity, I cannot give you an exact range for your daily intake.

Protein sources:

For snacking:

  1. Trail mix.

  2. Fruit raita.

  3. Multigrain bread with peanut butter.

  4. Vegetable sticks with hummus.

  5. Murmura bhel.

  6. Channa/sprouts/khakra chat.

  7. Sattu drink.

  8. Oats almond laddo.

  9. Steamed Dhokla.

  10. Dahi papdi chat.

  11. Khandvi.

  12. Low fat paneer tikka.

  13. Bhelpuri.

  14. Chivda with roasted peanuts.

  15. Makhana/sabudana kheer.

For Meals:

  1. Dals, legumes.

  2. Milk and milk products.

  3. Chicken and fish (avoid red meat).

I hope this information helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 5, 2024
Reviewed At July 5, 2024

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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