Question:
What is too much protein?
I heard that after surgery your body can only absorb 30 grams of protein at a time. I drink the liquid protein drinks in the test tubes from GNC which are 42 to 45 grams of protein. It takes me about 30 to 45 minutes to drink one down, since I also dilute it with water. Am I not getting the full 42 to 45 grams? — jbwise (posted on December 28, 2008)
December 27, 2008
I use the protein shots as well. I don't dilute them (I prefer to just
drink it down fast and get it over with) and then chase it with a little
water. But my Nut told me the same thing about my body only absorbing so
much at a time...so I just split it. I do half the tube at a time and
refridgerate the rest until later in the day. No big deal. My Nut
recommended half in the morning and half before bed.
— suezahn4me
December 27, 2008
At my support groups, I was also cautioned about consuming 25-30 grams of
protein per serving. I know of know data that specifically shows this to be
a fact, but I currently (at almost 32 months post op) only consume about
the same amount per meal or protein supplement. Some of the women in my
support groups use those bullets too, but dilute them with water or other
SF flavors to make them taste better--and they consume them over a longer
period of time, say 2 hours. I personally don't understand your hurry to
drink it down that fast? I'd err on the side of caution and consume half
the vial at a time, consuming it over an hour or two. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
December 28, 2008
Thank you for posting this important question! Yes, females can only use
25 grams of protein at any one time. Males can use 30 grams. Several
years ago I did 70 to 80 grams in the a.m., taking several hours (grazing!)
to get the stuff down. If you consume more, you sabotage your weight loss
goals. Excess protein can cause your weight loss to stall, can add weight
to your frame, etc. I know from personal experience. Do err on the side
of caution: don't graze (take a long time to get your meal in); if female
don't consume more than 25 grams per meal; don't count any protein over 25
per meal towards your daily goal; if male, don't consume more than 30 grams
per meal; don't count any protein over 30 grams per meal towards your daily
goal; keep water and any liquids away from your mouth for 15 to 30 minutes
before a meal; keep water and any liquids away from your mouth for 30
minutes minimum after a meal. I think if you figure out the cost of one of
those bullets vs. getting protein powder (i.e. Isopure) which you can use
at 25 grams per scoop, you will find you are wasting a lot of money. I
have heard but have not been able to verify that once liquid is added to
the protein powder, it has a limited shelf life. Yes, a young salesman
convinced mem to buy one of those bullets. Right after that, at support
group meetings in my area, conducted by doctors and nutritionists and other
health professionals, we were all informed about limiting our consumption
at any one time. When I found out the damage I was personally doing to my
own health and body through my own 2 hour grazing to get that excess
protein in my system, I did an immediate turn around and my boy became ever
so much more healthful. Here is to a peaceful, exciting, and wonderful
2009 for each and every one of us! Blessings. Christine Gibson, MS, MA,
OH Coach and WLS Support Group Leader
— Christine Gibson
December 28, 2008
I have "heard" this too, but like Dave, never saw it at any
reputable medical site. However when you think in simple terms of how much
protein is in a few ounces of meat, would you want to be drinking more than
you could eat??? I wouldn't...But that's me! I prefer to get my protein
from natural sources generally. (I do use a powder too and the occassional
protein bar for convenience) A 4 oz piece of chicken is approx 23 g's of
protein (And I KNOW for a fact that it has all the key animos that some
supps may NOT have)...I try to eat only 4 oz of protein per meal....
forever...(sometimes I will eat a little more or less) But WHY would I
want to drink the equivalent of almost 8 ounces? I can comfortably eat
80-100 g of protein a day now at 5 years post op..but I did have to supp
the first 6 months to a year. This is just me and how I think...Right or
wrong, I just think it's odd to drink more than you'd want to eat. Protein
is difficult for the body to digest...because it is not stored it must be
discarded....and that too can cause problems...Too much protein is not good
for you if you are not using it all to replace or maintain muscle mass.
While you are losing 5 lbs a week, you are losing 20% muscle...and protein
is SOOO important at this time but in healthy ways and doses...but so is
drinking plenty of water to help flush out the fat...You can actually drink
too much water too and dilute the sodium and electrolyes in your body...It
happens with atheltes and babies who drink watered down formula with
several bottles a day...My point is there IS too much and there is NOT
enough...Find the balance...It's logical when you look to simple solutions
such as "if my urine is bright yellow I need more water to make it
clear"....If I can't eat 8 ounces of meat, I don't want to drink it
either...Common sense...easy! Good luck!
— .Anita R.
December 28, 2008
I would not dilute the protein. And no you are not getting the full 42 to
45 grams if you dilute them with water. Just drink them as they are no
matter how long it takes. I know they taste awful at first but things do
get better.
vinnigirl
— vinnigirl
December 28, 2008
First, you can get in sufficient amounts of protein without grazing.
Christine's point, although well-intentioned, is purely anecdotal.
Secondly, countless studies have been conducted to demonstrate that with
increased daily protein intake (assuming carb intake is limited) weight
loss is increased.
Third, Dave Chambers is right when he explained that no real studies have
ever demonstrated what the exact limit is for the amount of protein a body
can absorb within a single time frame. Admittedly, it is probably not
limitless-- but the key is for you to experiment to determine how much of a
protein drink you can consume comfortably and how much you are willing to
spend for that convenience.
Fourth, my own anecdotal experience here-- during my first 11 months I lost
over 250 pounds (my goal was to lose 280) by increasing my protein intake
(I was typically able to get in over 80 grams per day). To keep that
protein intake high, instead of just water, I would sip broth (admittedly a
small amount of protein, but still some protein) or use the Isopure Zero
Carb clear drinks. I wouldn't graze, but I would have four small meals
(that were protein based) and two small snacks (that were also protein
based) every day. It worked, I had no appreciable hair loss and it seemed
to prove to me that the body benefits from high protein intake.
— SteveColarossi
December 29, 2008
I use the bullet's also, My nut told me to take half then wait atlease 2
hours before the other half. If I am on the run or having one to those
crazy day's I will do 1/2 at 5am, 1/2 around 9. Then another 1/2 around 1
and the other around 5. I don't always have time to eat properly and I
avoid fast food like the plague now (that is how I got fat in the first
place) this helps me keep my energy up and then I just nibble on cheese or
peanut butter crackers to avoid feeling hungry.
— phyllismmay
December 29, 2008
I was told by my dietian that the protien in the tubes are mostly collegan
protien and it is NOT the protien you are meeding. You want whey protien
isolate. The body does not process collegan protien the same way. And you
are correct about the body only absorbing up to 30 grams at a time you you
are really wasting protien there. 25 grams at a time is sufficient
especially when you are eating (drinking) so many small meals in a day.
— Patience P.
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