Performance Nutrition and the Case for Whey Protein

 As a naturopathic physician who prioritizes the role of good nutrition in the management of health, I often remind my patients to eat more anti-inflammatory foods and fewer pro-inflammatory foods.

When it comes to fueling and priming your body, why not match your diet with your performance goals?  Whether that is running a 5K, completing a triathlon, or achieving milestones in sports that you have played for years, the fuel you give your body can truly make a difference.  In this blog, I highlight the benefits of whey protein.  Whey protein provides a wide array of important amino acids.  It is has both growth promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Whey protein and why quality matters:

-Whey protein is absorbed quickly and is easily digestible.

-Studies have shown that replacing other sources of calories with whey protein, combined with weight lifting, can cause weight loss of about 8 pounds (3.5 kg) while increasing lean muscle mass.

-There is improved fat quality in grass fed whey.

-The amount of lactose in both forms of whey protein is likely to be low enough for those who are lactose intolerant to use.

Whey protein isolate vs concentrate – what’s the difference?

The main difference between whey isolate and concentrate is that whey isolate undergoes more processing, which results in a higher protein content with less carbs, lactose and fat. Whey isolate is typically more expensive than whey concentrate.