Protein Powder

[2005grad]

Will taking this protein increase the the size of my heart wich might increase my blockage which is already 2.5

[mbcube]

Not likely, but discuss with your doctor. I assume your also lifting weights, Please also check with him (limits, straining, heart rate).

[Reenie]

I agree with mbcube. The powder itself shouldn't cause problems that I'm aware of, but lifting heavy weights can. Have you called the HCMA office yet to discuss your case and to see about referrals to a specialist?

[Pam Alexson]

Per Burton Borrock( one of our departed HCM friends)

Whey Protein
Description:
Whey is one of the proteins found in milk (the other is casein). Whey protein accounts for only about 20% of the total protein found in milk, while casein makes up about 80% or milk protein. Long considered a useless by-product of dairy (cheese) manufacturing, whey protein is enjoying an increased interest as a protein supplement. Whey has a long history of use as a cheap protein source for low-cost protein powders and used to be viewed as a "disposal problem" for the dairy industry. Recent claims of the high biological activity of whey protein, and the profits to be made by selling something that used to be thrown away, have encouraged dairy processing plants to begin processing and spray-drying in various ways to enhance its benefits in commercial protein powders.

Claims:
• Enhanced immune function
• Increased protein synthesis
• More “biologically active” than other proteins
• Associated with greater nitrogen retention

Theory:
Whey protein is rich in certain amino acids and low in fat. The key amino acids, the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs = leucine, valine and isoleucine) may help delay fatigue during endurance exercise. Another amino acid, cysteine, can be found in relatively high amounts in whey protein - compared to other protein sources such as soy or gelatin in which cysteine is lacking. Various protein groups found in whey protein have been cited as "immune stimulators".

Scientific Support:
Whey proteins can differ dramatically from one another depending on the processing method and the total protein content. For example, whey protein can exist as simple whey powder (30% or less total protein content), whey protein concentrate (30-85% protein) or whey protein isolate (90% or higher protein content). In the case of whey protein isolates (the most expensive type), two key processing methods, ion exchange filtration and cross-flow micro-filtration can remove different components of the total whey protein, resulting in end products with different taste, texture and functional properties. Whey proteins processed using the ion exchange methodology appear to retain the majority of the functional benefits associated with immune system maintenance. Enhanced resistance to infection and elevated glutathione levels (an antioxidant enzyme containing cysteine) have been noted in subjects consuming concentrated whey protein. Whey protein also contains lactoferrin, a protein that has been shown to possess bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against microorganisms that can cause gastroenteric infections and food poisoning.

Whey protein has been used in a number of animal and human feeding studies, where it has shown benefits in promoting weight gain, elevating glutathione levels (an antioxidant), and preventing metabolic acidosis (although the same can be claimed for virtually any high-quality protein source). Whether or not the minor content differences between various whey proteins actually result in any appreciable differences in muscle gain in humans (their primary claim) has never been demonstrated.

Safety:
There are no adverse side effects associated with whey protein.

Value:
Whey protein can be used as a general source of high quality, low fat protein in any diet. Those individuals who also want the supposed immune system benefits of whey protein, may want to consider the more expensive whey isolates produced by ion exchange filtration – be aware, however, that these claims are largely speculative and have not yet been adequately proven in human subjects. Individuals in this category may include athletes at risk for infection (during intense training or recovery) or anybody recovering from injury or illness. Those individuals simply looking for a high quality protein source to supplement their diet may want to consider one of the less expensive protein concentrates currently available, such as casein, egg, or soy.

Dosage:
Intake levels should be based on total caloric requirements, body weight and period of training. During intense training or recovery, you may want as much as 50% of your protein requirements to come from whey protein or other source of concentrated low fat protein (approximately 40 g/day for a 160lb man). As a general daily supplement, however, lower doses of whey, perhaps 10-20 grams per day, as part of an adequate intake combined with other protein sources, may be sufficient to deliver the biological benefits of whey. A useful combination strategy is to split protein intake evenly between high quality sources such as whey, egg, casein and soy proteins.

I hope this information is of use to you.
Burt


I can not find the thread but there are different types of protein and soy is one less favorable for HCM hearts it is believed. We had a discussion in the past on that here @ the HCMA message board.. someone will pull it up.
Pam

[mbcube]

One thing I remember is that protein supplements do tax the kidneys a bit & its important to hydrate. That being said, be careful about water retention.

[Bucky]

I have a question also in this vein.

My friend down the street is a naturopath.....he has recommended the following to me...

1. CoQ10 _ I already take this and it has helped.
2. L- Carnitine
3. d-Ribose
4. Zymitol

Anybody have any ideas whether these might hurt of help.


Thank,

Bucky

[mbcube]

I can only speak on L- Carnitine and my experience with it. I found that some supplement manufacturers only create high dose gels or liquids & those made my heart race. I then decided to use them after a workout rather than before. I didn't see any real change in how I felt and for that reason I stopped taking it. Here's is a decent link:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm

Others have done studies and find no clinical improvement or benefit.

Buy small quantities and test and be sure to also let your doctors know - We often "forget " to tell our caregivers about our supplements but you must understand that these DO interact with prescribed medicine, and are not always harmless.

[Bucky]

Thanks mbcube!!!

[ben's mom]

thanks for that link to alternative medicines....i am giving my son turmeric because of a canadian study about it reducing hypertrophy in mice. there have been other studies that suggest turmeric is good for heart disease...since my son is not currently taking any medication, i don't have to worry about drug interactions....yet.
here is the link to the recent study

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=18292803

http://www.naturalnews.com/022959.html

[Bucky]

I've read the study on Curcumin (Tumeric)....very interesting. Keep us posted. Is he taking Curcumin or Tumeric and how much how many times a day.

Bucky

[ben's mom]

He takes 500 mg of curcumin twice a day. I put it into water. He takes it with omega 3 oil in the evening as curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body.