Q & A by Sherry Sallee, Nutritional Consultant, D.T.R

I have been bodybuilding for years and have developed a lactose problem. It seems as though all whey proteins I consume send me running for the bathroom even though they claim to be lactose free. I had allergy tests done and there is no apparent milk or whey allergy. Lately, I have been consuming rice protein but am not so sure I am getting the best quality protein with rice. I do not like soy for many reasons and am not a huge fan of egg protein either. Do you know of a company that makes beef protein or at least a 100% whey isolate that is low in allergens or guaranteed lactose free? Everything seems to have concentrates in it. This is one subject rarely covered. I know that lactose intolerance is common in African Americans and seems to be taking hold of all races as time go by. There is a need for another type of low allergen protein on the market. Thanks!

Most people who are diagnosed with wheat allergies often are lactose intolerant and vice versa. Which came first, the dairy allergy or the gluten allergy? This is the million dollar question. The more natural your diet is, the less fast foods, starbucks and processed foods we eat, the better that our gut will work. By eating REAL foods, such as pineapple and papaya, we feed our bodies enzymes. By not eating real foods and exposing ourselves to environmental toxins, our body stops being able to function normally, leading to food allergies and most diseases as we know of today.

The most bio-available source of protein is egg white, followed by whey protein, then soy (most of us are oversoyed and we must make sure that the soy is non GMO (genetically modified). The least bio-available is rice, but it is recommended for people with allergies.

When choosing a whey protein, first make sure that it is a medical grade of whey. Milk is separated into curds and whey. The cheaper proteins will buy left over whey, a by product of cheese making. This leftover whey is exposed to heat and is usually denatured and fractionated which makes it very cheap for retail (now you know why there is such a wide range in protein supplement pricing). A medical grade of whey is made by extracting the whey first. Also, stay away from is hydrolized whey, as this can make MSG in the Body. (I go into further detail on this subject in a following question.)

Protein supplement shakes such as ::  Dream Protein, Whey Cool and PaleoMeal :: are medical grades of whey. Dream Protein is mostly whey isolate, concentrate, natural vanilla and stevia and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) which is beneficial to build good gut flora which will strengthen the immune system, assist in digestion of food, as well as, will help to promote regularity. Whey Cool protein contains the full range and exceptional levels of the most important protein components, which are lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, serum albumin, active peptides and growth factors. It has gastrointestinal support and helps leaky guts. The Paleomeal formula is ideal for those needing support with weight control, GI health, detoxification, immune issues, heavy metals, candida overgrowth and muscle gain.These products are nearly lactose and casein free as most people cannot tolerate the casein in dairy.

I would also recommend to avoid protein supplement mixes which have artificial flavors and artificial sweetners such as aspartame, Equal, acesulfame-k, Splenda, sucralose etc. Stevia and Lo-Han are natural sweetners which are much better for you. Also avoid protein supplement mixes which add sugar and/or fructose. Ideally, you should stive to obtain these carbohydrates from whole foods such as fruit or other fiber containing foods.

Another supplement of medical grade which would be beneficial is ::  AllerGzyme :: It is a full spectrum proteolytic enzyme complex which is focused on assisting with the digestion of difficult to breakdown proteins such as gluten, gliadin and casein from whey and dairy, as well as other many other protein sources from the diet including soy and rice. This will help with all your protein meals, including when you supplement with a protein shake.

If you treat your G.I. issues by doing a complete cleansing program of eliminating all of your food allergens for approximately 21 days or more, you will find that you can quite easily eliminate most of your allergies and food sensitivities and get back on a regular dietary track.

I just noticed under the Dream Protein’s supplement facts, that it contains MSG. I’m confused, I thought MSG was bad for you and to stay away from it. Why would MSG be in a medical source of whey protein? Does this mean I can get back to hitting the Chinese restuarants at lunch?

MSG is a flavor enhancer which has been used effectively for nearly a century to bring out the best flavor of foods. Its principal component is an amino acid called glutamic acid or glutamate. Glutamate is found naturally in protein-containing foods such as meat, vegetables, poultry and milk. The human body also produces glutamate naturally in large amounts. The muscles, brain and other body organs contain about four pounds of glutamate, and human milk is rich in glutamate, compared to cow’s milk, for example.

Glutamate is found in two forms: “bound” glutamate (linked to other amino acids forming a protein molecule) and “free” glutamate (not linked to protein). Only free glutamate is effective in enhancing the flavor of food. Foods often used for their flavoring qualities, such as tomatoes and mushrooms, have high levels of naturally occurring free glutamate.

Glutamic acid is one the 28 commonly known amino acids that our body uses to create hundreds of different types of the proteins that we use in our body. Glutamic acid is very important in the body for several reasons:

• Glutathione, which is a very powerful antioxidant is made in the liver from the 3 amino acids, glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine.
• Glutamic acid is also important in the metabolism of sugars and fats, and aids in the transportation of potassium across the blood brain barrier. Glutamic acid helps to correct personality disorders, ulcers, hypogycemia, etc.

MSG is a food additive that is structurally different. Scientifically C5H8O4NaN as opposed to glutamic acid C5H9NO4. They have similar spellings yet are 2 very different things.

The important thing is that there is a difference between bound and free glutamate. Yes, MSG is made from an important amino acid, much the same way that artificial sweetners are manipulated. Sucralose or splenda manipulates sugar using chlorine bleach and aspartame manipulates 2 amino acids. Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. MSG takes an important amino acid and chemically manipulates it into something that is harmful to the body.

I was just at my doctor’s office, and they had a new thing called a Pharmanex scanner, which is supposed to accurately let me know which supplements I need. This would be great because I would instead only bother to purchase supplements which I actually need, instead of being bullied by marketing tactics into thinking that ‘I needed’ them kind of thing. Although this has apparently been around for a few years, why haven’t I heard of it until now? I could have saved so much time and money!

There are many ways ranging from blood, salvia, stool to muscle testing to determine individual needs. The reality is, that most of us are not getting the ::  10-14 servings of fruits and vegetables :: that the American Cancer Society recommends. As we know, the cruciferous vegetables, (broccoli, cabbage, etc) really help to fight cancer and other diseases. So, yes, a scanner such as Pharmanex would indicate diet deficiences. Over 95% of patients tested by the Pharmanex scanner are quite low in antioxidants. Do you actually need a test to inform you that you need to eat more fruits and vegetables which is what we are trying to supplement back into our bodies with dietary supplements? I would assume that most of us will fall in to the 95% category which would require us to make some changes. I think that it is very obvious that most of us would greatly benefit from:

• Adding organic fruits and vegetables to our diet (brightly colored and dark green is the most nutritious) Most of us would benefit from a fruit and vegetable drink that is low in sodium and carbohydrates without artificial sweeteners and a multivitamin for insurance. (:: Multivitamins :: should always be based on the individuals specific needs.)
• Adding healthful oils like ::  fish :: and olive.
• Limiting processed foods. The easiest way to accomplish this is to think like a caveman. If a caveman couldn’t eat what you about to digest, then chances are it is processed and not the most nutrient, nutritious item for you.
• Reducing stress and cortisol levels.
• Getting both aerobic and strength training exercise.
• Finding a balance between Food, Mood and Exercise.

I recommend to start with a :: food journal :: More often than not, what we are doing or what we want to be doing is very different from what we are actually doing. By writing down everything we actually put in our mouths, including the Star Bucks, 7-11, movie popcorn, Tylenol, ibuprofen, beer at the game, ice cream cake at the party, etc, we can then make some positive changes.

A very good book to start with is the :: “Rejuvenation” book by Dr. Donald Hayes ::  This book gives information on environmental toxins, includes a 21 day alkalizing diet, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, recipes and a 21 day journal (journaling is key to making any changes).

Sherry Sallee is a Registered Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. She has over 20 years experience in working with patients on lifestyle changes. Her philosophy is to meet people where they are and to help them get to where they want to go in a realistic way. Sherry has worked with community groups, Tony Robbins, Weight Watchers, Curves, hospitals and her private practice focuses on helping patients to maintain healthy lifestyle changes using her “Food, Mood and Movement” program. In her personal journey for knowledge, she has lost more than 100 pounds of unhealthy body fat and learned that you need more than food to be healthy. Health is a balancing act between the brain and the body.