Nutrition
Athletes' Health
NOTE: Nutrition cannot realistically be fragmented, or divided, into its individual nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc.). A whole food is exponentially superior to the sum of its measurable nutrients. In speaking of fragmented terms such as “protein,” “carbohydrate,” and “fat,” we must always remember that real food comes in a whole form.
Athletes' Health
Physical activity requires far more carbohydrate (energy) than protein.
Movement Requires Energy
Many athletes are greatly misguided when it comes to their dietary needs. As explained in Protein, our needs for energy (carbohydrate) far exceed our needs for replacement structure – especially in exercise. It is true that muscle repair requires protein, but these needs are extremely minimal compared to the needs for energy in the form of carbohydrate. From the long-distance runner to the sports star to the body builder, all our protein needs are easily and most healthfully fulfilled through a diet of whole plant foods.
"You don't get stronger by eating somebody else's muscles."
Jenna Leigh Weiler
Author of All Wholesome Herbs: The Simple Art of Preparing and Enjoying Whole Plant Foods
Excess Protein Causes Muscle Breakdown
Excess protein, whether from animal-based foods or protein supplements, increase the acidity of the body. One of the main ways the body maintains proper pH (acid-base) balance is by breaking down muscle tissue to provide glutamine for the kidneys to manage the increased acid load (Fressetto, et al). In other words, excess dietary protein causes muscle breakdown.
"Many adults or even adolescents (especially athletes or body builders) self-prescribe protein supplements and overlook the risks of using them, mainly due to misguided beliefs in their performance-enhancing abilities."
Delimaris I. Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake Above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults. International Scholarly Research Network: Nutrition, 2013:126929, Jul. 2013.
Excess protein through diet (meat and animal products) or supplements does not improve athletic performance and is detrimental to health. Energy and protein needs are both met best through a diet of whole plant foods.
Research
Delimaris I. Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake Above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults. International Scholarly Research Network: Nutrition, 2013:126929, Jul. 2013.
Frassetto LA, et al. Commentary to accompany the paper entitled ‘Nutritional disturbance in acid–base balance and osteoporosis: a hypothesis that disregards the essential homeostatic role of the kidney’, by Jean-Philippe Bonjour. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(11): 17 Jun. 2013.