Beef and Pork Give Gut Pains

Before I received my Hashimoto's diagnosis, I used to start each day with a protein smoothie.

In some ways, this was a very positive habit; but in other ways, it was very detrimental to my health, and I didn't even know it.

Protein is an essential macronutrient and helps us to build up our body, to ensure that all vital processes are taking place. Protein is an important source of amino acids such as glutamine and L-tyrosine, which repair gut cells and create thyroid hormones, respectively.

People eating the Standard American Diet, or vegan and vegetarian diets, may not get enough protein, and can be at risk for protein deficiency. Some symptoms include: fatigue, trouble losing weight, brain fog, blood sugar imbalances, trouble building muscle, muscle wasting, intestinal permeability, and hair loss.

Sound familiar?

In this article, I'll explain:

• The importance of protein for Hashimoto's
• The right amount of protein for you
• The benefits of protein smoothies
• The right types of protein for Hashimoto's
• My favorite products

What Is Protein?

Depending on which article you read today, there is a lot of conflicting information out there about how much protein we should be consuming. The truth is, different people will need different amounts, depending on their lifestyle, lifestage, and health conditions. However, we can't deny that protein is essential to human life, and a crucial part of any diet.

Proteins are large molecules that our cells require to grow and mend themselves. Protein makes up about 15 percent of our body mass, and is consumed predominantly through animal sources, though there are many plant sources of protein as well. Chemically, protein is composed of amino acids, which are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Amino acids function as a cell's "building blocks."

People are able to produce some amino acids, but must get others from food. The nine amino acids that us humans cannot produce on our own are called essential amino acids. These consist of:

• Histidine: needed for growth and tissue repair, and is important for maintenance of myelin sheaths (fatty tissue) that protect nerve cells
• Isoleucine: promotes glucose consumption and uptake
• Leucine: contributes to the regulation of blood sugar levels; promotes growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue, growth hormone production, and wound healing
• Lysine: used in the biosynthesis of proteins and fighting viral infections
• Methionine: a unique sulfur-containing amino acid that can be used to build proteins and produce many molecules in the body, including the antioxidant glutathione and the molecule SAMe, which improves mood
• Phenylalanine: a precursor to tyrosine, an amino acid used to make thyroid hormones; is also used by the body to produce proteins
• Threonine: supports central nervous, cardiovascular, liver, and immune system functioning
• Tryptophan: needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults; creates niacin, which is essential in creating the happy neurotransmitter serotonin
• Valine: promotes muscle growth and tissue repair

Other amino acids that are produced in the body to some extent, but need to be supplemented from outside protein sources, include:

• Tyrosine: The thyroid gland combines tyrosine and iodine to make thyroid hormone.
• Glutamine: This amino acid helps repair intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and boosts immune function.
• Carnitine : This important nutrient is critical for our body's ability to optimally burn fat required for energy, and can relieve brain fog, muscle wasting, and fatigue.

These, and many other important amino acids, are readily available to us through the protein we consume.

The Importance of Protein for Hashimoto's

Adequate protein intake is crucial for those with Hashimoto's, for several reasons. First, many of the essential and non-essential amino acids are required for thyroid function, gut repair, and immune function. Without these amino acids, our bodies can't perform their basic functions of keeping us alive, much less repair the damage from autoimmune disease.

Certain amino acids such as tyrosine are required to make thyroid hormones. Other amino acids such as glutamine can restore the gut barrier (a compromised gut barrier is the hallmark of leaky gut — a requirement for autoimmunity to develop), whereas lysine (an essential amino acid) can be particularly helpful for providing immune support against viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (especially beneficial for individuals with autoimmune conditions).

Second, not getting enough protein can lead to blood sugar imbalances — a common root cause and symptom of Hashimoto's. Combining carbohydrates with protein can slow down the glycemic impact of the carbohydrates you consume. This can help you avoid the blood sugar highs and lows that can fuel dysfunction within the body.

Animal protein also contains nutrients which are critical for healthy thyroid function. These include selenium, zinc, iron, and B12.

The Right Amount of Protein

So how much protein should you eat? It depends.

• For general health purposes, you should be consuming about 0.45-0.55 grams of protein per day, for each pound that you weigh. (The official calculation is done by kilograms of body weight: 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram.) This translates to roughly 50 grams of protein per day, for a person who weighs 100 pounds.
• Higher protein intake (0.55-0.68 grams per pound of body weight, per day) is recommended for most older adults who have acute or chronic diseases. In this case, a person who weighs 100 pounds should aim for 54-68 grams of protein per day.
• Generally, the more active you are, the more protein you need. Bodybuilders need even more protein — as much as 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight — so a 100 pound person would want to aim for 100 grams of protein each day!
• Older people with severe kidney disease (who are not on dialysis) are an exception to this rule — these individuals may need to limit their protein intake, as their kidneys may not be able to properly process the protein.

Benefits of Protein Smoothies

Having a protein-packed smoothie in the morning can help kick off our daily nutrition and keep our blood sugar balanced, as well as help the thyroid gland (if low protein is a contributing factor). A protein powder mixed with blended foods can provide the body with predigested nutrition, allowing for better absorption of nutrients, even when our digestion isn't perfect.

The Best Types of Protein for Hashimoto's

The wrong kind of protein can be detrimental, as can not getting adequate amounts of protein.

Back in the day, I used to put whey protein and yogurt in my smoothies, not realizing that I was sensitive to dairy!

Dairy proteins (casein and whey) are highly reactive for up to 80 percent of people with Hashimoto's. My "healthy breakfast" was causing the autoimmune attack on my thyroid gland, and was also causing my carpal tunnel, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Within three days of getting off dairy, my acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome disappeared!

My carpal tunnel resolved a few months later, and over time, my thyroid antibody levels decreased.

Most protein powders on the market contain soy and dairy, which are two highly reactive proteins for people with Hashimoto's. While egg white proteins are also an option and can be less reactive, unfortunately, those with Hashimoto's who start using them often find themselves with new-onset egg reactions, because egg whites are difficult to digest for people with intestinal permeability.

The protein powders that are best tolerated by people with Hashimoto's, in my experience, are hemp protein, pea protein and hydrolyzed beef protein.

Hemp Protein

Hemp protein is vegan, gluten-, dairy- and soy-free, but it has a strong taste that doesn't blend well with some foods, and can be an issue for those with estrogenic concerns (as it has significant estrogen activity-promoting properties).

Pea Protein

Pea protein is vegan, gluten-, dairy- and soy-free, and has a mild taste. However, it is not compatible with the Autoimmune Paleo diet. Pea protein can be made from genetically modified peas, so I always recommend choosing only organic pea protein.

Beef Protein

Beef protein is Paleo- and Autoimmune Paleo-friendly.

It is also gluten-, soy-, casein-, and whey-free (casein and whey are reactive proteins found in dairy products).

Beef protein is a complete protein, which means that it contains the essential amino acids we need to survive.

Hydrolyzed beef protein offers a special advantage, as it is less likely to cause additional food reactions due to the hydrolysis process, which breaks the protein into tiny pieces.

I recommend using hydrolyzed beef protein for building up your body in the Adrenal Recovery and Gut Balance Protocols of my book, Hashimoto's Protocol . However, many of the beef proteins currently on the market have added flavors and fillers, like stevia, which some people may react to.

Rootcology Protein Powder Options

Many of you have expressed interest in a protein powder that is autoimmune-friendly and would adhere to the guidelines of the Autoimmune Paleo diet. And, as you likely know, this type of product has proven to be very difficult to find…

So back in 2017, I created the FIRST autoimmune-friendly protein powder on the market! We have sold thousands of this product and have been able to help so many, which makes me incredibly happy!

(This is a photo of me squinting with excitement when, after three years of development and effort, I finally got the finished product!)

I'd ask you to trust me on this, but hey, I'd rather you decide for yourself. In fact, there is zero risk, because every product in my Rootcology line has a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee!

All of the supplement ingredients have been carefully chosen by yours truly to address the needs and sensitivities of people with autoimmune thyroid disease. They are pharmaceutical-grade, tested by third-party companies to make sure that they have what the label says they have (and nothing more), and formulated to be free of potentially harmful fillers.

Rootcology AI Paleo Protein contains hydrolyzed beef protein that is free of fillers, and is compliant with even the strictest autoimmune protocol. It's very tasty, too! Surprisingly, it doesn't taste like beef, rather, it has a slight milky taste — I personally love it. 😉

Rootcology AI Paleo Protein is an ideal protein for those who:

• Want a true Paleo protein source
• Want a beef protein that's free of antibiotics and hormones
• Are sensitive to dairy, soy or eggs
• Are working on building protocols (Adrenal Recovery and Gut Balance)
• Are on an Autoimmune Paleo diet
• Have many intolerances to foods and fillers
• Have trouble with digestion

So now you can have your smoothies and your health too — even if you're following the Autoimmune Paleo diet!

Note: This product is not recommended for people who need to be on low-protein diets, such as people with phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, or advanced kidney disease.

I also have a vanilla-flavored version of the hydrolyzed beef protein, but please note that it does contain stevia and some light additives. Some people do enjoy the extra flavoring and compare it to vanilla ice cream!

Last, but not least, I have Rootcology Organic Pea Protein, which is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, as well as vegetarian/vegan-friendly.

As you can see, I wanted to develop several options for you so that you could find one that would be a great fit, regardless of the protocol that you are on!

Don't forget, it's a win-win with Rootcology's 100% satisfaction, 30-day guarantee.

I hope you check them out!

The Takeaway

Protein is essential for human function, and getting the right kind of protein that is safe for Hashimoto's, is important for your health and recovery! I can't emphasize enough how much adding a quality protein (and healing amino acids) to my morning routine changed my energy and overall health. I want the same for you!

I recommend the Rootcology line of protein powders to help you meet your daily protein requirements, without compromising your health.

This year marks four whole years since I released the protein powders to my readers!

To celebrate, for a limited time I am offering my readers the opportunity to purchase Rootcology protein powder at 10% off. Plus, I'm giving away two amazing bonuses, including a gorgeous eBook full of delicious smoothie recipes, AND another non-smoothie eBook filled with yummy protein snack options.

You're going to love your new morning routine, and will look forward to having a healthy dose of protein with our recipes!

P.P.S. What are people saying?

• Jeri S. shared with me, "Thank you for the Pea Protein Powder. I love the taste and it makes me feel great. No digestive issues like some protein powders I have tried. Thank you. I look forward to purchasing it again."
• Dorrie S. shared about the AI Paleo Protein, "I have had a progressively advancing autoimmune disorder for 20 plus years and tried all protein powders out there. This is the only one I did not react to and feel great taking. I have the confidence I'm getting what my body needs."
• Jodi B said, "After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's and gluten sensitivity I realized I was not giving my body the protein it needed. I now have a smoothie with hydrolyzed beef protein powder every morning for breakfast and a smaller one close to bedtime which keeps me from waking up hungry in the middle of the night. I also make sure I have some protein with every meal."

Have you tried Rootcology protein powder? If so, how did it improve your symptoms? I'd love to hear your success stories!

Note: Originally published in April 2017, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.

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Source: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/protein-safe-hashimotos/

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