The Importance Of Protein As We Age
Everyone has heard of protein, but why we need it and what it does most people don’t know.
First of all, what is protein?
Protein is one of a complex group of molecules that do all kinds of jobs in your body. They make up your hair, nails, bones, and muscles. Protein gives tissues and organs their shape and also helps them work the way they should. In short, protein is one of the building blocks that make you into who you are. Older adults need to eat more protein-rich foods when they’re trying to lose weight, dealing with a chronic or acute illness, or facing a hospitalization, according to a growing consensus among scientists. Aging bodies process protein less efficiently and need more of it to maintain muscle mass and strength, bone health, and other essential physiological functions.
Impact on functioning. Recent research suggests that older adults who consume more protein are less likely to lose “functioning”: the ability to dress themselves, get out of bed, walk up a flight of stairs and more. In a 2018 study that followed more than 2,900 seniors over 23 years, researchers found that those who ate the most protein were 30 percent less likely to become functionally impaired than those who ate the least amount.
In another study, which was published in 2017 and followed nearly 2,000 older adults over six years, people who consumed the least amount of protein were almost twice as likely to have difficulty walking or climbing steps as those who ate the most, after adjusting for health behaviors, chronic conditions and other factors.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle. The medical term for this condition is called sarcopenia. This natural part of aging can put us at risk of falls and may make us less mobile, affecting our quality of life by making it more difficult to do the things we want to do. The older you get, the more lean muscle mass your body loses. this is especially true if you don’t have a ton of protein in your diet. Over time, that can make exercise and even everyday activities like cleaning or carrying groceries feel like more of a challenge.
Some Of The Reasons We Should Consume More Protein:
Reduces Appetite and Hunger Levels
Increases Muscle Mass and Strength
Reduces Cravings and Desire for Late-Night Snacking
Boosts Metabolism and Increases Fat Burning
Helps Your Body Repair Itself After Injury
Regulates Hormones
Reduces Stress
It’s pretty easy to get extra protein if you need it. With all the protein bars and protein shakes that they have around these days. I usually drink either Boost or Ensure protein drinks, depends on which one is on sale.
