What Happens When Your Clients Aren’t Breaking Down Protein Efficiently?
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By Elizabeth Emrick, ND
Protein is having a mainstream moment. From muscle health to healthy aging, we are bombarded more than ever about the importance of getting enough protein. But there’s a major part of the equation that’s easy to overlook: digestion.
Simply eating enough protein doesn’t guarantee the body can access all of its substantial nutritional value. Dietary protein needs to be broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids before it can be absorbed and used. These amino acids help support muscle health, healthy aging, normal tissue repair and the production of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and other important body structures and functions.
For practitioners, that means the conversation may need to go beyond, “Are you getting enough protein?” It can also be helpful to consider, “How well are you digesting it?”
Why Protein Digestion Matters
Protein digestion begins in the stomach and continues in the small intestine, where digestive enzymes help break proteins down into smaller components that can be absorbed and used by the body.
Efficient protein digestion may be particularly worth considering for individuals who are:
- Increasing their overall protein intake
- Eating larger or more protein-dense meals
- Focused on maintaining muscle as they age
- Experiencing occasional digestive discomfort after meals
- Looking for additional digestive support
As we age or during periods of digestive stress, supporting normal digestive function may become increasingly important. Digestive enzymes can be one tool to consider as part of a broader nutrition strategy.
Choosing Digestive Enzyme Support
The right formula depends on the individual and their overall needs.
Critical Digestion® is the option I would reach for when the primary goal is more robust digestive support around larger, richer or higher-protein meals.* Its broader enzyme profile (plus probiotics) is designed to help break down multiple components of a mixed meal, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber and dairy.* For someone increasing protein intake, eating larger meals or wanting stronger meal-time enzyme support, this would be my first choice.*
Complete Digestion™ is the option I would consider when someone wants gentler, everyday digestive support with the added benefit of probiotics.*
These formulas can be incorporated into a larger nutrition strategy rather than viewed as a replacement for balanced eating habits.
Simple Ways to Support Protein Digestion
Digestive enzymes are only one piece of the puzzle. Practitioners can also encourage individuals to build simple habits around meals:
- Spread protein throughout the day. Include adequate protein at multiple meals rather than concentrating most intake into one meal.
- Chew thoroughly. Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth, making thorough chewing an easy place to start.
- Slow down at meals. Eating in a relaxed state and avoiding rushed meals can support healthy digestive habits.
- Stay hydrated. Adequate hydration supports normal digestive function.
- Vary protein sources. Include a mix of animal- and plant-based protein foods for variety.
- Support muscle with strength training. Adequate protein provides important building blocks while resistance exercise supports healthy muscle maintenance.
- Prioritize overall digestive health. A balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods can help support healthy digestive function.
Ultimately, protein nutrition is about more than hitting a daily gram target. Helping individuals support both adequate protein intake and healthy digestion can be a more complete approach to supporting muscle health, healthy aging and overall wellness.
Dr. Elizabeth Emrick is a first-year naturopathic medical resident working under the dual mentorship of Dr. Ilana Gurevich and Dr. Rebecca Sand, in Portland, Oregon.
