It is important to have protein in our diets, and it is extremely important for patients recovering from spinal cord injury to have the protein that they need to help with muscle and tissue growth and recovery and to provide energy throughout the recovery process. The American Dietetic Association (ADA), the largest organization of food and nutrition experts in the world, has published new guidelines that support the use of proper nutrition in the care of many illnesses and injuries, including spinal cord injury.
Acute spinal cord injury can result in spinal cord tissue loss, and, as we all know, protein is essential for the rebuilding and recovery of tissue. The guidelines that have been prepared by the ADA have been created to help medical professionals to help their patients through proper nutritional care.
How to Get Enough Protein
You can get a lot of the proteins that you need from a variety of animal sources, including lean red meat, poultry (chicken and turkey are the most popular, and white meat is preferable) and fish. These are all extremely protein-rich foods that will help to provide the protein that you need to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Milk and milk products are another terrific dietary source of protein. In fact, whey and casein, popular proteins used in protein supplements, are milk derivatives, byproducts of the cheese-making process. But when you add these foods to your diet, make sure that you opt for low-fat options, such as skim milk and cheeses made from partially-skim or skim milk.
There are a number of dietary sources of protein that are extremely diet-friendly and are also great options for vegetarians. These include fruit and vegetable proteins, which can come from bananas, strawberries, apples, broccoli, carrots and peas. Soy is another vegetable protein, and it is considered to be a complete protein because it contains all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Rice protein is another one that is great for vegetarians, and it is also hypoallergenic and is a complete protein.
Powdered Protein Supplements – Many people find that they like using powdered protein supplements to provide them with the additional protein that they need following injuries. Powdered protein supplements are available in a variety of flavors, and the chocolate and vanilla are exceptionally good in protein breakfast shakes. You can get fruit or berry-flavored protein powders to add to fruit juices and smoothies, and there are also unflavored protein powders which can easily be incorporated into most of your favorite recipes.
Liquid Protein Supplements – There are many types of liquid protein supplements. You can get liquid supplements that can be added to your favorite shakes and smoothies. There are also pre-mixed drinks and shakes available that are portable and give you a shot of protein while you are on the go. One popular liquid protein supplement is Profect, from Protica. This little drink really packs a punch of protein, with 25 grams of protein in less than three-ounces. Profect is low in fat and carbohydrates and contains only 100 calories per serving.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Protein: A Case Study
After a motorcycle accident, Liam was left with a serious spinal cord injury. It was deemed an incomplete injury, which means that there was a chance that he would regain his feeling and his ability to use his legs, however, at this moment, he is stuck in a wheelchair. Liam will be going to physical therapy to keep up his strength. He works out every day to keep his upper body strong, just in case he does not regain the use of his legs. Liam is also working toward keeping a positive outlook, but it can be really hard at times.
One of the things that Liam is doing to keep his spirits high is talking to others who are dealing with similar problems, including other spinal cord injury survivors and those who were born with spinal cord problems, by joining an online support group. He is very happy with the information that he is getting and it also helps him get through some of the tough days. It makes him happy to help others get through their own very tough days.
In addition to positive spirits and the physical therapy, Liam is also learning how important that proper nutrition is in his recovery. For instance, protein is one of the most important nutrients that he can get in his daily diet. Protein will help his body to work on rebuilding damaged cells and keep his immune system strong and functioning at optimal levels. Because protein is vital to the role of the immune system (antibodies are proteins), he will need more than he would on an average day. If he does not get enough protein, he will take longer to heal.
Liam talks over his needs with his doctor, who sends him to a nutritionist. There he discusses his calorie count and his protein needs. The nutritionist also explains his increased needs for protein based on his injury and the chances that he will recover fully, and how protein is used for that as well. He will consider a number of protein sources, including lean animal protein sources and a protein supplement to make sure he is getting the right amount. Because he is still an active man, he chooses Profect, which allows him to stash a vial or two in his wheelchair bag. He likes it so much that he will probably continue using it when he is back on his feet and back on his bike as well.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright