A Few Additional Protein Notes

Many doctors, dietitians, and sports nutritionists have come down on animal protein for several reasons including its effect on renal acid load. While it's true that animal protein (especially animal flesh) does produce a high PRAL, I find it interesting that the same "experts" espouse high grain diets. As you can see from the charts above, whole grains are also very acid forming.

Another interesting fact is that while a high protein diet is acid forming, the high protein diet also seems to counteract some of its own acid loading potential.(9) In other words, while protein produces an acid load, it also increases the body's capacity for excreting those acids. None of the other acid producing foods are as effective as protein in doing so. Besides, just like with the other acid-forming foods, all you have to do is consume enough basic foods and supplements to neutralize the acidity.

Conclusions

Just because very few individuals in the sports-nutrition world are talking about acid-base balance doesn't mean that it's not important. Employing a few simple strategies to neutralize your high-acid diet may mean the difference between chronic low-grade acidosis - and the associated muscle wasting, bone loss, and altered hormonal profile - and a healthy, alkaline diet.

References

1. Remer and Manz, J. Am Diet Assoc. 95: 791-797, 1995.
2. Frassetto et al, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 82: 254-259, 1997.
3. New, Proc Nutr Soc. 61(2): 151-164, 2002.
4. Wiederkehr et al, Swiss Med Wkly. 10:127-132, 2001.
5. Maurer et al, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 284(1): F32-40, 2003.
6. Buclin et al, Osteoporos Int. 12: 493-499, 2001.
7. Welbourne, et al. JPEN. 18(3): 243-7, 1994.
8. Sebastian et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 76(6): 1308-1316, 2002.
9. Remer et al, Eur J Nut. 40(5): 214-20, 2001.

For more information about acid/base balance please visit Dr. Berardi's page at:

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/acid-base

Attached is also the link to read the study recently published by Dr. Berardi:

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