High-protein diet 'as bad for health as smoking'

Darren wrote: This popped up on reddit. It seems to be contradictory.

I don't think it's contradictory, it's just doing what many (if not all) media sources haven't which is to critique the research and the claims made, and to identify areas where the study was limited (and there were a few). I read the NHS article and it seems a fairly reasonable discussion of the results and methods of the research and why you shouldn't take media reporting at face value.

So I spent some time this morning reading the study (once i finally managed to get hold of a copy!) and found some interesting things...

Firstly the study points to animal protein intake as the issue (remember this for later!), saying that plant based protein did not appear to have the same effect on mortality rates. So there is the posibility that its not protein at all but some other component of animal related products.

The study also says that those on the high protein diet were more likely to "die of any cause" (maybe meat eater like to live dangerously?) than that the other group. Any cause. Meaning that the mortality rate is purely an observational assuption, not a confirmed link.

This is a quote from the summary of findings...

"We found that high and moderate protein consumption were positively associated with diabetes-related mortality, but not associated with all-cause, CVD, or cancer mortality. Results showed that both the moderate and high protein intake groups had higher risks of diabetes mortality compared to participants in the low protein group. Although taken together these results indicate that moderate to high protein intake promotes diabetes mortality, larger studies are necessary to test this possibility further. An alternative explanation for the elevated diabetes mortality in the higher protein group is that, following a diabetes diagnosis, some individuals may switch to a diet comprised of higher protein, lower fat, and low carbohydrates."

So what they are actually saying is that participants with diabetes were more likely to die while also eating a high protein diet, with no direct association with cancer mortality. There were also only 21 diabetes related deaths (in those who did not have a diagnosis of diabetes at the baseline through out the study, and in the study itself they admit that the sample size is too small to determine accurate results. But i find it interesting that the study tell us the people in the "high protein group" (which made up only 16% of their total intake) were eating around (51%) carbohydrates, but they dont report what kind. nor do they give the fat/carb ratios for the other groups.

Lets not even get into the fact that they used the 24hour food recall method ONCE at the begining of the study and not repeated. As the study itself acknowledged "First, the use of a single 24 hr dietary recall followed by up to 18 years of mortality assessment has the potential of misclassifying dietary practice"

Hands up if your diet has changed over the last 18 years....

Did I mention that the study was part funded by a company that makes plant based meal replacement "medical food" diet products?

yeah.

To anyone interested in reading further on this topic I recommend a book called The China Study. It is a compilation of results from the longest nutritional study ever done, by Dr. Campbell. In short, he studied this topic of animal based proteins and plant based proteins, coming too the conclusion that eating too much animal based protein does in fact increase the likelihood of cancer. Animal proteins and plant proteins work differently in our bodies. Animal products contain "complete" proteins which our body has to completely break apart and transport each amino acid to where they need to go. Plant products have incomplete proteins, making it easier for our body to put them in their place. This is why after eating meat, one has a feeling of heaviness and lethargy.

It is true that anyone following the SAD (Standard American Diet) gets way more protein than they need because of the amount of animal proteins involved. Combining this with a high carb intake generally results in some sort of unfortunate repercussions. So, yes, the highly worshiped cheeseburger is the worst possible of food combinations for anyone watching their health.

As for comparing a high protein diet to smoking, I don't know about that. They each have their drawbacks, but don't exactly work in ways similar enough to compare.

For me, life is about quality. I want to be able to say I lived life to the fullest with no regrets when my ride ends. Which is why I am vegan. Food is my energy source to make the other areas in my life more enjoyable. Food is fuel for my mind body and spirit and flows into how it affects my daily being, so I want it to be the highest quality possible. And as a compassionate should, I can't stand the way "meat" is mass produced these days, and don't wish to ingest that suffering into my body. The pleasure of tasting food is not worth it to me to compromise my being. I can honestly say my life changes when I adapted this way or thinking and eating. It has given me more focus for more important things in life. In my mind, this is the Jedi way. However I pass no judgement for anyone else's choices. My hubby considers himself a carnivore. Greens hardly ever make it past his fork.

Me and my friend Paul were just talking about diet and health in my front room till 3am lolz he said, that there was an experiment on two troops of monkeys.
1 troop was fed meat and fat, the other troop was fed a well balanced diet.

Both were just as healthy as each other in the end

the most healthy monkeys were, the most loved.

i also had a Mongolian girlfriend giggle, she ate 90% meat for the two years we were together, and only walked to work and back 2 miles a day. and was 40 but looked 20 and all her family looked strong as well, and her friends. All just living of meat and some small bits of veg now and then. but i wouldn't try it because it makes you fart like a Horse L O L

Quality of Meat is also important. If a person is eating "fast food" and thinking it is "meat". That is an issue. I remember a couple of years ago the industry went to court to change the definition of meat so that fast food stuff could still be called "meat" verses a meat product or meat like substance.

So much of our animal products are so unhealthy for Us because we are feeding our animals the wrong things and pumping them full of hormones that go into Us. In generally only totally organic, natural Meat produces without any extra hormones should be eaten. If a person can't eat that level or quality of meat, being a vegitarian can be good - if you know how to soak and sprout your grains/seeds/nuts.

Being healthy these days is a lot of work because our practices got taken from us with cans and fast food. We are rediscovering the wheel again.

Basically, if you live in a city you have to be smart and creative. Or grow your own stuff. I have a friend that has an entire garden in his one room apartment that is maybe 10 by 4. IT is possible.

I should look up indoor gardening...

Yes, if you live in the city or suburb, "indoor growing" is amazing. Cost effective and easy. He grows at least three different kinds of lettuces and carrots. he ferments, sprouts and soaks everything. I am so impressed. No room is too small, lol.