Dr. Smith with Your Health - Protein and the Immune System

PROTEIN AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

by Dr. BRIAN A. SMITH, D.C.

We hear information constantly about our diet: what is good or bad for us; how much is good or bad for us; what to avoid; what to keep. It seems that everyone has their own opinion. These opinions are usually substantiated by some alleged research or unpublished studies. So where does one turn to get factual information? Reputable research journals, such as Lancet, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and the Journal of Clinical Nutrition; all have at various times, valid research projects dealing with nutrition.

This article concerns itself with protein. Protein is one of the three constituents of food; the other two being carbohydrates and fats. Proteins are made of the various amino acids found in food. The sequence of the amino acids determines whether this protein is a muscle cell or an antibody. A protein source is said to be "complete" if it contains all the amino acids necessary for production of human proteins. Certain amino acids can not be manufactured by the body, these are the "essential" amino acids.

Without these, human protein can not be made. The amino acids must also be present in certain amounts to form proteins. If you need 5 of amino acid "X" to make a certain antibody and you only have 3, that antibody will not be made. The amount of the different amino acids determine the quality of the protein.

The majority of protein in the American diet comes from three sources: meats, including poultry; eggs; and certain cheeses. While these are not the only sources, they are the most common. In rating the quality of the protein, eggs come out on top. Eggs have the amino acid ratio closest to the human requirement. The concern over cholesterol in eggs does not usually apply in HIV infection as a low cholesterol level is commonly found and low cholesterol levels pose their own risk. Cholesterol is not an enemy, but an invaluable part of your body chemistry.

Now for the myths about protein.

Myth #1) Some books state that the long-lived people of the world have a low protein diet. Let's look at the facts. The Georgian Russian people are one of the oldest living societies on earth. Their protein intake contributes approximately 30% of the total caloric intake. This is double the protein intake of the average American diet. Likewise, the Vilcabamba of Equador and the Hunza's of Pakistan, two other long-lived peoples, have a higher protein intake than Americans.

Fact #1: Long-lived societies tend to have a higher protein intake than the average American diet.

Myth #2: Protein is not needed for immune function. As reported in Nutrition Reviews, June 1981, a minimal protein deficiency in the diet will cause a 30 to 35% reduction in T-lymphocyte function. A reduction of this magnitude can be expected to enhance the risk and severity of infection (The Lancet, March 26, 1983). Chemicals found to inhibit the immune response: cortisol, C-reactive protein, endotoxins and antigen-antibody complexes, are found in higher blood concentrations in persons with inadequate protein intake. Also found is a pronounced reduction in the proportion of T-4 lymphocytes. (Basic and Clinical Immunolgy, Lange Medical Publications, 1982). Since protein makes up all cell walls, antibodies, and interferons it is evident that a high protein intake will enhance these functions.

Fact #2: A high protein diet will enhance your immune system.

Myth #3: Proteins stay in your intestines for days and putrify, causing more health problems. A review of the standard, acceptable physiology texts indicate that the intestinal transit time for a meal is between 8 and 12 hours. There appears to be no scientific basis for claims that proteins take any longer than the standard 8 to 12 hours to digest. The key here is optimum digestion. If the body can effectively digest and absorb the nutrients, proteins will not putrify, carbohydrates will not ferment and fats will not go rancid. If there exists a problem with digestion, the answer is to correct the problem, not to eliminate the food.

Fact #3: Proteins take 8 to 12 hours to digest.

Myth #4: A vegetarian diet will supply all the protein needs for an immune challenged person. While it is true that some protein can be obtained from a vegetarian diet, the amount necessary for an optimally functioning immune system would necessitate an intake of foods that would just be too great an amount to eat. The amount of carbohydrate in the vegetables would be high enough to turn off our "hunger" centers in the brain before the necessary protein could be ingested. A diet consistently high in carbohydrates causes an increase in blood cortisol levels which have an immunosuppressive effect. Additionally, very few vegetables have "complete" proteins as we discussed earlier. Through food combining, a complete protein can be obtained, but again, the amount of protein is usually insufficient.

Fact #4: Proper protein intake requires at least one animal source of protein: eggs, meats or cheeses.

Myth #5: A high carbohydrate diet is good for maintaining immune function. The effects of a high carbohydrate diet are detrimental to proper immune functioning. This type of diet will suppress the systems in our body that clear out drugs and other foreign substances (Nutrition Reviews, June, 1982). Phagocytes and lymphocytes will not function properly and antibody synthesis will be depressed in persons on an extended high carbohydrate diet (Basic and Clinical Immunology, Lange Medical Publications, 1982). This type of diet is also associated with higher levels of blood triglycerides (fat) and increased production of VLDL which specifically inhibits protein and DNA synthesis in lymphocytes (Review of Physiological Chemistry, Lange Medical Publications, 1977; and Basic and Clinical Immunology op.cit.).

Fact #5: A high carbohydrate diet is immune suppressive and is not recommended for immune compromised individuals. To obtain an adequate intake of protein in the diet, a combination of foods is recommeneded. From a single source an adult would require 3 cups of cottage cheese or 12 ounces of meat, poultry or fish, or 14 eggs or 3 quarts of milk on a daily basis to meet the minimal adequate protein intake. By combining we can obtain an adequate intake from 6 to 8 ounces of meats plus 1 cup of cottage cheese and 2 eggs. Using this formula as a base it is easy to modify on a daily basis; a little more meat and only 1 egg; no cottage cheese and 10 ounces of meats, etc. There are two grain sources of protein which are good as an additional source, not as a primary source of protein. They are quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) and amaranth. Found in specialty stores, such as Mrs. Gooch's, they can be made a variety of ways. Cooked with fruit juice, they make a good breakfast; add vinegar and spices for a side-dish; mix with steamed vegetables and seasonings as a good lunch. Amaranth is also available as a pasta and as a cereal. The carbohydrate content of these grains tends to be high, which excludes them from being a main source of protein, but they are good as a supplemental source.

The purpose of this article is to provide information only and should not be construed as a recommendation of a course of action. Please consult with a qualified health professional before making any decisions regarding your treatment.

Dr. Brian A. Smith is a chiropractic doctor and naturopathic physician who has specialized in the treatment of immune-suppressed individuals since 1987. He is a scientific advisory board member of AIDS ReSEARCH Alliance.

He maintains a private practice in Los Angeles and can be reached at (323) 306-4909. Questions from readers are welcome as are suggestions for future articles. You can also contact him via E-mail at: Send e-mail to Dr. Smith

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Articles by Dr. Brian A. Smith:

HIV and CHIRO † VITAMIN C † BETA-CAROTENE † MINERALS † DMG † PROTEIN † DIET & HIV † MORE ON PROTEIN † NUTRITION † DHEA † LIVER † CHIRO † NAC † SILVER † ALT THERAPIES †