Dr. Smith with Your Health - More On Protein

MORE ON PROTEIN

by Dr. Brian A. Smith

It has been well documented that the amount of protein in your body, or lean body mass, is an excellent indicator of a person's current and projected health status. Much research in 1993 appeared to focus on the importance of maintaining lean body mass. I have been employing these concepts in my practice to the benefit of my patients for years. Clinical research conducted in my practice since the early 1980's has demonstrated the benefits to be realized by maintenance of lean body mass. Protein requirements are increased in any infectious condition and there are some preliminary studies which demonstrate that lean body mass values are a better indicator of future health than are CD4 (T4) lymphocyte counts. These two indicators are intricately linked. In the New England Journal of Medicine (311: 1289, 1984) it was stated that the most common worldwide cause of T-cell immunodeficiency is protein-calorie malnutrition. The T-cells that remain have functional defects which render them less capable of fighting infection.

Unfortunately for many, the benefits of proper nutrition become clouded over time. For example, I have watched a patient who followed a strict protocol for 6 years maintain a very good level of health. He exercised regularly, had a rewarding career, was active in the community and travelled a lot. After 6 years of being healthy, this patient started to take his diet for granted. My first clue was his vague complaints of fatigue. The perception my patient had of the importance of his dietary protocol had shifted. He started losing lean body mass even as his weight increased. He reduced his calorie intake to try to lose weight and in doing so, further reduced his protein consumption and took dietary supplements sporadically. His dietary changes became evident in lab values after about two months: his T4 cells started to decline faster and his T4:T8 ratio worsened. After five more months he realized the connection but it was already too late to reverse the damage that had been done. Many clinicians may think the decline in health was not related to the dietary changes, but I have seen this occur repeatedly over the years.

In the Journal of Nutrition (123: 803-810, 1993) it was reported that protein deficiency in rats was directly related to decreased antioxidative enzyme activity. Research has shown that as free radical levels increase, HIV becomes more active. As levels of protein intake decrease below 20%, free radical levels increase. Anti-oxidants decrease free radical damage. Many people are aware of anti-oxidants as being vitamins A, C & E.

The American Journal of Public Health (Nov. 1983, p.1332) published a study in which the similarities between protein-calorie malnutrition and the symptoms associated with full blown AIDS were reviewed. Both populations experience multiple opportunistic infections, have increased incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and diffuse undifferentiated B-cell lymphomas.

In Nutrition and Cancer (7: 85-91, 1985) the correlation between malnutrition and a decrease in the total number of T-lymphocytes was reported. A higher incidence of PCP is also found in malnourished patients.

The importance of adequate intake of protein in an immune-challenged individual can not be overestimated. Unfortunately loss of protein body stores can be difficult to detect until the loss is significant. Even with maintenance of weight or with weight gain, you can still be losing lean body mass. When you lose weight and you increase your caloric intake by eating high calorie items such as milk shakes and ice cream you are increasing your fat levels, and your weight, and this lulls you into a false sense of security. Obesity, meaning a higher percentage of body fat rather than being overweight, will decrease your immune function just as low levels of protein will.

The main sources of protein are meat, eggs and cheeses. All immune challenged persons should be getting at least two servings of protein foods per day. Your ideal body weight determines the amount of protein you need.

Your nutritional status reflects your past habits, shows your current status and gives a good indication of your future. Don't you think you should pay attention to it? Changes in your diet require the supervision of someone knowledgeable in HIV management.

Don't fool around with supplements -- get expert advice.

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 †