In the body, protein has several vital functions, including cell repair and growth, hair and nail growth and building hormones. It is essential to intake adequate amounts of protein via your diet for your body to properly perform the aforementioned processes. Having enough protein is known as having a positive nitrogen balance. A negative nitrogen balance means insufficient protein intake, thus your body catabolizes the protein in muscle tissue. It is nearly impossible to maintain healthy lean body mass if your body is in a negative nitrogen balance.
Tips and Warnings
- Consume 3/4 to 1 g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
- An increase in protein must be accompanied by an increase in water intake to assist the kidneys with flushing of excess waste.
References
- Sports and Fitness Nutrition; Robert Wildman and Barry Miller; 2004
- Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 3rd ed.; Nancy Cark; 2003
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