Supplemental proteins can play a crucial role in supporting healthy aging and neurological health.

While it is important to prioritize unprocessed protein from dietary sources, sometimes it can be challenging to meet the recommended protein intake solely from food. In such cases, incorporating protein supplements can be beneficial in aging. This article discusses the author’s personal choices for supplemental proteins and their importance in supporting muscle mass, neurological health, and overall longevity.

Protein Intake and its Importance for Healthy Aging

Maintaining an adequate protein intake is essential for healthy aging. Researchers suggest consuming approximately 1.3 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For individuals with higher lean body mass or increased athletic demand, this number can go up to 1.8 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. Meeting these protein requirements can be challenging, and additional supplementation may be necessary.

Whey Protein Isolate: A Valuable Aging Supplement

Whey protein isolate is the first supplement on the author’s list. It provides an additional 25 grams of protein per day. Whey protein isolate is chosen for several reasons. It contains a therapeutic dose of glutamine and branched-chain amino acids, which are beneficial for muscle recovery and growth. Additionally, whey protein has anti-inflammatory properties compared to casein, another dairy protein.

The loss of lean body mass, known as sarcopenia, is often associated with age-related brain shrinkage. This can contribute to the onset and progression of dementia. Whey protein helps to support and build lean muscle, which is crucial for both physical and neurological health.

Research has also indicated that whey protein supplementation can increase blood reduced glutathione levels, a compound that reduces inflammation and combats oxidative stress in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It is worth noting that whey protein supplementation does not interfere with dopaminergic absorption or efficacy in individuals undergoing dopamine therapy.

L-Tyrosine for Neurotransmitter Support

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The author takes two capsules of L-Tyrosine each morning (1000 mg). This supplement is commonly used for individuals who want to wean off or replace stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall. In the author’s case, L-Tyrosine is taken to elevate baseline dopamine levels, particularly due to early Parkinson’s disease.

While high doses of L-Tyrosine (7000-15,000 mg) have been shown to dramatically increase dopamine levels, it is important to exercise caution. Very high doses may not yield better neurological outcomes and could potentially result in worse outcomes. Striking the right balance in supplementation is crucial.

L Creatine Powder: Multiple Benefits

Creatine is most commonly associated with bodybuilding, but the author uses it for its potential neuroprotective effects. Research on creatine and neurodegenerative diseases has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest a benefit in slowing disease progression, while others show no benefit or even negative outcomes when combined with significant caffeine intake. The author personally uses 5 grams (1 scoop) of creatine powder, alongside limited or eliminated caffeine intake.

Collagen Peptides for Aging and Tissue Support

Collagen peptides are another supplement the author incorporates into their routine, primarily for tissue support. While there is not sufficient evidence to support collagen’s ability to reduce facial wrinkles, it has shown benefits in various areas such as supporting stretch marks in teenagers and aiding in soft tissue recovery post-surgery. The author prefers to obtain collagen from natural food sources like chicken broth but uses collagen peptides (5-8 grams) mixed with milk or a milk substitute when broth is unavailable.

Key Takeaways of the Article:

– Adequate protein intake is crucial for healthy aging.
– Whey protein isolate is an excellent choice for supplementing protein intake due to its high-quality protein content, therapeutic dose of glutamine and branched-chain amino acids, and anti-inflammatory properties.
– Sarcopenia (loss of lean body mass) is associated with age-related brain shrinkage, making maintaining muscle mass vital for neurological health and longevity.
– L-Tyrosine can serve as a precursor for neurotransmitters and may be beneficial for elevating dopamine levels, but caution should be exercised with extremely high doses.
– Creatine powder may have neuroprotective effects, but its benefits and possible negative interactions with caffeine require careful consideration.
– While collagen peptides may not directly reduce facial wrinkles, they offer support for various soft tissues and can be used as a supplement when natural sources like chicken broth are not readily available.

In summary, protein supplements can be valuable tools for supporting healthy aging, muscle mass, and neurological health. Understanding individual protein requirements, choosing the right supplements, and ensuring a balanced approach to supplementation are essential for overall well-being and longevity.

Note: The article contains hyperlinks to external sources for additional information.

Source Article: https://thebloodcode.com/dr-maurer-parkinsons/