What the recent protein craze means for those of us with liver disease
Protein isn't just a wellness trend for people like me who live with MASH
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YouTube is one of my guiltiest pleasures. I watch everything from cultural and historical videos to food, entertainment, and political channels, especially when the subject intersects with health. If you check the links I regularly tuck into my columns, you may notice that I enjoy hiding little Easter eggs, a la Taylor Swift. Videos are a particular favorite.
Recently, some of my favorite subjects converged in a listener voicemail on “I’ve Had It,” one of my favorite political and cultural podcasts: What is up with the current fixation on protein?
It’s a fair question. I do most of my grocery shopping online to reduce the temptations that might complicate life with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. Lately, I’ve noticed that some stores have added “protein” as a shopping category of its own. Protein bars, protein pasta, protein shakes, and protein-enhanced snacks now occupy an entire nutritional boomtown.
The rise of GLP-1 agonist medications has helped push protein into the spotlight because people losing weight may also lose lean body mass. But for people living with liver disease, protein is not merely the latest wellness trend wearing athleisure. It can be an important part of maintaining strength and preparing for surgery.
Does your liver need more protein?
As I’ve geared up to replace another worn-out body part, my right knee has been patiently waiting its turn. My left knee replacement last fall was so successful that after two months of rehabilitation, I had no doubt I would return for the sequel. I was waiting for the right date and hoping my laboratory results would cooperate.
Then my old enemy, anemia, reared its pale face just in time to wreak havoc on my carefully laid plans.
My surgeon’s office called after another round of appointments: my annual physical, a quick check-in with my gynecologist about hormone replacement therapy, and a visit with my liver doctor, who is the wizard behind the curtain of my good health. When my first set of lab tests showed anemia, I initially hoped that iron pills or a few iron infusions would solve the problem. I’ve needed both at various points in my life.
This time, however, my iron levels were normal, but my care team found that my prealbumin level was low. Prealbumin is a protein made in the liver. A low level can be one clue that the body needs nutritional support, though inflammation, illness, and injury can affect the result, too. In my case, the advice was straightforward: increase my protein intake while my doctors continue investigating the anemia.
Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts are related, but they are not the same thing. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When hemoglobin runs low, fatigue can become a full-time job with terrible benefits.
For people with cirrhosis, protein goals may be higher than the basic recommendation for the average adult. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases advises clinically stable adults with cirrhosis to consume about 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight each day. That does not mean everyone should start eating ribeye steaks at breakfast. A dietitian can help identify the right goal and the best sources for your body.
Lean poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese can all help. Vegetable and dairy proteins may be especially useful for some people with cirrhosis. Processed meats and oversized portions of red meat are not a nutritional hall pass simply because the label says protein.
Protein is fuel, but not only for muscles. The body uses it to build and repair tissues and to make enzymes, hormones, and other essential components. Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss, which is one reason sudden changes in your hair deserve a conversation with your doctor. Admittedly, the Incredible Hulk and She-Ra both have muscular physiques and enviable hair, so perhaps the comic books were conducting nutritional outreach all along.
Do you need to surrender your grocery cart to the protein craze? Probably not. Protein is not magic fairy dust, and more is not automatically better. But if you live with liver disease, feel unusually weak, or are preparing for surgery, it may be worth asking your medical team whether your nutrition and blood protein levels need a closer look.
As for that turkey leg at the county fair, enjoy it if it fits your medical plan. Just remember: It’s just lunch, not a prescription.
Note: Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Liver Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to liver disease.
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