Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 18, 2024
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger.
After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens.
It’s a good question.
And the answer might surprise you…
Remember when you could devour a whole pizza at one meal and STILL have abs? That’s because your body was a lean, mean protein-processing machine when you were younger.
Fast forward a few decades (or more), and suddenly, your muscles are playing hard to get.
Why?
Blame sarcopenia, the sneaky culprit behind age-related muscle loss. It’s like your muscles are slowly sneaking out the back door.
In your youth, protein molecules were VIPs, immediately moving to the head of the line and easily sliding into your muscles whenever you ate a meal.
Now? Your metabolism has changed, and protein has a harder time getting into the club.
This phenomenon, known as anabolic resistance, means your body needs MORE protein to build and maintain muscle.
So, despite slowing down a bit these days, you need MORE protein, not less, as you age.
Current recommendations suggest that the 65+ crowd should aim for 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. That’s up from the 0.8 grams recommended for all the spring chickens out there.
One pound is equal to 0.453592 kilograms. So, when you do the math, if you were a 150-pound person, that would be 68 kilograms. This means you should aim for at least 68 grams of protein daily.
Fitting in that protein isn’t just about maintaining your beach bod. Instead, it functions like a Swiss Army Knife for your body that’s used for everything from fighting off stubborn colds to healing paper cuts.
Protein’s many functions become even MORE critical for maintaining our health as we age.
Remember, everyone’s protein needs are still unique based on genetics, activities, and body’s needs. Experiment and see what works best for you.
When you hit the protein sweet spot, you should feel stronger, have more energy, and feel satisfied after eating.
P.S. Protein WARS: The FINAL answer on animal vs. plant
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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