Looking for Clean Protein finding out more than you bargained for...
In a world where we are prioritizing our dietary choices more and more everyday, the importance of high-quality protein supplements cannot be overstated. Traditional brands like Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, Premier, just to name a few, are probably some of the ones you've seen and/or possibly you've purchased in the past. They have long been popular choices in the supplement industry, known for their wide range of products and marketing appeal - and honestly offering a solution that we certainly needed to resolve. However, there is a growing movement towards cleaner, more sustainable, and transparent approach to supplementation that provides more focus on ingredient sourcing and functionality - meaning "WHY is THIS in HERE?" "I Need Protein, But Do I Need This and This...?"
Clean Ingredients Necessary?
One of the key reasons to consider alternative nutritional brands is the focus on ingredients. Clean protein supplements are made with minimal, natural, and easily recognizable ingredients. Unlike some mainstream brands that may include artificial additives, fillers, and artificial sweeteners, clean protein brands prioritize the use of ingredients that promote better overall health. However, we will admit, a lot of those that are cleaner are not always better in taste! For now, lets just cover the importance for cleaner ingredients, and we will address the elephant in the room in a bit.
Clean ingredients are not only better for your body but also support various dietary preferences and restrictions, such as vegetarian and vegan diets. Choosing protein supplements with a clean approach to ingredient sourcing ensures that you're getting the nutrients you need without unnecessary additives or potentially harmful substances specially if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Ingredient Sourcing and Autoimmune
Maybe your like our founder who struggled with certain health issues and if you're one of the ones that have travailed through autoimmune issues. So, you've learned the hard way the effects of being sensitive to various environmental factors, including the consumption of artificial additives, fillers, artificial sweeteners, hormones, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances. As you know that certain elements and ingredients can affect someone with autoimmune health issues:
Artificial Additives and Fillers:
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Inflammation: Many artificial additives and fillers, such as preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers, have been linked to increased inflammation. In individuals with autoimmune disorders, inflammation can exacerbate symptoms and lead to flare-ups of the condition
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Digestive Issues: Some additives and fillers can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive problems. Autoimmune diseases often involve the gut, and any disruption in gut health can worsen symptoms and trigger immune responses.
Artificial Sweeteners:
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Gut Microbiome: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin can negatively impact the composition of the gut microbiome. An imbalanced gut microbiome has been linked to autoimmune diseases as it can influence immune system function and regulation. Trusting where the sweetness of the products you consume is very important.
Hormones:
- Endocrine Disruption: Hormones in food, especially those from animals treated with growth hormones, can disrupt the endocrine system. This disruption may affect immune regulation and contribute to autoimmune diseases, which is why sourcing out ingredients from animal sources like Whey protein is essential to come from a non-GMO and preferably an organic origin.
- Estrogen Connection: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, affect predominantly women and are thought to be influenced by hormonal factors. Consuming foods with added hormones could potentially exacerbate these conditions.
- Organic vs inorganic Whey: Unlike regular whey protein, Organic certified whey protein is sourced from cows that were not treated with antibiotics, rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), or other synthetic veterinary drugs. Also, cows are given access to pasture throughout the entire growing season, are treated humanely, and allowed to express natural behaviors. Only Organic certified non-GMO feed can be used to supplement their diet. Organic dairy farmers must also practice good land management by implementing soil conservation measures that preserve soil fertility.
Pesticides:
A lot of the feed that Animals where animal based proteins are sourced and products are fed and exposed to contain or have been exposed to pesticides.
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Increased Toxic Load: Pesticides on conventionally grown produce can add to the body's toxic load. Over time, this may overwhelm the body's detoxification systems, potentially triggering autoimmune responses.
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Immune Dysregulation: Some pesticides have been linked to immune system dysregulation. Exposure to these chemicals may contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune diseases.
It's essential for individuals with autoimmune health issues to pay close attention to their diet and minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who specializes in autoimmune conditions can provide personalized dietary recommendations to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. A diet that supports gut health, reduces inflammation, and avoids triggers can be a valuable part of managing autoimmune diseases.
Supporting Ethical Practices
Look for brands that prioritize ethical practices throughout their supply chain. They often source their ingredients from responsible farmers and suppliers who treat animals humanely and prioritize transparency. By choosing these brands, you are indirectly supporting ethical and sustainable practices in the food industry.
Functionality
Clean ingredient focused brands often offer more diverse options to cater to specific dietary preferences and nutritional needs, or as we like to say - more FUNctionality! Whether you're looking for vegan, gluten-free, or you have a health condition that restricts you, these types of brands, which have a focus on much of what we've mentioned above, are more likely to provide products that align with your dietary choices and restrictions, but also provide hydration benefits from the electrolytes inside the product, digestive functionality from the enzymes and gut healthy ingredients...essentially share with you their "why" to "what's inside". We believe this approach to nutrition and shopping our favorite products can significantly enhance our overall health and those we love.
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