Protein powder.: I am feeling like a... - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

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Protein powder.

unie profile image
unie
16 Replies

I am feeling like a pest, but my dr. also wants me to increase my protein. I need too lose some weight and I feel like I am losing muscle. I want to do it using it in a morning shake and I hope using a supplement type is ok. I was using a replacement drink before and adding my fruit and veges,, but now I can’t stand the flavor of the base. Any recommendations of a no flavor protein I could use.

FYI, I did purchase the Apollo olive oil that was recommended,

Thank you

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unie profile image
unie
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16 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

I don't have any real experience with supplement drinks but perhaps someone here does. Watch for sugars and the key to muscle loss is really strength training. You have to get enough protein in any case but even with that a muscle that doesn't get any work to do will slip away with time.

kensimmons profile image
kensimmons

I think any of the over the counter protein shakes will do well for you. Just google Daily Protein Shake 20 (and 25 and 30) mg and quite a few will pop up, many can even be same delivered to you from a local store. I have one that I use but I don't want to come across like I am endorsing anything. There are many options and "google is your friend" as the saying goes. Also, do you like to cook? Plenty of cookbooks for liver health are for sale online as well.

BonArr profile image
BonArr

I use protein powder in many things I cook eat or drink. I recommend plain whey protein bought in bulk from health food store. Most economical choice and it doesn't have anything else with it. Pea protein has more of a flavor which can alter the flavor of food or drink and pea protein always causes me gas and I get the bloated look. Whichever you prefer. Chickpeas are good protein and can be added whole or put through the food processor before adding. A combo of chia, hemp and flax seeds can add some protein and fiber but be sure to use 2 tbsp or you get too much fat added too. I also add eggs to many dishes to add protein. I add protein powder to homemade breads like zucchini and cornbread. I make a dish with brocolli slaw sauteed in mostly bone broth and add the seeds I mentioned, protein powder, egg and sometimes a small can of drained chicken. Multiple sources of protein mean your body can stay satiated while processing the various types. If you want weight loss these lower calorie protein options add protein without much fat unlike meat. Another great add in is powdered peanut butter - depending on brand very low sugar, low fat but good taste and protein. I add it and cacao to my oatmeal. Cottage cheese is a great add in or choice for protein if you get low fat but watch out for the sodium! Plain Greek yogurt another good source of low sugar, low fat protein compared to meat sources. So really you have lots of choices in addition to or to use in conjunction with protein powder.

Golendoodle profile image
Golendoodle in reply to BonArr

Could you please give me your recipe for zucchini bread? I really miss not having bananas bread and things like that.

unie profile image
unie in reply to Golendoodle

I don’t have one. Sorry

Bbohnie profile image
Bbohnie in reply to Golendoodle

Yes. I will.post it as soon as I can

Schnauzerguy profile image
Schnauzerguy

I have been using “Muscle Milk” available at Walmart since last spring working with a nutritionist to better focus my diet, which was not bad to begin with but I needed to really look at to improve weight. In particular I needed to focus more on proteins and fats, so this is what my diet now looks like. I will also add I use the Lose It app on my Apple Watch to track what I’m doing and walk three miles a day. Monday through Friday for breakfast I usually have either ; coffee mug with 1 scoop of protein powder, or 8oz of Greek yogurt with 1 scoop of protein powder (I often use the cookies and cream flavor for that one) and black coffee, or one scrambled egg and black coffee, then for lunch; I drink one scoop of protein powder in my coffee and have one apple (pretty much every week day) and for dinner; usually large mixed salad with kidney beans and cottage cheese, or 6oz of thin sliced chicken breast (or fish fillet of same weight) with a spice rub and small salad or several half sour pickles. This very doable for me, and have no problem maintaining but I do think working close with my nutritionist we talk and email fairly regular about behaviors or food sensations I notice. Anyway I was 201lbs in May, I am at 175.8lbs this morning my labs yesterday are looking good. Good luck!

unie profile image
unie in reply to Schnauzerguy

good for you

unie profile image
unie in reply to Schnauzerguy

Thank you. I will check it out. How many calories are you eating a day? Wow you must be really disciplined!

Schnauzerguy profile image
Schnauzerguy in reply to unie

Using the Lose It app and Apple watch makes a big difference in terms of “discipline” as they sort of acts as an always on coach. I’m not particularly disciplined. My weight always jumps over the holidays this morning I was 185 (10lbs jump is actually normal for me) but well below what it had been this time last year. I am shooting for 1600cal/day but exceed it many times this time of year and walk less even with treadmill due to weather and feeling sluggish typically peaking around the solstice. I usually start to drop weight in February as sun increases and continue to lose it until the following holiday season.

Bloomwithgrace profile image
Bloomwithgrace

My son went to Vanderbilt this summer and saw a hepatologist for the first time. He recommended BCAA's drinking it twice a day. My son was having problems with hepatic encephalopathy quite often. This is a little off topic, but this has really helped him a lot. He is not having episodes as often, and is not taking his xifaxan as often either. He told him that it would also help feed his muscles. I don't want to give anyone medical advice, as with any new addition to your medications you should always consult your medical provider, but it has been a great addition to his daily liver care. It helps with his appetite too, and not feeling as hungry. He said to find one with low sugar and the trick is to drink it twice a day spacing it out during the day. The one we are currently using does have acesilfame and sucralose so currently looking for one without those ingredients. We are using the brand XTEND Tropic Thunder flavor. My son's diet is now low carb and eating much healthier. Drinking celery juice 16 oz every morning and this has helped detox and heal his inflammation issues. Several good books out there even on audio by the Medical Medium Anthony William one "Celery Juice" and "Liver Rescue". Still reading them both, just a lot of information and good sound eating practices for all of us. Good luck with your journey. This site has been tremendously helpful to us as a family to learn how to help loved ones with liver issues.

Str8jacket profile image
Str8jacket in reply to Bloomwithgrace

Your point about BCAAs is spot on--not enough attention is given to the value of amino acid supplementation with liver disease. And as you point out, HE and muscle loss are closely linked.

I take l-ornithine l-aspartate and it has helped significantly with both muscle loss and HE (in addition to lactulose and Xifaxan). A few months ago I added various BCAAs that are components of a new amino acid combo called AXA 1665 which is in Phase III and has had a lot of success in rebuilding muscle in cirrhosis.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Protein in the diet is important, but when the liver cannot properly metabolize it to provide the amino acids the body needs to maintain muscle, it seems like providing the body with the proper building blocks for muscle is just as important.

Bloomwithgrace profile image
Bloomwithgrace in reply to Str8jacket

Thank you so much for sharing!!❤️

Bloomwithgrace profile image
Bloomwithgrace

What Apollo Olive Oil did you purchase and where? thanks! We want to add this to our daily diet.

unie profile image
unie in reply to Bloomwithgrace

Mistral. I just googled Apollo. I purchased from the grower. Good for salad dressing, bruschetta etc. I need to do more research because I don’t think this is used for cooking.

Bloomwithgrace profile image
Bloomwithgrace

thank you!!❤️

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