Protein and muscles

[DogAgilityObsessed]

Hello again after a gap as everything has been going well and I've now reduced to 4/3.5 mg. I'm still taking 20mg Leflunomide.

The point of this post is to ask if anyone else has thoughts or experience of building up muscle strength.

Someone suggested I take a protein powder. I was reluctant as

1) I listened to the Zoe podcast on the subject and thought I should be getting enough,

2) although I'm vegetarian I have a pretty good diet (I thought) with dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds,

3) I think food is best when possible, and

4) I avoid UPF and any protein powder is UPF although one or two only because of the processing.

Anyway, I've been checking my protein intake and even on a good day I hardly get to 50g. Given my muscles are weak and I really want to build them up now I'm (hopefully) past the PMR and GCA I think I need more protein. Adding additional protein from food is going to add far too many extra calories so I'm going to try a 100% pure whey protein powder.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Really probably worth asking to speak to a dietician. Because it is possible to add TOO much protein to your diet!

healthline.com/health-news/....

[Sandradsn]

I've been a vegetarian for 20 years.5 years I had pmr.Our adult son has moved back home and does some of the cooking.I have been eating some meat ! I feel stronger and have more energy ,not sure if it's the extra protein?

[DogAgilityObsessed in reply to Sandradsn]

Interesting. I’m not going to start eating meat though. It does highlight the need for protein I think. The amount of protein in meat does seem a lot higher than in eggs cheese and other things I do eat. Yet vegetarians supposedly get enough!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandradsn]

Could be iron and B12 levels too - making sure you get enough can be tricky.

[DogAgilityObsessed in reply to PMRpro]

I had some additional blood tests done last September as the gp was concerned about my b12 levels. But the results were fine. I do take a b12 supplement.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

Great - just wondered.

[Orange_2022]

You can also use pea or soy protein powders (I put a bit in my morning yoghurt). I've found this article which explains any differences vs whey: ukfitness.pro/articles/whey...

[DogAgilityObsessed in reply to Orange_2022]

That’s interesting. I’m not against having whey though. It’s all the additives including emulsifiers and sweeteners as well as the processing that put me off powders. But I’ve found a pure whey one to try as a compromise.

[Orange_2022 in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

There's obviously not much difference in the results anyway. Just thought I'd let people know there is a plant alternative. Good luck with the strength and muscle building!