The Power of Protein: Why Your Body Depends on It Every Day

In today’s wellness culture, “protein” has become a buzzword. From gym shakes to protein-fortified snacks, it seems everyone is trying to get more of it — but what does your body truly need, and why?

Protein: The Building Block of Health

Protein is one of the body’s most essential nutrients — a true “workhorse” responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining tissues. Every cell, enzyme, and hormone depends on protein to function properly. Adequate protein intake helps:

• Maintain and repair muscle tissue — critical for strength, especially as we age.

• Support metabolic and immune functions by forming enzymes and antibodies.

• Regulate hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood, focus, and energy.

• Promote satiety and stable blood sugar, helping manage appetite and cravings.

  
  

Unfortunately, many people underestimate their protein needs or rely on processed “protein” snacks that offer little nutritional value.

Understanding the “Protein Craze”

Endless number of protein products on shelves today

The recent surge in protein marketing has made it harder to separate fact from fad. Social media influencers often promote high-protein diets as the key to fitness or weight loss, while food companies race to “fortify” everything from chips to waffles.

The truth?

Quality matters far more than quantity.

Overconsuming processed, protein-added foods can stress digestion and kidneys, while failing to meet your body’s true needs for whole-food-based amino acids and cofactors that support cellular repair.

Clinical Nutrition Insight: Protein and NRT

In Nutrition Response Testing (NRT), we often find that protein deficiencies underlie many chronic symptoms — fatigue, slow healing, weak immunity, or sugar cravings. When the body’s protein metabolism is compromised, it cannot rebuild or detoxify efficiently.

Sources of Protein

Here is a short list of high-quality protein foods — excellent options for supporting tissue repair, muscle strength, and overall health:

Animal-Based Sources

• Eggs – Complete protein with all essential amino acids.

• Chicken breast – Lean, easily digestible, and high in bioavailable protein.

• Turkey – Lean and rich in tryptophan, supporting mood and sleep.

• Fish – Salmon, tuna, and sardines provide protein plus omega-3 fats.

• Beef – Grass-fed cuts supply protein, iron, and B vitamins.

• Greek yogurt – High protein and beneficial probiotics.

• Cottage cheese – Slow-digesting casein protein supports overnight repair.

Plant-Based Sources

• Lentils and beans – Fiber-rich and valuable plant proteins.

• Quinoa – A rare complete protein grain containing all essential amino acids.

• Chickpeas – Good protein source for soups, salads, or hummus.

• Tofu and tempeh – Excellent vegetarian sources made from soybeans.

• Nuts and seeds – Almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds add bothprotein and healthy fats.

For those eating vegetarian or vegan diets, focusing on a wide variety of whole foods—including grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables—is a reliable way to get all the essential amino acids.

Whole-Food Protein Solutions from Standard Process®

As a clinician, I suggest that if you are not getting sufficient protein from animal sources that you consider whole-food-based protein formulas.  The following options support balanced nutrition and cellular repair without synthetic additives. Some trusted products I like include:

Plant-Based Proteins

• Veg-E Complete Pro – An organic, vegan blend of pea and pumpkin seed proteins for those seeking clean, plant-powered support.

• SP Complete Dairy-Free – A rice-protein-based formula that’s gluten-free, non-soy, and non-dairy.

Whey Protein

• Whey Pro Complete – A high-quality whey concentrate that promotes muscle growth, repair, and sustained energy.

Detoxification Support

• SP Detox Balance – Provides 17 grams of protein from pea, pumpkin, oat, and buckwheat, designed to support liver detoxification pathways.

Whole-Food Protein Blend

• SP Complete – A comprehensive protein powder that nourishes immune and intestinal health, liver function, and muscle recovery — available in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla.

Additional Support

• Protefood – A unique supplement containing wheat germ and bovine adrenal to naturally supply protein cofactors and essential nutrients.

  
  

  Are You Getting Enough Protein?

  Ask yourself:

• Do I feel tired or sluggish, even after eating?

• Am I recovering slowly from exercise or injury?

• Do I rely on coffee or sugar to boost energy mid-day?

• Have I noticed loss of muscle tone or thinning hair?

• Do I skip meals or eat mostly carbohydrates?

  
  

If you answered “yes” to one or more, your body may be signaling a protein imbalance.

The Bottom Line

Protein isn’t a trend — it’s a foundational nutrient for cellular repair, hormone balance, and longevity. Through individualized testing, we identify which organs and systems need nutritional support to restore optimal protein utilization.

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Dr. Francine Lajoie, DC is a Specialist in Nutrition Response Testing (NRT), and is certified in Advanced Clinical Nutrition.

Standard Process supplements are tested for their efficacy and safety through clinical trials and research  studies conducted by independent researchers and institutions.

The company also supports ongoing education and training for health care practitioners who use its products in their practice.

Learn more about how Standard Process products are produced in this short video.

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