How important is it to get protein in you diet?
Posted in Vegetarian & Vegan | Asked by Tennisha | 2012-02-16 01:18:21 | (6) answers

I'm a vegetarian and I recently got sick with a mild sinus infection. I was told over and over again by family members that I got sick because "I wasn't getting enough protein." I was told in health class that a moderately active girl my size (5'4 110 pounds) needed around 35 grams a day. I usually get around 40-50. The one thing nobody wanted to acknowledge though was the fact that I got better in about 48 hours without antibiotics. When I ate meat and dairy it usually took me around 5-7 days jacked up on amoxicillin to recover from the flu or a cold. LOL

by Paranormal Kitty      2012-03-02 15:18:31

Protein has 0 to do with getting a sinus infection. The cause of sinus infections is just dumb luck - you happened to be exposed to a bacterium that infected your sinus cavities. Getting lots of antioxidants (which most meat-eating people don't get enough of because they don't eat enough fruits and veggies) will boost your immune system a little but it's not at all a guarantee of not getting sick.

by Kim N      2012-02-23 04:18:35

You would have to starve yourself to not get enough protein This website, run by the Mayo Clinic and has a copy of the vegetarian food pyramid on it. Use it when planing your meals. Vegetarian diet: How to get the best nutritionhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetar…The Protein MythPhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicinehttp://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/p…

by Cliff      2012-02-22 19:18:37

Very important. Protein is the building block of life. You need it for muscle growth (including cardiac muscle, not just skeletal muscle) and as a source of energy that lasts all day long, not a rush like sugar.One of many reasons why a vegetarian diet is a bad idea.

by Max Stanton      2012-02-22 15:18:32

Very important almost everything in your body depends on protein. Without protein, you die. You should get at least half of your body-weight in protein per day - so you're doing Ok, however if you exercise much you should get at least 1g per pound of bodyweight. P.S your being a vegetarian has nothing to do with your quick recovery from sinus infection. Influenza and the common cold are Viruses not bacterial infections. Furthermore... if you're taking Amoxicillin every time you get the common cold your parents are seriously screwing your immune system.

by nutritio...      2012-02-22 05:18:38

protein in diet is essential for maintaining muscle, enzyme, hormone functions. while carbs gives energy and fat as reserve energy and insulation from cold, protein acts as building blocks of our body.Include lots of nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans and lentils, soy in your diet. Even peanuts and macadamia contain good amount of protein. Apart from providing proteins nuts and pulses are good in minerals and vitamins. Peanuts are rich in antioxidant resveratrol that helps build immunity.Hope this helps.

by EatYourV...      2012-02-20 13:18:26

Protein is an essential macronutrient. Fortunately, it's abundant in many foods. You don't need to eat muscle tissue to get the essential amino acids that make up the protein your body needs. It looks like you're doing fine on your protein. Here's a page (USA) to help you determine how much is right for you http://veganhealth.org/articles/protein/Colds are caused by a virus. Antibiotics like amoxicillin are not for viruses. They're for bacterial infections. It would be irresponsible for a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for a cold. Overuse of antibiotics causes them to be less effective on the nasty little buggers that can make you and other people sick later down the road.