Protein

Articles tagged with "Protein".

Carbs vs Protein: How Real Meals Affect Brain Tryptophan Levels

Tags: Tryptophan, Carbohydrates, Protein, Brain Chemistry

November 26, 2025

Do Carbohydrate-Rich Meals Really Boost Brain Tryptophan More Than Protein?

Yes, carbohydrate-rich meals increase the tryptophan-to-large neutral amino acid ratio by up to 54% compared to protein-rich meals, significantly enhancing tryptophan’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This occurs because carbohydrates trigger insulin release, which preferentially drives competing amino acids into muscle tissue while leaving tryptophan with better access to brain transport, explaining why high-carb breakfasts can influence mood and cognitive function differently than high-protein meals.

The Amino Acid Competition: How Protein Affects Brain Chemistry

Tags: Amino Acids, Brain Chemistry, Protein, Neurotransmitters

November 26, 2025

Why Does Eating More Protein Sometimes Make You Feel Worse?

Large neutral amino acids compete for the same transporter to enter the brain, creating a biochemical competition where eating more protein can actually reduce the brain uptake of specific amino acids like tryptophan. This competition explains why high-protein meals don’t necessarily improve mood or cognitive function, and why the ratio of amino acids matters more than the absolute amount of any single amino acid consumed.

Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy, and Protein Intake: How Diet Shapes Gout Risk in Men

Tags: Gout, Purines, Diet, Dairy, Protein

August 21, 2025

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This NEJM study is one of the most influential dietary investigations on gout. For decades, patients were warned to avoid all purine-rich foods, from meat to beans. But this prospective study following over 47,000 men for 12 years overturned much of that advice. Meat and seafood did indeed raise gout risk. But purine-rich vegetables and protein intake did not, and dairy consumption, especially low-fat dairy, actually reduced risk. The study reshaped how we counsel patients, moving from blanket restrictions to more nuanced, evidence-based recommendations.