In this episode, we will weigh in on the debate regarding how much protein is needed to support your lifestyle. I’ll also touch on the benefits of the readily available protein supplements.

So, what's all the fuss about?

It's not so much about the types of proteins, though that's part of it.

The bigger debate is how much one should regularly consume.

The federal standards call for daily protein consumption of roughly one-half gram of protein for every pound of bodyweight. Many longevity experts believe these standards fall short of the needs of active adults by at least 50%.

A recent New York Times article addressed the issue, citing experts who agree with the federal standards What’s noteworthy is the commenting experts frequently used qualifying phrases such as "probably enough" and "for most people."

Most of us are not concerned with what most people should probably be doing. We're interested in what works for us. Everyone has their desired outcomes, ranging from maintaining optimal health to maximizing strength and endurance.

A few weeks after publishing that article, the New York Times hosted a live, online Wellness and Happiness event. Among the featured speakers was longevity expert Dr Peter Attia.

As expected, Attia's recommendations for protein consumption, which are more than twice the federal standards, were challenged. He argues these levels are vital for sustaining muscle mass that inevitably declines with age.

Attia supported his opinion with this comment. "Have you ever met a person at the end of their life who said, 'I wish I had less muscle, I just wish I wasn't so strong?"

He further defended his position by suggesting we should be more concerned with outputs rather than inputs. This means building and maintaining muscle mass to support strength, balance, and mobility for everyday activities.

Experts have recommended more studies, but it could take decades of studies to conclusively prove these results.

Instead, we can do our research and make the best decisions possible based on the current science and the outcomes we hope to achieve.

Good luck.

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Thanks so much for joining me today. Be safe out there and enjoy your next run!