Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that glycine is a simple non-essential amino acid, which acts as a vital building block for glutathione (GSH), a robust antioxidant that becomes less abundant as we age?

Additionally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, which is a precursor of GSH that plays a role in modulating oxidative stress.

According to a study in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the combination of glycine and NAC shows a significant improvement in correcting GSH deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, especially in older persons.

Glycine is the amino acid bound to one of our favorite supplements, magnesium glycinate!

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Steve: Feel free to share this with family, friends, and coworkers who vilify protein.

Is Protein Harmful to Your Kidneys?

Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions regarding dietary protein is the purported harm caused to kidney function. The origin of this misconception stems back to reports which indicated that consuming protein in increased amounts would promote the development of renal disease due to increased glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration. It should be noted that issues regarding the potential harm of protein are typically associated with already infirmed individuals. Or, daily red meat consumption over years may increase risk, whereas white meat appears to have no such effect, and fruit and vegetable proteins are renal protective. In individuals engaged in exercise training and who are otherwise healthy can consume protein up to 4 or 5 times the RDA without experiencing adverse effects.

Does Consuming “Excess” Protein Increase Body Fat Mass?

High-protein intake does not increase body fat mass in active individuals. Increases in fat mass are the result of excess energy intake from carbohydrates.

Can Dietary Protein Have a Deleterious Effect on Bone Health?

There is no evidence that a high-protein diet is deleterious to bone health and is beneficial when consumed in the optimal amounts and correct sources. Higher protein intakes well above the RDA are associated with higher bone mineral density, a slower rate of bone loss, and reduced hip fractures (provided there was adequate calcium intake) in older adults.

Can Vegans and Vegetarians Consume Enough Protein to Thrive?

If they are blood type O, they cannot. For all other blood types, vegan and vegetarians need to consume 20-40% more plant protein than animal-based protein, assuming it is unprocessed, well digested, and supplemented with the nutrients that are harder to attain.

Are Cheese and Nut Butters Good Sources of Protein?

Nut butters and cheese are not ideal sources of protein as they often contain high amounts of fat. These should be viewed as a fat serving rather than a protein serving.

Does Consuming Animal Protein Cause Unfavorable Health Outcomes?

Processed meats have many negative effects on health outcome measures. Consuming unprocessed animal protein, especially white meat and fish, does not pose an increased risk for unfavorable health outcomes.

Do You Need Protein if You Are Sedentary?

Yes! Everyone must consume sufficient dietary protein. Protein maintains and builds muscle mass, creates better body composition, among myriad other functions.

Are Protein Powders As Good As The Real Thing?

In short, no. They should be consumed to augment your diet, not as a replacement. Protein powders still go through varying degrees of processing, which the body metabolizes differently than unprocessed protein.

Is There an Upper Limit for Protein Consumption?

This is solely dependent upon the individual and the amount of fuel that is burned daily. A good rule of thumb is to consume at least as many grams as your optimal weight (in pounds).

Can Not Consuming Enough Protein Increase Mortality Risk?

According to a study presented at last month's annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, lower intake of dietary protein in midlife was a predictor of all-cause mortality in later life, based on data from more than 8000 men.

In April of 2023, we published the following case report. You'll find an update from him at the end.

"A male in his mid-30's came to us with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled type 1 diabetes, depression, severe fatigue, severe pain, weakness, vaped daily, was a recovering alcoholic, and was mostly confined to a wheelchair.

With Steve's guidance, this gentleman was given the tools to completely transform his eating habits. He was advised to cook for himself and stay away from certain foods and beverages, such as diet soda, that could exacerbate his conditions.

He started taking targeted dietary supplements to augment his lifestyle transformation. He was given suggestions about how to incorporate more physical activity and limit the amount of time he was sedentary. He was given ideas for practicing stress management for mental health.

At his 3 month followup, the first sentence he uttered was, “life is good.” He was balancing his meals, enjoying cooking, and not late night eating. He was in a great place mentally because of meditation and chakras. He was performing daily physical activity and limiting the amount of time being sedentary.

Thus, he reported more energy, his diabetes was under control, his inflammation had gone down, he was getting good sleep, and his body was looking more fit. This was all without eliminating vaping. He said that would be his next challenge.

This is yet another example of how multimodal lifestyle modifications can have immediate results, even in those presenting with the most severe of issues. However, it must be noted that this gentleman went all in to put in the work. We can give you the tools, but you have to put it into practice."

UPDATE FROM MAY 6, 2024

After quitting smoking and adhering 100% to his diet, lifestyle, and alternative therapies, this mostly wheelchair-bound man emailed Steve this...

"I wanted to thank each one of you for your role in my health! Each of you KNOW where I was and where I'm headed. I wanted to share with y'all that I completed a 1.3 mile hike.

Anyway, we did it safely with my "naturalist" class. Surrounded by helping hands, if needed... which we did not 👍

The BEST part, was the day after! Pain levels, no more than a 2 in certain areas. Energy levels medium-high. Mental/emotional levels high. No OTC or prescription drugs needed to help with recovery!

BUT, I did use tools before, during, and afterwards that were taught by you!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I couldn't have even contemplated the THOUGHT of this before we met. 🥰"

Did you have a great experience working with us? Please let others know by leaving a review here.

Disclaimer: Case reports are not intended for self-healing. Case reports are for references purposes only and should be discussed with your health professional.

In Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul a mother, grandmother and grandson were being treated for injuries from an auto accident that occurred a few months earlier. The four year old recovered quickly so was treated occasionally. 

One day the mother stated that since the accident her son refused to ride facing forward in a seatbelt. He would only ride facing the back window and scream if any car approached too closely. The chiropractor asked if she would consider letting her use Neuro-Emotional Technique on her son and the mother agreed. 

The chiropractor used the technique and grief came up so she asked the boy if he remembered the car accident and he nodded. She asked if he could remember how sad he felt when it happened and he again nodded. She asked him to remember the sadness while she placed his hands on reflex points and did a gentle spinal correction. He hopped off the table and left with his mother. She called later on to say that her son got in the car and rode home facing forward with his seatbelt on. He continued riding that way ever since. 

What a wonderful experience and if that enhances your curiosity there are other techniques I know of that are very effective. Emotional Freedom Technique, The Emotion Code, EMDR and others that help the body release trauma through the nervous system.

Dr. Liselotte Schuster is a Holistic Family Chiropractor and has been in practice with Nutritional Concepts since 1989. She uses a variety of techniques to help children and adults reach their full potential, trusting in the healing powers of the body. Contact Dr. Schuster at (847) 509-9067 or drliloschuster@sbcglobal.net.

Bonnie, Steve, Liselotte, Lori, Sharron, Cindy, Diana, Ileana, and Carolyn