Are we eating too much (or not enough) protein for good health?

These days, we hear a lot about carbs versus fats. But what about protein?


It’s become the forgotten macronutrient. 

But protein plays an essential role in good health. So despite the emotional response it elicits in many, it’s about time we pay it more attention. Protein is responsible for the growth and maintenance of new tissue (the building blocks for a strong body) and makes up certain hormones that act as messengers, as well as the enzymes that we need for metabolic reactions.

Today on The Doctor’s Farmacy, I talk with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon about the importance of protein and shifting our dietary focus. 

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is an integrative physician who completed her fellowship in Nutritional Sciences and Geriatrics at Washington University, St. Louis. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and completed her undergraduate work in Human Nutrition Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism. Dr. Lyon works closely with current and retired Special Operations military operators as a part of the Task Force Dagger Foundation.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Lyon and I get into the much-debated topic of protein. We discuss why plant-based and animal-based proteins are not necessarily created equal, why we should eat more than the recommended dietary allowance, and how to break through the dietary confusion.

We explore the topic of sustainability, as well, and how to be a conscious meat eater in the face of climate change. Dr. Lyon and I talk about best practices for reconciling the need for high-quality protein while also caring for the environment. 

Dr. Lyon also gets into one of the biggest public health concerns that is often ignored—sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass—and why eating more protein as we age is especially important to avoid major problems. Muscle is our metabolic currency, after all, and can help us combat insulin resistance and injuries while supporting a strong metabolism. 

We discuss all this and so much more on this week’s episode. I hope you’ll tune in to understand what this underappreciated macronutrient can do for you.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doctors-farmacy-with-mark-hyman-m-d/id1382804627?mt=2&mc_cid=ce293c0323&mc_eid=4238cd6d36