Re: Muscle wastage and possible solutions

[Guest guest]

In my experience cutting way down on protein is playing with fire. I'm

on a high protein diet with a lot of fresh veggies and some fruit and

doing okay. When I cut down on my protein I get weaker and lose muscle

mass that doesn't come back.

I've just been through an episode where my system was very acidic and

protein can be part of that. To make it more alkaline, I'm into a lot

of cut up veggies throughout the day and cutting back on acidic

veggies, drinks and fruits. I discussed this with the MD at the diet

clinic and found the chart of what is acidic and what isn't on the

Sam Graci website. I don't believe half of it all but I do know that

acid can be hard on my skin/urine, etc. I actually crave protein

occasionally and a nice rare but small filet mignon does the trick.

Protein powder will also help and doesn't have the fat and calories.

[Guest guest]

I have worked with a nutritionist with regard to exercise and CMT, to make sure

I am getting a good balance of foods (and targetting ones that will help me such

as magnesium rich foods).

Her advice was to go for high protein (but lean proteins), coupled with 10

portions of vegetables (mostly) and fruits a day. Whole grains, rather than

simple carbohydrates (so quinoa, or brown rice, rather than pasta or bread).

I have found the proteins really benefit me especially with regard to a full

night's sleep. I must get the research citation from her, but apparently

protein and deep sleep have an interaction. I was waking in the night, but with

more protein now sleep much better. Protein is also necessary for muscle

recovery in sport.

My neurologist and neurophysiotherapist have told me exactly the opposite about

exercise and CMT - that in fact it is highly recommended. I have CMT1A and am

not familiar with CMT3. Regardless, exercise it must be done in a way that

works for the individual. I am extremely active and seek medical support and

guidance for the exercise and activities which I do and advise others to do the

same.

Good luck,

Donna from London

www.beatinglimitations.com

>

> I tried a fresh fruit and vegetable/low protein diet sometime ago and I found

that I lost a significant amount of weight.

>

> I have recently begun to wonder whether being on the low protein diet may have

contributed to the muscle deterioration.

>

> I remember a physiotherapist once commenting that being on a high protein diet

(using protein drinks) might be beneficial. Has anyone else tried this and what

has been the outcome?

>

[Guest guest]

In my last note, I neglected to mention that I have been on a diet program since

last July called Medifast. It is based on shakes, bars etc. that are high in

protein and low in carbs. Don't know if any hard and fast conclusions can be

drawn from that; but, for this woman, at least, the combination of high protein,

low carbs, daily cardio workout, and daily strength training is paying off in

phenomenal gains in health, strength, and well being.

Lynna