Why Eating “Proteins” only, will kill your Muscle Growth ( Protein Sparing Action )

Imagine, you are running out of money and can’t find any ways to make some.

Now, you are forced to sell some things from your house to sustain. What are you more likely to sell first your Premium paintings or Bed ?

The answer most likely is your premium paintings first as in this situation, these will have very little importance.

This is what exactly happens with our body when we don’t get enough carbohydrates ( money ).Our body is forced to use proteins ( premium painting ) as an energy source.

This leads to situations in which, even focusing on eating enough proteins will kill your muscle growth.

• This is known as “PROTEIN SPARING EFFECT”

How and why will this effect us ?

What is “Protein Sparing effect” ?

As we all know, Our body needs energy for daily activities and Carbohydrates are the major source of energy. ( Only when they are sufficiently supplied in the diet, leading proteins to perform other vital functions like muscle repair).

Therefore, if necessary carbohydrates are not consumed through food, the main energy source will be proteins. There is also a breakdown of muscle proteins to a greater extent leading to no muscle growth despite eating enough proteins ( not being used correctly ).

The function of carbohydrates of serving as a source of energy and restricting proteins from being used as the energy source. This is called the “Protein sparing action” of carbohydrates.

Ok , but now the question arises “How can this lead to muscle loss” ?

I wasted 6 months of my training focusing only of proteins.

I was believing that eating just protein would result in muscle gain but i got shocked when instead of gaining muscles , I started losing more. This is when i started to research more on this topic.

Ways to solve this Problem

The RDA ( Recommended Dietary Allowance) is set at 130 g/ day for adults and children. Moreover, one should consume at least 60% of total calories from carbohydrate sources only ( unless you are competing ).

Carbohydrates are of various kinds. Simple sugars ( cold drinks, fast food ) are also a form of carbs along with fruits/veggies.

You should try to take carbs from the latter one as these not only contain carbs but other required nutrients like vitamins and minerals also.

Don’t only concentrate on getting enough protein make sure your diet is balanced one.

Conclusion :

The protein-sparing effect is all about making sure that the proteins you consume are not used as a source of energy. 

This is essential because it helps the body to preserve the proteins in the body to carry out functions. ( facilitating the growth and repair of tissues, production of antibodies and enzymes.)

In this effect, the body makes sure that carbohydrates and fats are used for producing energy.

If you eat about 100-130 grams of carbohydrate per day, this prevents your body’s proteins from being broken down to make glucose.

Your brain, blood cells and intestinal lining cells need glucose for energy, and this cannot be made from fat. So if carbohydrates are not available your own proteins will be sacrificed to supply the glucose to keep these tissues going.

If you want to prevent the breakdown of your muscles and connective tissue, eat at least 100-130 grams of carbs per day.

You should definitely how eating ICE CREAM with VEGGIES is beneficial .

References :

https://www.livestrong.com/article/449805-what-is-the-protein-sparing-effect/: Why Eating “Proteins” only, will kill your Muscle Growth ( Protein Sparing Action ) https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/05B7CB0C755EB575984E50D46083F51C/S0007114577000610a.pdf/the-protein-sparing-effect-of-carbohydrate.pdf: Why Eating “Proteins” only, will kill your Muscle Growth ( Protein Sparing Action )