While the topic of protein has always been a key focus in my work, lately, everywhere I look, someone is talking about how important it is that you are getting enough. From nutrition influencers packing protein powders into smoothies and recipes, and a huge array of high-protein products springing up in the supermarket, the message seems clear: more protein = better health. There’s no denying it, protein is having a moment.
But as with so many things in nutrition, it’s not that simple.
The protein hype – are we missing the point?
We’ve been told that protein is essential for muscle repair, weight management, energy, blood sugar balance, even healthy ageing, and all of that is true.
But here are the bits that are often missed:
✅ It’s not just about how much protein you eat.
✅ It’s about what kind you’re eating, and the quality of it.
✅ It matters whether that protein is complete (contains all 9 essential amino acids).
✅ It matters whether your body can actually break it down and absorb it properly.
✅ And whether you’re eating it in balance with the other nutrients your body needs to make use of it.
In other words: more protein doesn’t necessarily help if your body can’t access or use it well.
Why protein isn’t always doing what you think it is
Here’s what I often see in my clinic:
Clients come in eating plenty of protein, but still struggling with issues like:
- Fatigue and poor muscle recovery
- Low mood or anxiety
- Hair loss or brittle nails
- Weight gain
- Poor sleep
- Gut issues and bloating
These are all signs that your body may not be breaking down or using protein effectively.
And here’s why that matters: protein needs to be digested into amino acids before your body can put it to work. If digestion is compromised (hello, low stomach acid or poor enzyme activity), or if your gut isn’t absorbing nutrients well, you can end up with a functional protein deficiency, even on a high-protein diet.
Quality over quantity
Not all protein is created equal.
It’s important to consider:
🥚 Completeness – Does the protein source contain all 9 essential amino acids? We can only obtain these in the diet so it is crucial that we are eating these regularly. It also makes sense to consume the further 7 ‘conditionally essential amino acids’ to ensure we have enough. Plant-based proteins often require some combining for completeness.
🌱 Digestibility – Are all the aspects of your digestion working well enough to get the benefits from the protein you are eating? Can your gut break it down easily?
⭐Quality – Are you living off of high-protein enriched products or sources like heavily sprayed, highly processed and genetically modified soya, rather than whole food, cleaner sources of protein? Check your ingredients
⚖️ Bioavailability – Is your body in a state to use what you eat? That means enough stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and nutrient co-factors like B6, zinc, and magnesium.
So… how do you know if your protein’s working?
Here are a few signs your protein intake is on track and well-absorbed:
✔️ Consistent energy and muscle strength
✔️ Steady mood and mental clarity
✔️ Healthy hair, skin and nails
✔️ Quick recovery from exercise
✔️ Minimal bloating or gut discomfort
If that doesn’t sound like you, it’s not usually about eating more protein.
It’s about looking at what’s going wrong in the chain from choosing protein sources to fueling your cells. And of course, there can be many other aspects of diet and lifestyle having an effect on how you feel
My Total Transition approach
In my 1:1 work, I often help clients:
🔎 Identify and support imbalances in digestion and absorption
🥗 Build balanced, complete protein intake across the day
🧬 Explore any functional nutrient depletions that may be impacting amino acid use
🌿 Use supportive lifestyle and targeted supplements where needed
It’s about identifying clues to establish and support what it not working with your body, rather than just piling on more grams of protein.
Ready to support your body better?
If you’ve been doing “all the right things” and still not feeling your best, it might be time to dig deeper and support your body more comprehensively.
🌱 Book a Kickstart Call to explore how I can help you with this.
