Today, the primary reasons for taking protein supplements are to reduce weight, gain lean muscle mass and to shed fat. For most fitness enthusiast, whey protein supplements are almost always synonymous with hardcore-built physique. But, did you know that sport supplements can also boost your immune function? Yes, you heard me right! Let us take a close look and examine how a sport supplement could be your guard against infectious diseases.
Bioactive Whey
What is bioactive whey protein? It is a highly concentrated milk serum isolate which is high in protein and is lactose-free, carbohydrate, sugar-free, and fat-free. Intensive clinical researches throughout the years showed that through intake of this non-prescription dietary supplement, both healthy and weak immune system can be appreciably enhanced. Moreover, it is also safe to use in overactive immune functions such as autoimmune diseases and reviews and studies about this product have been published in different medical literature. And oh, did I mention that it shares the same immune enhancing properties of a mother's breast milk? That's immunity guaranteed without feeling like a baby all over again.
Probiotic: Pro Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to our body in such a way that they are considered friendly bacteria which helps fight off bad microbes. However, the harsh conditions on the gut make it impossible for probiotics to survive, not to mention the fact that they are easily destroyed by bile salts. Good thing though that whey acts as vehicle to transport these friendly bacteria to the gut safely by increasing the overall pH and reducing digestive protease activity.
Presence of Antioxidants
Research studies have also shown that intake of bioactive whey increases and stores the glutathione levels in our body which is considered as the master antioxidant. Bodybuilding supplements are rich source of cystine, an important amino acid necessary so that glutathione will be synthesized within the cell, thereby promoting immune responses via improved production of glutathione. So what does glutathione exactly do? Glutathione is a combination of three amino acids and an antioxidant compound found in both animal and plant tissue. It takes up and gives off hydrogen and is important in cellular respiration. It protects our body from different oxidative strain and reduces free radical production caused by stress, smoking, pollution, UV rays, etc. Taking the role as a master antioxidant, glutathione also regulates the works of other lesser antioxidants in our body such as vitamin C and E. Without this, they cannot do their job adequately from protecting our body from various diseases. Moreover, according to the Journal of Nutrition, glutathione is involved in the replication of cells in the body, in which the deficiency of it can lead to increased incidence of infection and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Immunoglobulin Content
As humans, we naturally acquire immunity against infections shortly after birth by transfer of immunoglobulin's (Ig) from the maternal blood to the newborn. These antibodies, which are also present in breast milk, allow the newborn to temporarily have passive immunity against potentially pathogenic microorganisms through its immune enhancing properties. These immunoglobulins are also present in protein supplements, and they are considered non-differential, signifying that they are active against diseases. Immunoglobulins are not also broken down in the intestinal tract allowing them to play a role in the defense mechanism of the intestinal mucosa against invading foreign particles. Furthermore, they are also valuable in restoring the integrity of the digestive intestinal tract so that essential nutrients can be absorbed again.
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Because of high quality of milk serum and protein, whey protein supplements have potential not only for bodybuilding but also for boosting immune function. A good example of a product is Whey 2 0 Isolate.