How Does Protein Build Muscle?

Proteins come into existence when the protein-rich foods that we eat are digested and broken down into essential amino acids. These transformed amino acids eventually become super-charged proteins that replace damaged or overworked muscle and tissue throughout the body. Even if there is no damaged muscle from working out or lifting weights, protein must be eaten regularly to maintain a healthy level of amino acids throughout the human body.

Essential amino acids are the key

Of course they are much more critical to athletes, weight lifters, and others active individuals who require excessive muscle mass or function in certain areas of the body. In a nutshell, protein builds new muscle by repairing and strengthens existing muscle fibers which are usually torn continuously from the stress of lifting weights or other exercises. Now you might be wondering, how exactly does protein build new muscle if there is a low level of essential amino acids present in an individual's diet? The truth is without the essential amino acids, new proteins won't be made, and your body will no longer build and repair muscle tissue. This in turn can lead to extreme muscle soreness and fatigue (and is not conducive to one's health).

How does protein build muscle for lifters and body builders?

Body builders tend to have their own formula in order to determine how much protein they should be ingesting daily. That amount is somewhere between 1 and 2 grams of protein for each pound of the individual's body weight. This formula, for the most part, provides a good overall idea of how much protein a serious weight lifter or athlete should be ingesting.

Nutrition and Rest are essential to the process

There is a somewhat uniform and proper routine for getting optimal results from intense exercise. Either during or immediately following the workout plenty of water should be consumed. It is equally as important to eat healthy meals with large amounts of protein both before and after lifting. Some weight lifter's have been known to have 5,000 to 7,000 calorie diets. The theory is that the excess calories can be turned into muscle. Remember, after a hard workout muscle fibers have been damaged and need time to rest and heal in order to increase in size. So therefore, sleep as well as relaxation are both very important for one's recovery. Consistently getting at least eight hours of sleep per night is recommended. While you are sleeping, your body releases HGH (Human Growth Hormone) which is very important in the repair of muscle fibers.

Drink plenty of water to prevent "protein dehydration"

One thing that is extremely important to remember is that ingesting large amounts of protein can make it easier for an individual to become dehydrated. When this happens a substance called urea is unable to be carried out of your body as waste. This can lead to potential kidney damage. So it is very important to drink plenty of water. For more information about protein, how it can help you, and how you can build muscle Click Here

Edward Rosenberg is a professional health and nutrition expert. He has studied and researched dozens of various products over the past 4 years. For complete in-depth research about protein and how it can help you Click Here.

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