Why Protein Bars Give You Gas
Protein from various sources has become a key ingredient in both meal-replacement products promising fat loss and dietary supplements designed to aid in muscle gains. The prevalence of these products has uncovered many side effects.
Don't waste your time and money taking supplements or eating nutrients that your body cannot absorb completely. L-lysine is an amino acid, which is one of the molecules that make up protein. Whether you obtain l-lysine naturally in protein-rich foods, such as meat or tofu, or through over-the-counter supplement form, there are ways to help the body absorb this amino acid better, as opposed to excreting some of it unused.
Step 1
Use herbs to flavor l-lysine-rich meats, not sugary sauces or fruit juices. During cooking, the sugars reduce the amount of l-lysine that is available for absorption. Do not grill meats, tofu or other l-lysine-rich foods, because the dry heat decreases the availability of l-lysine for use within the body.
Step 2
Eliminate gelatin from your diet and supplements. Gelatin contains high levels of arginine, another amino acid that combats the absorption of l-lysine within the body. Look for gelatin in over-the-counter supplements by reading the nutrition facts label.
Step 3
Choose an l-lysine supplement that contains zinc, vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These micronutrients have a synergistic effect with l-lysine and can help absorption and bioavailability. If you are getting l-lysine from natural sources, such as meat, dairy or tofu, pair these foods with oranges for bioflavonoids and vitamin C and a cup of milk for zinc.