There is evidence that links protein supplementation with decreased renal, or kidney, function. The results of a research study reported by the "Harvard Gazette" looked at the effects of high-protein diets on renal function in women.

Guidelines on protein intake are often given based on a person's total body weight. A more accurate way to gauge the amount of protein you need, however, might be to base it on your lean mass weight. Lean body mass is everything in your body except fat, including muscle, skin, bones, blood and organs.

The digestive tract processes a multitude of different food components each day through the use of a wide variety of enzymes and digestive juices.

When you're working out hard, you may wonder if adding a high-protein powder to your daily regimen will help improve muscle tone. While protein is an important part of a woman's diet, eating too much may cause more harmful effects than positive ones.

Protein supplements are all effective at helping you build muscle when consumed as directed by the manufacturer and after approval by your doctor. However, some types of protein may be more efficient at helping to build and maintain lean muscle mass compared with others.

Most people get all the protein they need from whole foods. A protein powder supplement may be warranted if you're an avid athlete or have trouble eating a balanced diet.

Just as often as carbohydrates and fat are shunned in the name of weight loss, protein is turned to as a sure-fire way to keep off excess pounds. Although protein is designed to maintain body tissues and can’t be stored as-is, eating more protein than your body requires can lead to extra body fat.

As the most concentrated amino acid in your body, L-glutamine -- also known as glutamine -- is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Because it fuels white blood cells and other rapidly dividing body cells, glutamine is indispensable to immune system function and tissue repair.

You don’t have to be a meat eater to get ample protein in your meals and snacks. Nuts and seeds provide good amounts of protein in modestly sized servings, making them a smart choice for protein when you’re running between meetings or heading to the gym.

Bioidentical hormone therapy offers a different approach for patients seeking natural treatments. These drugs, similar to the body's natural substances, can play a positive role in human health. Bioidentical progesterone, for example, helps older women manage symptoms of menopause.

Protein bars are a type of meal replacement product. Unlike regular energy bars, they are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates and added sugars. Typically marketed toward body builders and athletes, protein bars do offer a few advantages.

Protein is one of the nutrients that's good for increasing satiety, making it an important part of any diet. It isn't the only nutrient you need to be concerned with, however, as you still want to eat a balanced diet overall. For the best weight-loss results, you'll also want to increase your exercise as well.