I was on a paleo-zone diet for a long time. I had a lot of trouble with the omega rx fish oil, so I gave up on that for a little while. I'm back to trying it again this week.

Anyway. Recently, I started eating protein isolate--you know, whey protein powder, etc. And soy ground crumbles too. So this is no longer a strict paleo diet.

But this movie, which is free until the end of this month if you want to watch it, by the way, says that protein isolate and soy are GMO foods and cause a lot of problems--inflammation, leaky guts (where food isn't properly digested before going out into the blood stream, so it causes health problems), allergies (I have tons of allergies), birth defects, etc., etc., etc.

I had thought for a long time that GMO foods were ok. But this movie revealed that thousands of pages were released from FDA showing that many scientists within FDA itself were saying that GMO foods were dangerous to health, but because of powerful influences, etc., these scientists' fears did not get communicated to the public.

http://geneticroulettemovie.com/

It's free until the end of the month.

Ok. I used to think GMO foods were ok. But this movie, which does have a fair amount of reasonably good information, scares me to be honest. And from my own work in a former industry, I do know that FDA sometimes suppress other types of information for less-than-ethical purposes, so it does not surprise me that FDA suppress more information.

I want to know whether Barry Sears is aware of all of the information as described in this movie, of FDA's apparent role in suppressing information about dangers of GMO crops and products, etc, and what he has to say about this?

A

Every modern country EXCEPT USA requires GMO food to be labeled as such.
Powerful Monsanto, Con-Agra, etc - have $$$$$ and "own" our FDA -
so our FDA REFUSES to require labeling of GMO foods.
.

There's a lot of mention of Monsanto in the movie ...

Sigh. So what does Barry Sears say? Tech Support?

A

As he supports grass-fed beef, etc. I would suppose that he does not support GMO.
Besides, aside from GMO, most of which (for now) is corn,
corn, in and of itself is not Favorable (and certainly not paleo, either).
Let alone a GMO version. - Or any corn based foods.

I have had many problems with soy in my diet in the past such as effecting my mestrual cycle severely, and perhaps other problems that I'm not even aware of. Needless to say, I DO NOT consume soy anymore expect for in minor increments. I truly don't believe in making soy a major component of any diet for these reasons. Like soy milk for one which was a major staple for me. Now I consume almond milk and am loving it.

Research I/ve done, I avoid Soy, unless it is fermented, which I do not like, so ...
In other words, though not definitive, a lot of research points to Soy, unless it is fermented as not being good for you ...
So, good choice.

Ok. The movie says it's soy, corn, and so forth that are GMO normally.

So, ok, corn, that's easy--it's unfavorable anyway.

Soy, I have to quit it??? Barry wrote a WHOLE book on soy products too, I'm sure he researched GMO too as part of that?

WHAT DOES BARRY SEARS SAY?

Anyone know?

A

I don't eat much soy, either. Now and again, but generally I avoid it. I have also explored the issue somewhat, and I just don't see eating a product that is so far removed from the original.

I have never read the Soy Zone, and so I can't speak to the rationale used in that book. But, for me personally, I just don't eat it.

hi Cranberrycat,

Thanks for this. I'd continue to eat soy if it wasn't for the GMO stuff. I will email Dave the zone expert at zoneliving and if he answers, which he normally does, i'll pass on what he has to say. :-)

I understand why you wouldn't eat it, I think. You want strictly natural, 100% natural food. I can understand that pesrpective. I personally don't have a problem with eating soy in general. I've been desensitivized to my soy allergy, so I'm no longer allergic to it, so I returned to eating it ...

What about my whey isolate protein powder though??? That's GMO, too ... but the label on the container says it's 100% natural, but I don't know what that means ...

And, the organic version of whey protein powder is very expensive.

A.

I wouldn't say I am 100% natural, there are always concessions to be made there... I eat mainly products that are not manufactured, but there are always some packaged products, mostly condiments, that I would consider. And, I don't eat this way 100%, there is always room for breaking the rules at times--just not routinely.

I guess I am not really sure about the whey protein isolate. I would have to research that one before I jump to conclusions. Don't know my source, but I had heard the opposite about it...

In researching, found this, avoid protein with casein ...
.
What's Wrong With the Typical Casein in protein or Sport Nutrition Supplements?

It's an inferior protein, often drenched with toxic residues. In fact, it's one of the worst proteins for your muscle.

If you're serious with your diet and training regimen, you owe it to yourself to know these facts before purchasing another casein-containing protein.

You may have already been noticing some of the side effects involved with casein ingestion – heart burn, bad after taste, indigestion, allergies ... Or you may have been thinking "I'm ok with my protein and I don't even care if it contains casein" …

There are many individuals who honestly want to believe that their protein is okay, but what they may not be aware of is that protein manufacturers have been routinely taking advantage of their trust. And in the case of casein …

They Sell You Nothing More Than Garbage With A Fancy Label

Why garbage? Because it's cheap. They use the least costly methods to extract the casein. They use cheap chemical acids found in fertilizers and household cleaning products.

It all comes down to one word: GREED.

It costs them about 10 times less than what you pay. Their profits are around 10,000% – a huge margin, similar to that of drug companies – and all this on your account. And they don't just rip you off financially, they also jeopardize your health and they rob you of your hard-earned gains.

I was not sure either, could not recall if the isolate form was good or not good version,
apparently you want a protein powder with Whey concentrate and not islate ...
.
WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE:
Whey protein, a by-product of milk and cheese, was promoted for its health benefits as early as 420 B.C. These days, evidence continues to mount in favor of whey, which is often referred to as the gold standard of protein.

Whey protein has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including:

- Helping your insulin work more effectively, which helps maintain your blood sugar level after a meal -- This is important as research suggests lowering your blood sugar levels after meals may be more beneficial for your health than lowering fasting blood sugars.

- Promoting healthy insulin secretion, which is imperative for optimal health. This is one of the foremost reasons for avoiding sugars and grains, as overconsumption of grains and sugary foods has a negative impact on both, and is a prime factor in developing type 2 diabetes.

- Helping to promote your optimal intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals needed for your overall wellness.

- Helping you preserve lean body tissue (particularly during exercise) as it delivers bioavailable amino acids and cysteine.

- Supporting your immune system, as it contains immunoglobulins. Maintaining blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range.

And ...
.
Important Points about High-Quality Whey

There's no shortage of whey products on the market, but unfortunately most of them will NOT give you the health benefits associated with high-quality whey. First of all you want to use a whey protein concentrate, NOT isolate.

All whey protein isolates are devoid of nutritional co-factors including alkalizing minerals, naturally occurring vitamins, and lipids, which are lost in the processing. This renders them deficient and overly acidifying. Unlike whole protein food concentrates which does not acidify your body due to its alkalinizing minerals, whey protein isolate are over acidifying. I would strongly avoid ALL whey protein isolates just as you would avoid trans fats as they contain putrid proteins that are actually worse than trans fat.

If chronically consumed in large amounts (such as with bodybuilders or athletes) without alkalizing foods, it can acidify your body and over time may lead to metabolic acidosis with consequences that include waste of muscle and bone tissues, total metabolic shut down, and increased vulnerability to degenerative disease.

So if you want to use whey protein, PLEASE do not use an inferior whey isolate. Look for a high-quality concentrate instead.

Good info, John.

The brand that I currently have lists both concentrate and isolate, but at least they list the concentrate 1st, so there is probably more of it than the other. I usually use a different brand (and would have to look at the label to see what it is), but had to make a temporary switch due to finances and convenience. I usually only use the protein powder for 1 block of my protein per day.

I purchase a product: pure whey $21 for 39 servings 18g Protein.
And it has some BCAAs. (Brand not mentioned, so should be OK to post.)

wow john. a lot to think about. i can see i will need to explore this some more.

thanks for sharing your info with me.

cranberrycat, thanks too. :-)

a

i just bought a "concentrate" version, it was on sale, thanks, john.

i haven't researched further myself, i'll just email zoneliving ... lol

a.

ZONE protein, I believe, fairly certain - is concentrate and not isolate.
Possibly grass-fed sourced? But maybe not.
Tech?

I looked at the label, it is an isolate.

I emailed Dave from zoneliving, he should get back to me hopefully within several days ... usually within one day or so ...

a

Milk and Whey Protein Isolate is stated on the label.

An all natural source of lactose-free protein that's flavor neutral and designed to be added to soups, smoothies, yogurt, dressings, stews, and oatmeal to bring up the protein levels in your meals and snacks to match the Zone Diet guidelines.

Fortified with 24 vitamins and minerals, our specialized protein blend of whey and lactose-free milk protein dissolves quickly and is slowly absorbed by the body to keep you in the Zone for up to six hours without hunger when combined with a favorable balance of carbohydrates and monounsaturated fat. This product does not fully dissolve in water and is designed for use in foods.


Here are a recent customer review :

By kim

from culver city, ca

Comments about ZoneLabs Dr. Sears Zone Protein Powder:

Best protein powder I have tried! It mixes in great and does not leave a chalky aftertaste. I mix it is shakes and in my oatmeal without changing the taste. Highly recommended


Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Tech Support,

Can you clarify as to whether it matters or not whether one is using whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate?

Thanks,

A

Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Whey protein isolate:
Pros – purer, more refined, no fat, no lactose. Easier to digest
Cons – more expensive, amino acids broken down (more denatured/processed). Less immune enhancing properties. Some say isolate is not good
Whey protein concentrate:
Pros – structure of proteins (amino acids) are not denatured. More bio-available, has more fat, trace amounts of lactose, provides more satiety because it takes longer to digest.
Zone Labs offers a whey based protein powder. Dr. Sears suggests lean proteins such as low fat dairy, poultry, fish, beef, etc. Protein powders should provide for a very small portion of one’s protein requirements.

Interesting, no CONS posted for the Concentrate form ...

Ok, I'm pasting on various bits of info from Dave Schreck from ZoneLiving. Dave is a senior advisor etc there, a scientist I believe (correct me if I'm wrong), etc.

----"Until there’s more research it’s a good idea to try to limit or avoid GMO foods. Consume fresh locally grown organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, limit all grains. "

---"Zone Labs offers a whey based protein powder. Dr. Sears suggests lean proteins such as low fat dairy, poultry, fish, beef, etc. Protein powders should provide for a very small portion of one’s protein requirements."

And a basic message from him about acidifying foods versus the alkalizing foods ...

"Most animal based proteins, perhaps with the exception of whey protein powder, are considered acidifying.

However, the key with the Zone is balance. Consuming your lean protein with lots of colorful non-starchy vegetables that are alkalizing."

Also,

--- "Soy products are acid forming (fermented soy is alkaline) and should be consuming in moderation. Whey protein powders may offer a better choice."

His basic message: avoid GMO foods as much as possible: "Through much of man’s evolution, he has been exposed to two food groups; low fat protein and fruits and vegetables. Ideally, we should be following the Paleo Zone diet, what man was designed to eat. Interestingly, the Zone suggests limiting or excluding many of the foods that are genetically modified, i.e. corn, soy and wheat. Make an attempt to avoid GMO foods, while consuming fresh locally grown organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible."


other stuff that I'm pasting on here ...

Soy

In his book, “The Soy Zone,” Dr. Sears addresses your concerns - Chapter 10 “Soy Science.” Due to the high concentrations of isoflavones in soy milk and other soy products he suggests consuming 1/3 of your soy protein from imitation soy products made with concentrated soy proteins (containing no isoflavones) or isolated soy protein that contains trace amounts. This would keep your isoflavone consumption below 50mg per day. Fermented soy products, i.e., miso and tempeh are fine. Consuming these products in moderation will most likely do more good than harm.

To review Dr. Sears comments regarding soy search www.drsears.com using separate key words isoflavones and isoflavone. Using “soy” offers hundreds of general articles and comments

GMO Foods

Through much of man’s evolution he has been exposed to two food groups; low fat protein and fruits and vegetables. Ideally, we should be following the Paleo Zone diet, what man was designed to eat. Interestingly, the Zone suggests limiting or excluding many of the foods that are genetically modified, i.e. corn, soy and wheat. Make an attempt to avoid GMO foods, while consuming fresh locally grown organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Leaky Gut

This condition may be caused by compounds that irate one’s gut wall and cause increased permeability which allows toxins, waste, undigested food, and microbes to leak through. Legumes contain sapponins that are irritants, corn, wheat and soy for some are inflammatory and can cause discomfort, i.e., Celiac’s disease.

For related info: http://www.zonediet.com/blog/2012/0...lammation/

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dave