Health Hotline Magazine | April 2026

A New Look at Protein: Why More Isn’t Always Better

By Liz Mueller

100% GRASSFED ORGANIC MILK

Protein’s popularity is at an all-time high—from bars and shakes to diets aiming for 20–30 grams per meal. The message seems clear: more protein equals better health. And it’s true that protein is essential for building tissues, supporting immunity, making enzymes and hormones, and maintaining muscle across the lifespan. But more isn’t always better. Emerging research suggests that chronically excessive protein—

especially when it displaces vegetables —can increase dietary acid load (DAL) and place additional stress on bones and kidneys. The good news? The fix is simple: Pair protein with plenty of vegetables to keep your body strong and healthy.

Protein plays an important role at every stage of life. During pregnancy, it helps support a growing baby; in childhood, it fuels growth and strengthens the immune system; in adulthood, it helps maintain lean muscle; and in later years, it can make a real di erence in preserving strength and mobility and reducing frailty. The issue isn’t protein itself—it arises when intake exceeds balanced levels and isn’t paired with minerals and other alkalizing nutrients from vegetables. Protein Across the Lifespan

Natural Grocers ® | 24