Check the box for each symptom that applies to you. The more symptoms on the list that a person has – or the more intensely they are experienced – the more likely it is that these symptoms are caused by a deficiency/imbalance of protein.

All of the above conditions can be caused by insufficient protein. Every tissue in the body is made from protein. Without protein, the body cannot make hormones, enzymes or antibodies. Immune processes may suffer. Protein is also necessary to regulate fluid pressures and the alkalinity of the blood. There is no substitute for protein. The body cannot make it from anything else.

Since protein is so vital and has no substitutes, the safest approach is to err slightly on the side of too much. The most concentrated sources of protein are foods of animal origin , such as eggs, yogurt, fish, poultry, or meat.

Plant sources are not as concentrated and need to be combined at each meal to yield the high quality protein that the body requires every day. Legumes (e.g., beans, peas, lentils) must be combined with grains, seeds or nuts at every meal. Examples: beans + rice; lentils + rice; split pea + barley soup; chickpeas + sesame seeds; refried beans + tortilla; peas + corn. Plant proteins not combined in this manner are largely wasted to the body. Soy is an exception to this combining rule because its amino acid pattern is very close to that of animal proteins; however, soy is very difficult to digest unless it is fermented (e.g., tofu, tempeh, miso).

The most cost-effective way to get protein is from food. Protein supplements are expensive. Convalescents, athletes, bodybuilders, those with impaired digestion, and those on elimination-type diets (to track down food sensitivities) may benefit from additional protein in the form of pre-digested (hydrolyzed) lactalbumin. This is high quality protein that has been reduced (by enzymes) to its constituent amino acids, ready to be absorbed through the intestinal wall. Because pure protein has no fiber it tends to be constipating. Therefore, it is most helpful to the body’s elimination if the lactalbumin supplement also contains indigestible plant fiber. See Protein-Fibre Supplement.

Dietary Fiber
Check the box for each symptom that applies to you. The more symptoms on the list that a person has – or the more intensely they are experienced – the more likely it is that these symptoms are caused by a deficiency/imbalance of dietary fiber.

The human colon is convoluted and works best when it is full of water and indigestible plant fiber. Finely powdered psyllium hulls make an excellent fiber supplement – one rounded tablespoon mixed in a large glassful of water, once or twice daily, as needed. Psyllium is a bowel normalizer. It helps to speed up transit time if too slow (e.g., constipation) , or slow it down if too fast (e.g., diarrhea).

Many people are constipated without realizing it. Having a "regular" bowel movement every day does not give the whole picture. What one passes today could be from a meal eaten three days ago. The "beet test" will tell. After eating beets, time how long it takes for the red stain to completely disappear from subsequent bowel movements. If it takes longer than 24 hours, the person is constipated.

No one can be truly healthy with a stagnant colon. Toxins and putrefactive byproducts are reabsorbed by the body and contribute to many disease processes. Periodic colon cleansing with herbs can be highly beneficial for those who tend to have stagnant colons. See Colon Cleanser.