{"id":539,"date":"2026-03-03T02:58:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/?p=539"},"modified":"2026-05-08T03:58:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:58:02","slug":"protein-you-probably-need-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Protein: You Probably Need More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protein helps your body repair muscle, skin, bone, hair and daily wear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many older adults and active people do better with more protein than basic targets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meat, eggs, seafood and dairy give complete protein in useful forms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher protein meals can keep you full longer and reduce food cravings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protein works best when you eat enough across your main meals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Protein Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily Repair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein is made from amino acids. Your body uses amino acids to repair muscle, skin, bone, tendons, hair, nails and organs. You use protein every day, even when you do not train. Walking, lifting, working, healing and normal aging all create repair work inside the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muscle is one clear example. After exercise or hard physical work, muscle tissue needs amino acids for repair and growth. A large review found that protein intake supports muscle mass and function in healthy adults (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/jcsm.12922\">1<\/a>). This becomes more important when you train, age or eat less food than your body needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cell Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein does more than repair tissue. Many enzymes are proteins. Some hormones are proteins. Transport proteins carry oxygen, minerals, fats and other nutrients through the blood. Your immune system also uses proteins to find trouble and respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Low protein intake can affect daily function. You may feel hungry soon after meals. Recovery may feel slow after training or chores. Hair, nails and skin may look weaker over time. These signs do not prove one cause, but they can point to low intake when meals are mostly starch, sweets or snack foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strong Fullness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein helps many people feel full longer. A meta analysis found that higher protein intake can increase fullness, although the size of the effect can vary by study and meal type (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jand.2016.01.003\">2<\/a>). A higher protein breakfast often works better than a sweet breakfast because it gives your body real material to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fullness is useful because it lowers the need for constant food. A meal with eggs, beef or sardines can hold you for hours. A meal based on cereal, toast or sweet drinks often wears off faster. Appetite becomes easier when each meal carries enough protein and fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Higher Needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Active Bodies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Active people often need more protein. Hard training, sports, lifting and physical work break down tissue and raise the need for repair. A meta analysis found that protein supplementation improved gains in muscle mass and strength during resistance training (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bjsports-2017-097608\">3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basic protein targets were not made to find the best intake for strength, recovery or body composition. They were made to prevent clear deficiency in average people. Many people want better muscle, better recovery and steadier hunger, so a higher intake can make more sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Older Adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein becomes more important with age. Older adults often lose muscle more easily and may also eat less. The body can also respond less strongly to smaller protein servings. This means older adults often need a stronger protein signal at each meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers have argued that protein needs in aging may be higher than the usual recommended intake (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/advances\/nmy003\">4<\/a>). Another review explains why protein targets above the basic minimum may help support better health in adults (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1139\/apnm-2015-0550\">5<\/a>). Meat, eggs, seafood and dairy can make this easier because they give complete amino acids in smaller food volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weight Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein can support weight control because it helps you stay full. It also helps protect lean mass when food intake drops. A review found that protein above the basic recommended amount can support lean mass during both stress and recovery periods (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/advances\/nmz106\">6<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not mean you should live on powders or dry chicken breast. Protein works best inside a real meal with enough animal fat. Fat helps the meal last longer and supports hormones. Low fat eating often makes meals feel unfinished and leaves people searching for more food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Protein Foods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meat &amp; Organs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ruminant meat is one of the best protein sources. Beef, lamb and bison give complete protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and creatine. Liver gives protein plus retinol, copper and other nutrients in a small amount. These foods offer dense nutrition without the antinutrients found in many plant foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein quality is not only about grams on a label. Your body needs the right amino acids in forms it can use. Animal foods give all essential amino acids. They also bring nutrients that support energy, blood, muscle and repair at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eggs &amp; Dairy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Eggs are useful because they are easy to cook and easy to repeat. They give complete protein, choline and fat soluble nutrients. Eggs cooked in butter or ghee make a stronger meal than egg whites alone. Whole eggs give more complete nutrition than stripped down low fat versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dairy can also help if you tolerate it. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese and milk can raise protein intake without much effort. Full fat options often feel more satisfying. Fermented dairy like kefir may work better for some people because it is easier to digest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seafood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seafood gives protein plus minerals and long chain omega 3 fats. Sardines, salmon, oysters and shrimp are useful choices. Oysters also bring copper and zinc in a natural food form. Seafood can help rotate protein sources without relying on powders or fortified foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canned fish can be a simple backup meal. Sardines with salt, eggs and butter can make a fast meal when time is short. Choose seafood packed without seed oils when possible. Olive oil, soybean oil and other bottled oils can turn a good food into a weaker choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Meal Timing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Main Meals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people do better when protein appears at each main meal. This gives your body steady repair material across the day. It also reduces the chance of reaching evening with low intake and strong cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good meal starts with the protein. Use beef, eggs, lamb, seafood or dairy as the center. Add animal fat so the meal lasts. Keep carbs low if hunger, sleepiness or cravings show up after meals. This structure is boring in a useful way because it is easy to repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein after training helps repair tissue. You do not need to panic about an exact minute window. Your total intake across the day carries more weight than perfect timing. A meal within a few hours after training works well for many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Resistance training and protein work together. Training gives the body a reason to keep and grow muscle. Protein gives the body the material to do it. A meal with steak, eggs or fish after training is enough for most people who can eat normal food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protein Powders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein powders can help when real food is hard to get. Whey and casein come from milk. Whey digests faster, while casein digests slower. Beef isolate and egg white protein are other options, though many products contain sweeteners, gums or poor additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food should carry most of the load. Powders can be useful during travel, low appetite or busy workdays. Choose simple products if you use them. Avoid turning protein into dessert because sweet powders can keep cravings alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Safety &amp; Balance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kidneys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy kidneys can usually handle higher protein intakes. Reviews on higher protein diets have not shown the same concern in healthy people that is often repeated in broad nutrition advice (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3945\/an.114.007716\">7<\/a>). People with kidney disease need personal guidance because their situation is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein should rise with common sense. Add more real food meals before chasing extreme numbers. Drink to thirst, salt to taste and avoid making protein the only part of the meal. Animal fat, minerals and enough total food help the meal work better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein supports bone because bone is living tissue. Bone needs minerals, hormones, muscle loading and collagen support. A systematic review from the National Osteoporosis Foundation found no clear evidence that higher protein intake harms bone health in adults (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3945\/ajcn.116.145110\">8<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another review also found that higher protein intake did not damage bone health and may support some bone markers (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.csbj.2019.07.005\">9<\/a>). Meat, eggs, dairy, seafood and collagen rich cuts can support the full structure better than low protein eating. Strength work adds the needed signal for bone to stay strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy Targets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A plain target is one solid protein serving at each meal. Use your palm as a rough guide if you do not track grams. Many adults do well with more than the bare minimum, especially if they train, age, heal or want better appetite control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by fixing breakfast. Replace cereal, toast or sweet drinks with eggs, beef, sardines or full fat dairy. Then fix lunch. Dinner is usually the easiest meal because most people already expect a larger protein serving there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For any health concerns or questions about a medical condition, get guidance from a physician or another appropriately trained clinician. Before changing your diet, supplements or health routine, talk with a licensed healthcare professional.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do You Probably Need More Protein?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people do. Low protein meals are common, especially at breakfast and lunch. Older adults, active people and people trying to keep muscle often need more than basic targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which Foods Give The Best Protein?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meat, eggs, seafood and dairy are the strongest choices. They give complete protein in forms your body can use well. Ruminant meat, eggs and sardines are easy staples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can Protein Help With Hunger?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Higher protein meals often keep people full longer. Protein works even better when the meal also contains enough animal fat and does not rely on sugar or grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should You Use Protein Powder?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein powder can help when real food is hard to get. It should not replace most meals. Simple whey, casein, egg white or beef protein products are better than sweet dessert style blends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Higher Protein Bad For Healthy Kidneys?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Research does not show the same concern for healthy kidneys that people often repeat. Kidney disease is different and needs personal guidance from a qualified clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Research<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nunes, E.A. et al. 2022. Systematic review and meta analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. DOI: 10.1002\/jcsm.12922.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dhillon, J. et al. 2016. The effects of increased protein intake on fullness. A meta analysis and its limitations. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. DOI: 10.1016\/j.jand.2016.01.003.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Morton, R.W. et al. 2017. A systematic review, meta analysis and meta regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136\/bjsports-2017-097608.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traylor, D.A., Gorissen, S.H.M. and Phillips, S.M. 2018. Protein requirements and optimal intakes in aging. Are we ready to recommend more than the recommended daily allowance? Advances in Nutrition. DOI: 10.1093\/advances\/nmy003.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phillips, S.M., Chevalier, S. and Leidy, H.J. 2016. Protein requirements beyond the RDA. Implications for optimizing health. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. DOI: 10.1139\/apnm-2015-0550.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hudson, J.L., Wang, Y., Bergia, R.E. and Campbell, W.W. 2020. Protein intake greater than the RDA differentially influences whole body lean mass responses to purposeful catabolic and anabolic stressors. Advances in Nutrition. DOI: 10.1093\/advances\/nmz106.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cuenca S\u00e1nchez, M., Navas Carrillo, D. and Orenes Pi\u00f1ero, E. 2015. Controversies surrounding high protein diet intake. Satiating effect and kidney and bone health. Advances in Nutrition. DOI: 10.3945\/an.114.007716.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shams White, M.M. et al. 2017. Dietary protein and bone health. A systematic review and meta analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.3945\/ajcn.116.145110.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Groenendijk, I., den Boeft, L., van Loon, L.J.C. and de Groot, L.C.P.G.M. 2019. High versus low dietary protein intake and bone health in older adults. A systematic review and meta analysis. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal. DOI: 10.1016\/j.csbj.2019.07.005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Santesso, N. et al. 2012. Effects of higher versus lower protein diets on health outcomes. A systematic review and meta analysis. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1038\/ejcn.2012.37.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vogtschmidt, Y.D. et al. 2021. Is protein the forgotten ingredient. Effects of higher compared to lower protein diets on cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic review and meta analysis of randomised controlled trials. Atherosclerosis. DOI: 10.1016\/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wallace, T.C. and Frankenfeld, C.L. 2017. Dietary protein intake above the current RDA and bone health. A systematic review and meta analysis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1080\/07315724.2017.1322924.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Darling, A.L., Millward, D.J., Torgerson, D.J., Hewitt, C.E. and Lanham New, S.A. 2009. Dietary protein and bone health. A systematic review and meta analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.3945\/ajcn.2009.27799.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rebholz, C.M. et al. 2012. Dietary protein intake and blood pressure. A meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1093\/aje\/kws245.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chapman, I., Oberoi, A., Giezenaar, C. and Soenen, S. 2021. Rational use of protein supplements in the elderly. Relevance of gastrointestinal mechanisms. Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390\/nu13041227. PMID: 33917734.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-\">Lemon, P.W. 1995. Do athletes need more dietary protein and amino acids? International Journal of Sport Nutrition. DOI: 10.1123\/ijsn.5.s1.s39. PMID: 7550257.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"yoast-breadcrumbs\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/\">Home<\/a><\/span> \u00bb <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">Protein: You Probably Need More<\/span><\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Protein Basics Daily Repair Protein is made from amino acids. Your body uses amino acids to repair muscle, skin, bone, tendons, hair, nails and organs. You use protein every day, even when you do not train. Walking, lifting, working, healing and normal aging all create repair work inside the body. Muscle is one &#8230; <a title=\"Protein: You Probably Need More\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Protein: You Probably Need More\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"default","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[149,20],"tags":[244,322,323],"class_list":["post-539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animal-foods","category-nutrition","tag-body-composition","tag-bone-health","tag-kidney-function"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Protein You Probably Need More to Support Health - Open Integrative<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Protein: You Probably Need More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Open Integrative\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/openintegrative\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Open Integrative\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@OIntegrati51853\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@OIntegrati51853\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Open Integrative\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Open Integrative\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b4b71fb5a90c888273e5c28f6dab8ad4\"},\"headline\":\"Protein: You Probably Need More\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2153,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/protein-1.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Body Composition\",\"Bone Health\",\"Kidney Function\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Animal Foods\",\"Nutrition\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2026\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/\",\"name\":\"Protein You Probably Need More to Support Health - Open Integrative\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/protein-1.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00\",\"description\":\"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/protein-1.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/protein-1.webp\",\"width\":600,\"height\":600},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Protein: You Probably Need More\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Open Integrative\",\"description\":\"Reparative Health &amp; Wellness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Organization\",\"Place\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Open Integrative\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/openintegrative\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/OIntegrati51853\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/openintegrative\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/openintegrative\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/openintegrative\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/medium.com\\\/@openintegrative\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.quora.com\\\/profile\\\/Open-Integrative\\\/\"],\"description\":\"Open Integrative is an online-first platform that strives to provide an enlightening and engaging experience to all users. Our content is always informative and written in a humorous and positive tone to keep readers entertained without sacrificing substance. Although scientific information can be boring at times, we want to provide helpful advice that is easy to understand and enjoyable to read. We provide tips and tricks for healthy eating, exercising, and stress management. We aim to help you on your journey to feeling healthier and more energetic. We also provide inspirational quotes and mindfulness suggestions to help keep you motivated and feeling great. Get the absolute best supplement recommendations for optimal health with up-to-date, well-researched wellness advice clearly delivered. We only recommend products that are natural, high-quality, and designed to provide maximum benefits supplied by brands we trust. We believe that wellness entails more than just taking supplements, it\u2019s about positive thinking, having humor, and healthy lifestyle choices.\",\"telephone\":[],\"openingHoursSpecification\":[{\"@type\":\"OpeningHoursSpecification\",\"dayOfWeek\":[\"Sunday\",\"Monday\",\"Tuesday\",\"Wednesday\",\"Thursday\",\"Friday\",\"Saturday\"],\"opens\":\"09:00\",\"closes\":\"17:00\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b4b71fb5a90c888273e5c28f6dab8ad4\",\"name\":\"Open Integrative\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Open Integrative\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/open-integrative\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/protein-you-probably-need-more\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/cropped-Open-Integrative-O.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/openintegrative.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/cropped-Open-Integrative-O.jpg\",\"width\":304,\"height\":295,\"caption\":\"Open Integrative\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Protein You Probably Need More to Support Health - Open Integrative","description":"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Protein: You Probably Need More","og_description":"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.","og_url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/","og_site_name":"Open Integrative","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/openintegrative","article_published_time":"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00","og_image":[{"width":600,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Open Integrative","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@OIntegrati51853","twitter_site":"@OIntegrati51853","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Open Integrative","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/"},"author":{"name":"Open Integrative","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4b71fb5a90c888273e5c28f6dab8ad4"},"headline":"Protein: You Probably Need More","datePublished":"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/"},"wordCount":2153,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp","keywords":["Body Composition","Bone Health","Kidney Function"],"articleSection":["Animal Foods","Nutrition"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/","url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/","name":"Protein You Probably Need More to Support Health - Open Integrative","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp","datePublished":"2026-03-03T02:58:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-08T07:58:02+00:00","description":"Find out how protein benefits your body. You probably need more to enhance recovery and improve focus daily.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp","width":600,"height":600},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Protein: You Probably Need More"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/","name":"Open Integrative","description":"Reparative Health &amp; Wellness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Organization","Place"],"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Open Integrative","url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/openintegrative","https:\/\/x.com\/OIntegrati51853","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/openintegrative\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/openintegrative\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/openintegrative\/","https:\/\/medium.com\/@openintegrative","https:\/\/www.quora.com\/profile\/Open-Integrative\/"],"description":"Open Integrative is an online-first platform that strives to provide an enlightening and engaging experience to all users. Our content is always informative and written in a humorous and positive tone to keep readers entertained without sacrificing substance. Although scientific information can be boring at times, we want to provide helpful advice that is easy to understand and enjoyable to read. We provide tips and tricks for healthy eating, exercising, and stress management. We aim to help you on your journey to feeling healthier and more energetic. We also provide inspirational quotes and mindfulness suggestions to help keep you motivated and feeling great. Get the absolute best supplement recommendations for optimal health with up-to-date, well-researched wellness advice clearly delivered. We only recommend products that are natural, high-quality, and designed to provide maximum benefits supplied by brands we trust. We believe that wellness entails more than just taking supplements, it\u2019s about positive thinking, having humor, and healthy lifestyle choices.","telephone":[],"openingHoursSpecification":[{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":["Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday","Saturday"],"opens":"09:00","closes":"17:00"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4b71fb5a90c888273e5c28f6dab8ad4","name":"Open Integrative","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3759e928759c65df4d61896a7a2069f52afd62f2b37907a5dbf0669a922bfea3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Open Integrative"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog"],"url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/author\/open-integrative\/"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cropped-Open-Integrative-O.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cropped-Open-Integrative-O.jpg","width":304,"height":295,"caption":"Open Integrative"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=539"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4606,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539\/revisions\/4606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}