Quick Read:
- Look for protein powders that do NOT contain: soy isolates, artificial sweeteners, GMO soybeans, seed oils, and other toxic fillers.
- Protein is an essential nutrient for your healing. It helps rebuild tissue, balance hormones, energize, boost immune system cells, etc.
Protein powder can be an effective and delicious way to fuel your body and brain for health and healing. It’s a key ingredient that empowers your body to repair tissues, supercharge your immune system, balance hormones, elevate your energy levels, prevent cachexia (losing muscle mass), and so much more.
But just like everything, there are things to watch out for, such as harmful GMOs and seed oils [1]. So put on your detective hat and get your magnifying glass out because we have some inspecting to do!
Protein Powder Ingredients To Avoid
Let’s get to it. Below is a non-comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid at all costs when searching for your go-to protein powder.
- Soy Isolates, GMO soybeans, and soy protein powders. They are all considerably harmful to your healing. There’s a lot of confusion and misleading information surrounding soy and estrogens, so please take a moment to read this blog post [2] and use it as your personal guide to demystifying soy.
- Non-organic ingredients. Protein powders are made from concentrated amounts of ingredients, so be sure to choose an organic option.
- Seed oils. Soybean, canola, sunflower, grapeseed, corn oil, etc., are drowning in chemicals, toxins, and omega-6 fatty acids (the inflammatory type of omegas). Read this blog post [1] for more details.
- Toxic fillers. Rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce it and do not know what it is…then do not eat it!
- Artificial sweeteners. Cancer thrives on sugar. Click here [3] to understand the science behind sugar, insulin, your P135 Pathway, and their connection to cancer growth, tumor survival, and resistance to treatments.
- Harmful animal treatment. Just like with your meats and fish, you want to buy animal products that come from places that use guaranteed high standards of care, such as “pasture-raised” and “Non-GMO.” If not, you are getting a concentrated amount of damaging hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins from the animals.
Protein Powder Ingredients To Look For
- Minimal ingredients, less is more in this situation!
- Organic and clean versions of ingredients.
- Healing seeds: Chia, flax [4], hemp, and pumpkin seeds are some nourishing options.
- Brain and body boosting superfoods: Maca, coconut oil, cacao, turmeric root, and Himalayan pink salt all have multiple healing benefits.
- High standards of care for the animals used. Look for “grass-fed” and “pasture-raised” type of labels if you are using an animal-based protein powder.
Why Protein Matters for Breast Cancer Healing
Protein is more than just a muscle-builder: it’s an essential nutrient for your healing journey. Your body needs protein to repair tissues, balance hormones, and build immune cells that fight cancer. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are literally the “building blocks of life.” Without them, your body can’t make critical enzymes, neurotransmitters, or even maintain strong bones and hair.
During breast cancer treatment, your protein needs are often higher. Stress, inflammation, and treatments (such as chemo or surgery) demand more repair and recovery. Getting enough protein helps protect you from fatigue, muscle wasting (cachexia), and weakened immunity. All the more reasons to eat protein, but choose it carefully.
Osteoporosis
Here’s the deal: breast cancer treatment can impact your bones more than you may realize. For example, specific therapies like aromatase inhibitors (learn more here [5]) can accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Add to that the natural decline in estrogen during menopause (or treatment-induced menopause), and you’ve got a perfect storm for brittle bones and osteoporosis.
But it doesn’t have to “just be that way.” You can choose to have strong bones, no matter what happens to you. Read this blog post [6]to learn how, why, and gain practical tips on powering up with protein.
Why Protein Matters For General Health and Longevity
- Uplifts your immune system.
- Glutamine (an amino acid) helps fuel white blood cells.
- Arginine supports wound healing and immune activation.
- Lysine and proline are critical for collagen formation in tissues.
- Accelerates detoxification. Protein helps your liver process and eliminate toxins, including those from medications and environmental exposures. Specific amino acids—like methionine and glycine—are vital for methylation [7] and detoxification.
- Supports gut health and nutrient absorption. Protein contributes to the integrity of the gut lining. Collagen and amino acids like glutamine help “seal and heal” a leaky gut, preventing toxins from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammation. A healthy gut improves absorption of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that fight cancer (and all dis-eases) at the cellular level.
- Provides satiety and stabilizes blood sugar. Stable blood sugar = stable insulin = stable mood and body. Insulin and the IGF-1 pathway can fuel cancer cell growth (and other he
[8]alth issues) when they’re chronically elevated. Protein slows digestion, balances glucose spikes, and helps prevent insulin surges. To learn more about blood sugar, please review this blog post [9]. - Enhances mood. Protein contributes to higher energy, better mood, and improved sleep. Amino acids like tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin) and tyrosine (a precursor to dopamine) influence neurotransmitters that affect resilience and emotional health.
Pump Up Healing With Purposeful Protein
Every scoop can be a micro-investment into your health…or can be a damaging setback. Use this blog post as a guide to buying protein powders and planning out your healing diet. So blend up a nourishing smoothie (such as this Strawberry Protein Smoothie [10]), make yourself a special treat (like our Blueberry Smoothie Chia Seed Pudding [8]), and continue to rise strong on your journey to vibrant health!