I am a firm believer in the low-protein, low methionine lifestyle. It is the only way to live to extend maximum lifespan which is supported by scientific literature.
So could this be combined with body building? Does a low protein lifestyle build muscle? Thanks.
This is my take:
- Bulding muscle, that is activating the anabolic mTOR cascade in skeletal muscles which causes MPS (muscle protein synthesis) requires the right ingredients: mechanical stress (lifting weights)+energy (glucose, oxygen)+amminoacids, especially so leucine. Insuline and growth factor increase the baseline but seem to be not really necessary if mechanical stress is present (it impinges directly upon mTORC)
- the above combination of ingredients varies widely across individuals. Other important factors like the myostatine signal intervene in the process.
- Low protein → (low leucine signal+low amminoacid availability) will not activate mTOR in muscle tissues, which is necessary to MPS
- What is low protein is highly individual. RDA of 0.8 g kg-1 d-1 is an high value (cautious value) for inactive people who do not wish to develop protein deficiency. It may not be enough when lifting weights with arduos workouts.
- By amplyfing the glucose-Insulin signal you can optimize/decrease the quantity of amminoacids, although the right threshold for dequate mTOR phosphorylation → MPS should be empirically ascertained
In practice, if you eat enough carbs/fats you may avoid eating too many protein. Maintenance requires less protein but synthesis is another ballgame.
My suggestion would be to alternate rare periods of bulking, forgetting about caloric restriction, and longer periods of caloric restriction with relatively high protein, like 2*RDA. At the same trying to decrease 2*RDA and see what is your optimum value for muscle maintenance in caloric restriction.
When you work out with weights dietary protein are used to substitute worn out muscle tissue, so it doesn't contribute to mTOR overamplification in other organs and tissues different from skeletal muscle. This means that longevity is boosted.
Also, pure aminoacids like leucine and BCAAs should be avoided if you are not an hard-gainer, or used exclusively before the heavier workouts. Also avoide carnitine and other supplements used by bodybuilders. It goes without saying to avoid androgens like the devil.
It is not necessary to boost IGF-1 since the mechanoreceptors signals supersedes the IGF-1+insuline→ PIK3→Akt signal
Pls note, my interest in the above is practical since I wanted to do exactly what you wish to do. I cannot tell you if it worked since I had to stop because of various problems with previous surgery and nagging aches at connective tissues and joints. But when working out hard you can stay on caloric restriction even with 3000 kCal a day.
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Edited by mccoy, 05 June 2017 - 07:49 PM.