High Protein brownie Recipe

If you have hypoproteinemia like me, you might want to try this recipe.


The brownies in this recipe are high in protein, and low in carbohydrates.


They guy uses the recipe in terms of muscle  building, but this could potentially be a positive for folks with low protein.

Health Update March 4, 2012

My protein losing enteropathy is rearing its ugly head again.


My protein level has undoubtedly fallen since my last post.  In fact, at my last doctor visit my serium protein had fallen form 3.9 to 2.4 while my albumin had measured 1.3.


These levels were taken about a month ago, and I am doing far worse now.


I don't "need" to weigh myself to know my edema and my anasarca has returned.


This time, the edema seems to have concentrated mostly on my torso area.  It is almost as if I have gained about 15 pounds of fat on my abdomen, but I know it is mostly fluid.


The backs of my legs are also highly edemic.


I awoke 2 mornings ago shocked to find extreme edema in the torso area.  I had pitting edema on my ribcage, and still do upon the entire torso.


I plan to go to the hospital this week.


My treatment will be as indicated in previous posts.  


I'll get albunin replacement 3 times a day for about a week.  Each dose of IV albunin will be followed by an intravenous dose of Lasixx (60 to 80 ml).


Look through this blog for info about this condition.  If you came to this site because you want to know about hypoproteinemia and the possible treatments, I have laid out my entire fight with this condition here.


I hope  and pray for your health, or that of your loved ones, improves.

Fear of Bad Medication Side effects is Real

For the first time, I am truly fearful of taking a medication. The doctor wants me to take “Reclast” which has been known to cause death to jaw bones of folks who have had dental work while on the drug.


The drug, taken to increase bone density to treat osteoporosis, has been known to cause mandibular osteonecrosis, so the doctor made sure I had my dental work done prior to getting this medication infused.


My osteoporosis is secondary to my hypoproteinemia; caused by low calcium and a probable absorption issue.


I’ve had my dental work done, and now its time to get the Reclast.


Should I, or shouldn’t I?


What if my jaw does die? What would that be like? Would it rot? Would I then have to have it removed? How would I eat? How would I go out in public?


This is a side effect I’m not sure I want to tangle with, but alas, I have severe osteoporosis and that can be very harmful as well.


What to do… what to do?


Prednisone was another drug I had to take that had serious side effects, but I was brave and took it like a trooper. It ended up causing me to be legally blind.


My advice to you is; you should take those medication warnings seriously. I used to think those side effects would never happen to me… now I know different.


Ultimately what I will do is weigh the benefits against the risks… as difficult as that is… and make the best choice.


I’ve already put off two appointments for getting the Reclast infusion. I think I’ll go next time and get it.

So Far, 112 posts Containing Intimate Knowledge of my Hypoproteinemai Struggle

Most of the time, medical information found on the internet is cold, sterilized  and hard to understand.  


That said, the idea for this blog came when I couldn’t find real life accountings of what it means to live with hypoproteinemia.


I’d ask the doctor for a prognosis, and get, “With your particular condition, Protein Losing Enteropathy, we just don’t have enough information to know what to tell you.”

I found this hard to believe. I asked them to make an educated guess as to my prognosis, and they wouldn't give me one.


You would think that if they know the function of proteins within the body, they would be able to surmise what might  happen to me in the future, but they wouldn't.


So, I’ve been keeping this blog; a journal of sorts to document my various treatments as well as side effects, successes, failures, and general experiences that have arisen due to this condition.


If you came here looking for information about hypoproteinemia, the kind of information that might benefit you or someone you love, feel free to look through the links on the right hand side of the page or go through my archives.


I do have a medical background, so I was able to keep pretty good accountings of medications took and their relative effect on me.

I discuss Albumin replacement therapy, cytoxan, prednisone, other  drugs, diagnostic procedures, doctors, nurses, medical mistake avoidance, and a lot more.


The only problem with this ‘blog’ format is that my ability to subject index is difficult.  So for you, finding specific information can be difficult.


If you are looking for specific information, use the search box on the top left corner of this page. If your search terms don't work, try substituting other words and search again.


In addition to low-protein specific topics covered, this blog, also  covers topics that could be helpful to patients of other chronic illnesses. 


I have even posted videos explaining some symptoms related to edema, my own diagnosis, and more.


Thanks for visiting, and I hope this blog is of help to you.


Regards;


Daniel Taverne

Tea Party Inclusion cards Counter Left's Lies

Sorry for going political here, but I have to do something to counter the lies made by the left and mainstream medis.  Scroll past this for the hypoproteinemia posts or use the links in the right hand sidebar.

Purchase the cards, then leave one behind for 'just-met' persons of color to find following your friendly, amiable conversations.  

The bus, in cafeterias, libraries, schools are some examples of where you might come in contact with minorities, and when you might leave a card.


We've got to respond to the lies being spread by mainstream and let minoriies know we stand for them too.


Click on the card below to purchase a bunch from my store.  I created these so I get a royalty from each sale.

You can also help me by reposting this on your facebook and twitter accounts. Thanks in advance.


Here's the Card:

Tea Party Inclusion Card by Observations
sell your paintings online for free at Zazzle

Do you Like Chia Pets? The Seeds are High in Protein

I'm reposting this here from THIS WONDERFUL WEBSITE that you should check out.  There are all sotrs of questions answered there.  I'm posting this one question and answer because It might help folks with hypoproteinemia.
 Q: What do you think of chia seeds? — Elly, Port Orchard, Wa.



A: We think they do way more than grow a head of green hair on a guy made of clay. Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) sprout “hair” and “fur” on Chia Pets, but on the healthy-food front, they’re a nutritional powerhouse.


Originally, chia was the only foodstuff Aztec warriors carried into battle. Chia seeds are nearly as high in protein as quinoa and as high in omega-3s as flaxseed, but unlike flax, you don’t have to break open the seeds to get all their goodness.


This nutty-tasting food of the Aztecs can be stored for long periods and provides quick energy. It also keeps you regular, because chia is 50 percent to 60 percent fiber, as well as high in vitamin B, calcium and potassium. And there’s some evidence that chia reduces visceral fat, the nasty inner spare tire that can lead to diabetes and heart disease.


Sprinkle the seeds on salads or grind them and add to a whole-grain muffin recipe.
____________________
My Comment:

After reading this I think I'll give them a try.  This is the kind of food my nutritionist would encourage me to eat.

High Cholesterol? Add Hot Chili Peppers to your diet

While trying to find out why my bell peppers keep falling off the plant, I came across this interesting tid-bit of information. 

Because of my hypoproteinemia, my cholesterol and triglycerides are very high.  That's why I found this bit of information very interesting.  Maybe this is is why I find myself craving them so much.

This is from a list of questions Located on this website.

13. Q. We have just moved to this area and enjoy the Mexican food. What makes Mexican food so hot? Is it the pepper they add?


A. The cooks add pepper alright but not the black stuff you shake from a can - they add green peppers, Capsicum annum. These peppers contain a chemical named capsaicin. When you eat these "green bullets from hell" there's a cellular response that releases neurotransmitters. These are proteins that mimic chemically the sensation of burning or pain. They go to the end plate of our sensory nerves and create the sensation of pain. The body's response is to remove the chemical irritant by increasing heart rate to increase metabolism, by increasing salivation and increasing sweating. Your nose runs and the gastrointestinal tract goes to work in high gear to remove the irritant. You sweat to cool yourself.


The body's strong reaction to capsaicin is why many people claim chili has medicinal properties. A paper by a New Mexico biologist noted that the death rate from heart disease in the state was about half the national rate. She also said the rate of heart disease among Hispanics and Indians was low. Presumed reason? They all eat lots of chile pepper and that reduces blood fat levels. Hot peppers are said to protect against blood clots that could cause thromboembolism.


So why do folks eat this hot food? When people eat hot chili the brain secretes endorphins, the opiate-like substances that block pain. Endorphins are produced when runners "hit the wall" and get their second wind. Who needs to jog and watch their diet? Just eat peppers and keep on burning!

Study - Curb Overeating with Protein-Rich Breakfasts

If you want to stay healthy, researchers at MissourUniversity are suggesting that regularly eating protein-rich breakfasts keeps you satisfied and wards off overeating... read full story. <---LINK



My Comments:

Many people with hypoproteinemia are subject to hyperlipidemia (hign levels of fats in our blood).  I, for example, have high cholesterol and triglycerides). 

So if I follow the advice indicated in the above study, I'll consider what kinds of proteins I consume. 

Bacon is a protein food, but it also has a high fat content.  Sure, I might eat a slice of bacon every once in a while, but that is not going to be what I turn to to increase  my protein intake.

I may, for example, add some egg-whites to my scrambled eggs.  Egg whites are high-protein, but low cholesterol.

I may consume a protein supplement such as a soy-protein powder mixed into my orange juice.
I think it would be okay to increase protein, provided it isn't a high fat/cholesterol protein.

What are your thoughts?

The article referred to in this post was a headline located in the right side-bar of this blog.  The headlines are updated daily, so bookmark this site and come back often.

Are high-protein diets bad for your colon?

News Story By Amy Norton
NEW YORK | Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:42pm EDT
(Reuters Health) - The high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets many people turn to for weight loss might have potentially harmful long-term effects on the colon, a small study hints.


In a study of 17 obese men, UK researchers found that a protein-heavy, low-carb diet created certain changes in the colon that could, over time, contribute to colon cancer risk.


The study looked only at short-term shifts in certain compounds that are byproducts of metabolism, and not actual disease risk. So it does not show whether high-protein diets really raise the risk of any colon diseases.

But the findings raise that possibility, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition…. READ FULL STORY
__________________________
MY COMMENTS:


After I read this, I wondered why they published this study at all. Only 17 people were studied, they were obese to begin with, and the report even indicates it “…does not show whether high-protein diets really raise the risk” of cancer.


How high protein diets may affect folks like us who have hypoproteinemia, I’m not sure.


I can say I’m prepared to keep on a high protein diet because not having enough, I think, is worse than having too much.


The above news headline came from the news-headlines links located in the right hand column of this page. Please bookmark this page, and come back often to check them out.

6 Tips for Limiting Salt (Sodium) Intake from Food

People with hypoproteinemia are encouraged to restrict sodium intake.  That said, life can be pretty dull eating food that is almost tasteless.

Here are some suggestions that might help you restrict your salt intake.

1.  Use fruits to flavor foods.  That’s right!  Lemons, limes, apple, pear, grapes, oranges, can creatively give your meals flavor without an addition of salt.

2. You might try a product called Salt Sense”.  I use this.  This product is salt, but the crystals are shaped differently (if my understanding is correct) that doesn’t allow as many particles per given area to occupy.  With Salt Sense, It looks like I’m shaking a lot of salt to my food (when I use it) but actually it’s a little.

3.  Salt substitutes:  This is a well known tip.  Mrs. Dash and others can help season food with little salt.

4.  Don’t add Salt to cooked food.  This is probably where many people can save on the most salt intake.  It is very easy to attain a daily allowance of sodium with just a few shakes of the shaker.

5.  Read labels. I use a lower sodium hot sauce, for instance.  I always choose the tortilla chips with the least salt. 

6.  Be Mindful!  Remember all packaged foods have added salt unless otherwise indicated.  Salt intake, if not monitored, can accumulate quickly.

High salt intake by people with low serum protein, low Albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can cause a marked increase in edema.  This is medically undesirable and personally uncomfortable; even painful.

Fish Believed to Improve Hypoproteinemia and Hypoalbuminemia

Update… 18 Jan 2011


I have been doing very well, fluid (edema) wise, until just recently.


What has changed? My diet has changed somewhat. While doing well, I was eating a lot of fish (tilapia).


I was either grilling filets on the George Forman grill, or I was baking them in the oven on a bed of potatoes cut up like French fries.


I was eating 3 files at a time (for lunch) at least 3 days per week.


My edema was kept in check until a couple weeks after I ran out of fish filets.


Now, my legs are puffed back up with edema at least 2+ pitting; if not 3+.


I can’t say for sure that the fish has been keeping my protein elevated, but my instinct is to believe it.


The reason I didn’t get more fish is lack of money.


Anyway, I have another appointment at the VA hospital in about 2 weeks. I may get admitted again for diuresis, and albumin infusions.

Protein Supplent Information Video *** Considering Possibilities ***

In this video, the man is talking about protein supplelments used for after workouts to repair and build muscle.  I think this information may be valuable, however, for folks who are batteling hypoproteinemia. 

NOTE:  Please consult with your doctor before taking any protein supplements.

Ciliac Disease: Just one Possible Cause of Hypoproteinemia

Some of this post is derived from THIS EXTERNAL WEB PAGE.
One cause of hypoproteinemia could be Celiac disease.


Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.


Essentially, the body is attacking itself every time a person with celiac disease consumes gluten. If you are wondering if might have celiac disease, look at the following symptom checklist using this link to an external site dedicated to Celiac Disease.


For people with Celiac disease, protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye isn‘t processed correctly and results in the villi problems as noted above..


I was checked for this with a diet change. I was taken off of all wheat products for at two week, and observed. I showed no change in serum protein so I was pronounced negative for celiac.


There are many, many products containing gluten. It is used as thickener in canned soups, breads, pasta and many other products. Read the ingredients.

I also had small intestine biopsies that ruled out Celiac Disease because the doctor wanted to be absolutely sure this disease was ruled out.

Unexpected Accident Sunday

I broke my leg Sunday. My left Tibia fractured high (close to the knee). They called this the Tibia Plateau.


This injury occurred as I innocently threw an object into a tree. You see, I kicked my dogs ball high into the tree where it became lodged amongst its branches. I was attempting to knock the ball from the tree with a heavy socket.


When I threw the object upward, the lateral portion of my left leg was put in an un-natural bending angle, then it popped loudly. Of all ways to break a leg, this has got to be the lamest!


The orthopedic doctor who saw me said this type of fracture most commonly results in surgery. But in my case, he thinks if I keep my leg immobilized and don’t bear weight on it, that it’ll heal.


So I’ve got a knee immobilizer on and use a crutch under my left armpit, and a cane in my right hand.


It didn’t take long for me to realize how much of a workout I’ll be getting using these mobility aids.
One of my secondary issues that crept up due to my hypoproteinemia is osteoporosis. I’m not sure if this contributed to my leg break, so my VA doctor is going to schedule me for a density scan in the near future.


This doctor also told me to be watchful of blood clots. Since I don’t have a spleen, my platelets (Thrombocytes) are a lot higher than normal. That means my clotting factor is higher.


I am at risk of developing embolisms.


This is all for now. If you’d like to help me keep this blog going, feel free to donate using the button on the page.

Thanksgiving Message from Daniel Taverne (Blog Owner)

A Protein losing enteropathy (hypoproteinemia) is pretty tough to deal with. I know what it’s like to attend family functions only to lay on the couch with my legs elevated while everyone else visits having a great time.


I understand the feeling of not being able to eat because food in my stomach, and excess fluid in my belly makes it hard to breath.

This is why it’s so important for people like us to grab onto the moments when we feel pretty good. Since they are few, We know that such moments are not to be wasted.


Maybe you are chronically ill with another affliction, this applies to you too. Actually, this is just as important for the perfectly healthy, though they may not realize it.


Is this an advantage we have over them; that We learn the value of moments?


I saw a TV show this week where a man told a woman to take pictures of moments, not people.  That’s what we need to do. We all need to pay attention to (and value) moments...Even in the midst of illness.

5 Disciplines that Might Diagnose Your Hypoproteinemia

Hypoproteinemia is not a diagnosis, it is a manifestation of some other cause.  Hypoproteinemia simply means low blood protein.  That said, the following disciplines, and possibly others, may get involved in finding the cause of yours. 


1. Rheumatologist - A Rheumatologist may check a number of areas of the body since autoimmune causes of low protein can be found in  multiple systems. Here is a list of some: Blood and blood vessels, Digestive tract (including the mouth) Glands, Heart, Joints, and Kidneys.

2. Gastroenterologist - Since the cause of your low protein might be digestive in nature, this type of doctor may want to examine you. He/she may scope your upper and lower GI tracts.  This discipline would probably do CT scans of your digestive tract first though.

3. Cardiologist: May look at heart issues in infants, children, the elderly, or others for issues causing low blood protein. It’s my understanding that weak hearts can cause protein loss. Also, there are some heart birth defects that cause  hypoproteinemia in infants and children.  Fortunately, doctors can fix some of these.

4. Hematologist: These doctors may look for clues in the blood for what might be causing a decrease in protein.

5.  Geneticist: This kind of doctor would look at your family history, and examine you for clues as to a genetic cause of your hypoproteinemia.

As always, this list is not the end-all list of specialists that might see you. Your low protein may cause secondary issues that might require even other types of doctors.

It’s for this reason that it’s extremely important to have a good primary care doctor who can, and will coordinate your care with all these specializations.

I’ll soon post some suggestions for primary care doctor’s that may come in handy for you, the patient.

I gratefully accept corrections and/or suggestions for this blog. Any input can be left in the form of a comment, or by signing my guestbook.

My Health Update

I've been feeling pretty poorly the last few days.  It started with a pretty bad sore throat which has gone away.  But it didn't just go away, the illness moved into my head and chest.  Arrgh!  I can't stand colds.

I have a full prescription of Doxycycline hyclate that I'm going to start taking.

Hopefully I'll start feeling better soon.

As far as my hypoproteinemia symptoms, they are on the stronger side.  I feel pretty bloated.  My edema is pretty high now. 

At the beginning of the year, I weighed less than 130 pounds.  I am now up to 185 at least..  I'm hoping my eating hasn't resulted in much of that weight being fat instead of fluid.

I know some of the weight is muscle thoug because I've been exercising all summer.  Some of the nurses at the hospital the last time I was there were making comments like, "Look at Mr. Taverne... all buff!"  And, "Boy you been working ou. t huh?"

I didn't know working out would make my butt bigger.  I can't fit into my 140 lb pants anymore.  Ane, I'm not happy about that.

I'll stop typing now.  I hope you, where ever you are, are doing well.  Please feel free to post comments.  If you want I'll share your story here.

How I Cope with Hypoproteinemia

Some people might wonder what the big deal with protein is. To them, I say a lot!

Aside from edema, which I describe here in this blog, other issues have risen due to medication side effects.

Side effects I have suffered from are, weight gain, plural edema (fluid within the outer lining of the lungs), a positive AFB (acidfast bacillus) in my spinal fluid) indicating a strong possibility of having tuberculosis meningitis, legal blindness and some I’m not remembering at this time.

These medication induced problems only compound problems brought on by my form of this idiopathic Protein losing neuropathy. For example, I had a clot in my spleen and it had to come out. I had some neuropathic pain in my toes along with necrosis and my toes had to be taken off on my left foot. I had to have a vain replaced (bypass) in my leg from my crotch to my ankle.

Because of this disease, this condition, I had hernias that needed repair (surgery) and a multitude of invasive tests including several of each of the following EGDs (scope down the throat), colonoscopy (scope up the butt), exploratory abdominal surgery, a Die squirted ON THE BRAIN scan test (this sucked), and many I don’t remember at this point.

How have I coped?

I have held on tightly to the aspects of life that I enjoy. I don’t sweat the small stuff as they say and I revel in life’s many wonderful mysteries.

I re-engaged myself into hobbies that I, at one time, set aside for more pressing endeavors and I stopped taking my relationships with others for granted.

I watch a lot of America’s Funniest Videos and find as many reasons to laugh as I can. But most of all, I pray a lot. I pray a lot and I live in the hope that better days are in front of me.

I do these things, and I persevere with a smile.

What is Hypoproteinemia?

Hypoproteinemia, simply put is low blood protein levels.  There are 2 main protein types: Albumin and globulin.  Abnormal blood test results  related to these are usually delineated with a corresponding 'hyper' or 'hypo' (high and low- respectively). 

For example, Low Albumin (a plasma protein) is called, Hypoalbumemia.  This condition can also be loosely referred to as hypoproteinemia. 

"Normal" Total serum Protein level (in humans) should be between  6.0 and 8.3 gm/dl (grams per deciliter).
Normal albumin level is from 3.4 - 5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

The difficulties arising when these numbers depart from normal are quite astonishing.  That said there are many conditions that can cause departures.

Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:

**ChronicChronic inflammation or infection, including HIV and hepatitis B or C
**Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma
**Waldenstrom's diseaseWaldenstrom's disease

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:
**AgammaglobulinemiaAgammaglobulinemia
**Bleeding (hemorrhage)
**BurnsBurns (extensive)
**GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis
**Liver diseaseLiver disease
**MalabsorptionMalabsorption
**Malnutrition
**Nephrotic syndrome
**Protein-losing enteropathy

Exercising with hypoproteinemia

I have noticed that when my protein is very low, I don’t have the energy required for maintaining an exercise program. I think the best idea at times like tose is to keep from lying around doing nothing. Stagnation will conspire to atrophy your muscles.

There is a dilemma however. If you have low protein, will muscles atrophy regardless of activity?

I posed this question to a doctor. He told me the type of protein I’m deficient in is not the same protein used in maintaining muscle structure. I’m low in Albumin (a plasma protein).

I say get some exercise. You are still alive aren’t you? If you are laying around doing nothing, only you can change it. Do what you can…do what you are able. it’s that simple.