Where's the Protein?

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Dodger
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Where's the Protein?

Post by Dodger »

Finding a good Protein Supplement in Thailand is like finding a needle in a haystack, and when you do find it it costs an arm and a leg.

Strangely enough, Protein is the # 1 deficiency in Thai diets which contributes to poor health and leads to all kinds of medical problems and the average Thai person could never afford it at the prices they are asking. In the U.S. you can buy a 2 LB (709 g) canister of good quality whey protein for $17 (545 baht). The few places that I've found that do sell this in Thailand (rare as they are) charge an average of 1,500 baht for small 1 lb (350g) canister...what gives?

I wish some entrepreneur in Thailand would realize the business opportunity here and ignite a program for Thailand to start producing its own (made in Thailand) Protein supplement. Why this isn't already being fostered by the Thai Health Ministry in a mystery.

I have to lug 6 X 2 lb. canisters of Protein around the globe every trip to last me my 3 month stay. If it weren't for this I could just hop on the plane with a backpack.

By-the-way: If anyone's interested: The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Protein per day for an adult male is 60g. If you are living in Thailand, regardless if you are eating Thai or farang meals, you are only consuming 30g or less per day. This is very detrimental for seniors.
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Undaunted
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Undaunted »

Try G.N.C. at the Harbor Mall on Pattaya Klang.
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Dodger
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Dodger »

Thanks...but I did...sky high prices almost as bad as GNC here in the States.
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Undaunted »

Unless you or someone you know has a specific health issue I have never known this to be a problem and I have been here a long time.
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Dodger
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Dodger »

Do you know any expats who have loose wrinkly skin because of muscle loss...have liver problems...get ill a lot due to weak immune systems...experience bloating (commonly in legs) from water retention...lack energy and vitality? If the answer is yes, they should read below:

http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/wh ... gh-protein
thaiworthy

Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by thaiworthy »

Dodger wrote:Do you know any expats who have loose wrinkly skin because of muscle loss...have liver problems...get ill a lot due to weak immune systems...experience bloating (commonly in legs) from water retention...lack energy and vitality? If the answer is yes, they should read below:

http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/wh ... gh-protein
That would be me, and you are absolutely correct Dodger. I had a protein and iron deficiency due to lack of protein 18 months ago which resulted in the edema in the legs which you speak of. When there is not enough protein in the diet, edema sets in. Blood cells retain water with the help of albumin which is manufactured by the body in the presence of protein. If you have no albumin, the water leaks out in the bloodstream and results in edema, settling in the legs by way of gravity. I could barely walk. I had to drag myself onto a plane and come back to the US to have it treated. I had it all the way up to my scrotum and was hospitalized for three days. Below is a bottle of the albumin they gave me. You cannot take albumin orally, only intravenously.

Image

I was also taking diuretics and potassium every day. I eat lots of animal protein now and do aerobic exercise every day to oxygenate the legs.

I also wear compressions socks which improve muscle circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. But they are dorky-looking when worn with shorts because they go all the way up to the knees, so say goodbye to any visits to the beach. I am the butt of jokes for wearing long pants all the time in the farang community. But you do what it takes.

The plane trip from here to the US aggravates the condition because the legs are constricted in your seat during such a long flight. It was worse by the time I finally arrived. Much, much worse.

I don't use protein powder, but get your protein anywhere you can find it. Animal sources are denser than vegetables and more available. You don't want to go through any of this. So, eat your protein first.

If you want to use supplements, dragging them in your suitcase is a viable option, or you can order it online. The suitcase method is best and I've done that for years. Consolidate the bottles of protein powder. The size of them is huge and deceiving and contain only a small amount of powder. You are not going to find reasonable prices for this stuff here. Like a lot of things in Thailand, it amounts to extortion. Another example is cheese. Thai people don't eat cheese. In every Newsletter, Balcony Bar (BKK) on Soi 4 solicits customers to pack cheese in their suitcases from overseas for their monthly Wine and Cheese night. BTW, Parmesan cheese has the highest protein content of all the cheeses. But it costs a whopping 2500 baht per kilo here. That translates to about 1136 baht per pound or $34.43(US) a pound. When in the US, I can get Parmesan at Costco for $9.50(US) a lb. The wedges are also compact and can easily fit into a suitcase.

Here are the two online companies that I know of that ship here, but be careful not exceed a certain weight and value or you will have to pay a customs duty.

https://www.vitacost.com
https://www.iherb.com

Dodger, sounds like you are doing double-time now to improve your health. Good for you. Congrats.
Oliver

Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Oliver »

The prices in Thailand are much the same as here in the UK, or at least were until this bloody government led us into Brexit. I was interested to see two relatively new shops specialising in health foods like whey protein open in Pattaya, one in 2nd Road about three hundred meters from Big C, the other opposite Friendship.
Whey protein is also recommended as particularly helpful to Hiv patients.
Dodger
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Dodger »

thaiworthy...sorry to hear about your problems with edema and glad you have a handle on it now.

I started taking a Protein supplement about 15 years ago at the encouragement of my younger sister who's a nutrition guru. According to her men +50 should reduce the amount of red meat they consume and boost their daily protein intake with a protein supplement She's also famous for saying..."if you're not exercising every day - don't waste your money".
Jun

Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Jun »

Good advice. I suppose Thais get protein from meet & fish, but since I'm vegetarian, I'll probably be on a lower protein intake whilst in Thailand.

In the UK, I notice whey protein is one of those commodities where Holland & Barret play big games with the price. The standard price for their large tubs is about £30 and I bought about 6 tubs when it was down to £10 earlier the year. It's been back up to £30 and is now @ £14.

Also, since iron is mentioned, I also didn't see any iron tablets in Thailand in Boots, Watsons or some of the other shops. Here in the UK, they are available in all the large supermarkets & pharmacies.
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Re: Where's the Protein?

Post by Dodger »

Jun...

You should be able to get all the iron (and fiber) you need on a vegetarian diet. Iron rich foods include beans. dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach. dried fruit such as raisins and apricots. Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas, peas, etc.
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