Ray Peat on protein

Estrogen's influence on tryptophan metabolism

"Estrogen strongly influences tryptophan metabolism by increasing its conversion to serotonin at the expense of niacinamide – this explains the symptoms of pellagra when tryptophan is deficient in the diet. When sufficient protein is present in the diet, the promotion of serotonin synthesis does not lead to a niacinamide deficiency, but conditions that increase the influence of estrogen also exacerbate the dysfunctions in which serotonin is involved."

September 2019 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Biological water retention and its relationship to cell energy

"Water retention by living matter is a topic that reductionist biology has been reluctant to discuss. There are no pumps for biological water, and it took a long time before a water channel protein was proposed. The structural molecules of a cell, its metabolites, and water are mutually intersoluble, and their affinity for one another is influenced by the cell's energetic relationship to its environment. This mutual affinity is regulated by the balance of hormones and nutrients. ATP is a crucial factor in regulating the optimal state of water retention."

September 2019 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Effects of hypothyroidism on muscle fatigue and metabolites

"When metabolic energy fails, as in hypothyroidism, muscles fatigue easily, absorb excess water, and the barrier structure weakens. This allows macromolecules, ATP, and other metabolites to leak out, while foreign substances can penetrate. Typical muscle enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase appear in the bloodstream in typical hypothyroid myopathy; and cardiac proteins, including a specific form of lactate dehydrogenase as well as the muscle protein troponin, appear in the blood after cardiac exertion or fatigue, combined with hypothyroidism or systemic inflammation."

September 2019 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Blood-brain barrier and cellular stress: detection in the blood

"The blood-brain barrier (BBB) ​​has sometimes been treated as something unique, but it is just a special case of the cellular resilience that exists everywhere. For example, after intense exercise that causes fatigue and muscle damage, a specific brain protein, S100B—considered a crucial component of the BBB—can be found in the bloodstream. The exchange of substances, even proteins and nucleic acids, between cells and their environment increases under stress. The detection of substances like S100B in the blood is now recognized as an indicator of depression and brain damage."

September 2019 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Changes in blood viscosity in hypothyroidism

"The stiffness of red blood cells in hypothyroidism increases the viscosity of the entire blood, and changes in blood proteins contribute to this."

September 2018 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Comparison of cholesterol content in fat and muscle tissue

"In the body, adipose tissue with a high fat content has a significantly lower cholesterol content than muscle tissue. This is partly because muscles produce more cholesterol than adipose tissue, but also because the structural proteins of the cells have a high affinity for cholesterol. As a result, fat and proteins are mutually soluble."

September 2018 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Composition of the protoplasm and cholesterol as a lubricant and stabilizing agent

"I think it's correct to view protoplasm as a complex kind of solution made up of proteins, water, cholesterol and other lipids, nucleic acids, ATP, and smaller amounts of other substances—with a viscosity that changes when small alterations in the solutes shift the balance of cohesive forces. Due to its molecular shape and hydrophobicity, cholesterol acts as both a lubricant and a stabilizer in this complex system. It reduces cell stiffness by increasing protein mobility."

September 2018 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

PUFAs and the impaired normal functions of cholesterol

"In combination with unstable polyunsaturated fats, cholesterol cannot perform its normal functions. The unstable polyunsaturated fats inactivate the corrective (ABCA) protein, which removes the damaged form of cholesterol."

September 2018 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Harmful substances in leaves that impair nutrient digestion

"Leaves contain many substances that can be harmful and disrupt the digestion of protein and other nutrients, for example tannins and polyunsaturated fatty acids."

September 2017 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Sodium as a protein-sparing factor in kidney function

"There is even evidence that sodium can conserve protein: if there is not enough sodium to excrete in the urine for acid buffering, the kidneys waste protein to form ammonium as an ionic substitute for sodium."

Nutrition For Women

Estrogen's effect on the production of prolactin and growth hormone

"Estrogen promotes the production of prolactin, a protein hormone, as well as its close analogue, growth hormone. Ionizing radiation, aging, and oxygen deficiency all cause biochemical changes similar to those caused by estrogen."

Nutrition For Women

Substances that counteract estrogen in cancer therapy

"Anything that causes tissue wasting (atrophy) tends to promote cancer. The important question is: What can stimulate differentiation and useful function in cancer cells? There are many substances that promote differentiation and counteract the effects of estrogen, and some of these have proven useful in cancer therapy. Substances that counteract estrogen include dopamine and nickel as prolactin inhibitors; chalones, tissue-specific proteins that inhibit cell division (and possibly—more transiently—the peptides of memory); the aprotic solvents DMF and possibly DMSO; progesterone and testosterone; thyroxine and iodine; magnesium-ATP, the stable form of the biological energy molecule; vitamin A, a protein-sparing nutrient that promotes differentiation; and vitamin E (and the closely related coenzyme Q, or ubiquinone)."

Nutrition For Women

Changes in the intracellular environment and their effects on enzymes and chemical reactions

"These changes in the solvent or the intracellular environment alter chemical reactions—by modifying enzymes and sequestering classes of chemicals, much like the aprotic solvents DMF and DMSO accelerate reactions and change their reactivity. Following such solvent changes, it is expected that the chemical consequences will reinforce or solidify these alterations. For example, proteins could be modified to create suitable patterns of memory molecules and endorphins (protein fragments with morphine-like effects), as well as chalones."

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional factors in aging and reproduction

"Even in wealthy cultures, protein deficiency, inappropriate physical exertion, and emotional stress contribute to premature aging of the individual and to harm to offspring."

Nutrition For Women

Protein is crucial for the removal of estrogen.

Lipschuts (Steroids and Tumors, 1950) reported that protein is crucial for the removal of estrogen.

Nutrition For Women

Thyroid hormones and vitamin A counteract the effects of estrogen

"Thyroid hormones and vitamin A promote protein metabolism and counteract some of the effects of estrogen. In fact, it is known that an overactive thyroid can lower estrogen levels below the normal range."

Nutrition For Women

Consider iodine and electrolytes in cases of estrogen imbalance

"Iodine, protein and electrolyte balance should be given special attention in women who may have an estrogen imbalance."

Nutrition For Women

Cysteine's influence on thyroid function during stress and hunger

"Cysteine, an amino acid abundant in muscles and the liver, blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormone. When we are starving or under stress, cortisol causes these protein-rich tissues to be broken down. If metabolism continued at a normal rate, stress or hunger would quickly kill us. However, the cysteine ​​released from the muscles inhibits the thyroid gland, thus slowing down the metabolism."

Nutrition For Women

Recovery and function of the thyroid gland after supplementation

Contrary to popular belief, the thyroid gland resumes its function after supplementation is discontinued, even if it was suppressed, and sometimes thyroid hormone replacement can restore glandular function to normal. Thyroid hormone replacement can sometimes help thin people gain weight by improving protein metabolism, and it often helps promote restful sleep.

Nutrition For Women

Dietary protein deficiency as a cause of estrogen excess

"A very common cause of excess estrogen is a protein deficiency in the diet – the liver simply cannot detoxify estrogen if it is undersupplied."

Nutrition For Women

Cortisone's effect on protein conversion and immunity

“Cortisone stimulates the conversion of protein to sugar, and since there are no stored proteins (except for small amounts circulating in the blood), this means that cortisone triggers the body's conversion of energy into fuel for the affected area. In acute emergencies, the lymphatic tissues are the first to shrink, which is fine, as they can be restored once the animal recovers; and their function—immunity—operates partly on a longer timescale, from days to weeks. However, if these tissues are chronically depleted by stress or malnutrition, infection is more likely to be fatal—as in the elderly or in impoverished populations.”

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional and hormonal influences on cellular respiration

"Various nutritional, hormonal, or toxic conditions affect respiration in different ways: For example, vitamin E deficiency, estrogen excess, toxic thyroid function, and DNP (the formerly popular, carcinogenic reducing agent) cause oxygen to be consumed without producing the normal amount of useful energy. A deficiency in vitamin B2 or copper can prevent oxygen consumption. Cancer (contrary to a persistent belief) involves a defect in cellular respiration and causes a predisposition to hypoglycemia, which is often compensated for by the conversion of protein to sugar, leading to end-stage wasting (cachexia)."

Nutrition For Women

Stress management through nutritional and environmental correction

"Generally, stress should first be addressed by correcting the underlying deficiency – whether it is environmental or nutritional. Increased nutrient requirements usually concern protein and fat; in cases of acute hypoglycemia, a larger amount of sugar may be necessary. This suggests that the adrenal glands may be exhausted. In this case, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium should be supplemented in addition to other nutrients."

Nutrition For Women

Effects of cancer on stress hormones and nutritional needs

"Cancer overstimulates the anti-stress hormones of the adrenal cortex and, through the mobilization of fat and protein, often leads to significant loss of strength and weight. Blood sugar and glycogen storage become unbalanced. During or after cancer treatment, a diet to prevent hypoglycemia seems advisable: frequent small meals, liver (or comparable nutrients), magnesium, potassium. Vitamins A, E, C, and pantothenic acid are particularly important under stress – but basically, all nutrients are needed."

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional requirements for stress resistance and recovery

"Stress apparently increases a person's need for all nutrients – including calories and protein. The vitamins most commonly used to improve stress resistance are A, C, E, and pantothenic acid. The minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc can provide support in the initial stress phases, and sodium supplements may be necessary in the final, extreme stress phase – when the adrenal glands are exhausted."

Nutrition For Women

The role of vitamin A in protein deficiency and immunity

"Vitamin A can partially compensate for a protein deficiency, and a protein deficiency can damage the immune system."

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional and nutrient recommendations for stress-related mineral imbalances

"Under stress, both adrenal hormones and mineral metabolism become unbalanced—regardless of whether the cause is a chaotic lifestyle or a surgical procedure. The diet should contain approximately 90 grams of protein (in frequent meals), as well as eggs as a source of sulfur (which is needed, for example, for the formation of joint lubricants). Furthermore, the magnesium-to-calcium ratio should be kept high (for example, through vegetables, bran, and fruit), and phosphate intake low (this includes replacing some meat with leafy greens and using cheese). Vitamin C, vitamin E, and pantothenic acid are needed in particularly large quantities under stress. Vitamin A and vitamin B2 are also crucial for the production of anti-stress hormones. Inositol is known to protect biological structures from many types of damage and could have this effect in arthritis, but I am not aware of any research on this specific application."

Nutrition For Women

Understanding and properly meeting your nutritional needs

"You need to learn to recognize what your body needs at any given time. This is easier if your basic diet looks something like the one described above: a moderately low-calorie diet, a relatively high protein intake with high-quality protein sources such as eggs, milk and leafy greens, as well as fresh fruit or vegetables daily."

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional requirements for regulating estrogen and thyroid function

"In addition to the nutrients needed to regulate estrogen levels (protein and B vitamins) and the nutrients required by the thyroid gland (e.g., iodine, manganese, and cobalt), special attention should be paid to the anti-stress vitamins involved in progesterone production (vitamin A, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E). Likewise, attention should be paid to nutrients known to be consumed in greater quantities when there is an excess of estrogen: especially folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B6."

Nutrition For Women

The influence of a low-protein diet on estrogen detoxification in the liver

"A low-protein diet clearly impairs the liver's ability to detoxify estrogen and other stressors."

Nutrition For Women

The role of nutrition and the thyroid gland in stress-related illnesses

"A diet rich in animal protein and other nutrients – including an appropriate amount of dried thyroid extract when highly refined protein sources are used – can produce immediate improvements in many conditions specifically caused by stress."

Nutrition For Women

The role of vitamin A for immune system health

"Vitamin A is not only important for strengthening membranes, but is also needed for protein synthesis and thus supports the building of immune tissue."

Nutrition For Women

The role of zinc in the immune system and its potential antiviral properties

"Zinc has similarly fundamental functions in the formation of proteins and antibodies, but may also possess a direct virucidal effect, as observed in vitro. This could explain why it is released (and thus lost) during viral infections."

Nutrition For Women

Detecting niacin or protein deficiency through dental health

"A niacin or protein deficiency can first manifest itself in the gums – for example through sensitivity or bleeding."

Nutrition For Women

Effects of thyroid and progesterone on protein synthesis and lactate oxidation

"The crucial effects of the thyroid gland – especially in conjunction with progesterone, which promotes the tissue response to the thyroid and inhibits cortisone production – are the stimulation of protein synthesis and the prevention of lactate formation or the promotion of its oxidation. This oxidation can occur either by the tumor itself or by other tissues, so that lactate does not enter the Cori cycle and be used there for gluconeogenesis."

Nutrition For Women

Nutritional therapy and hormonal support for abnormal Pap smears

“Many women with abnormal Pap smears – even when a biopsy reveals carcinoma in situ – have returned to normal results within just two months, following a diet that includes: 90 grams of protein, 500 mg of magnesium chloride, 100,000 IU of vitamin A, 400 IU of vitamin E, 5 mg of folic acid, 100 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of vitamin B6, 100 mg of niacinamide, and 500 mg of vitamin C, supplemented with thyroid and progesterone if needed. Liver should be eaten twice a week. Some of the women apply vitamin A directly to the cervix.”

Nutrition For Women

Early administration of non-human milk and the development of allergies

"Since food proteins can enter the bloodstream, early feeding with non-human milk seems particularly likely to promote the development of allergies."

Nutrition For Women

Appetite as an indicator of nutritional needs

"Normally, appetite is probably a good indicator of the specific need for protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin C, salts and possibly other nutrients."

Nutrition For Women

Composition of weight loss during fasting and diets

"A study investigating the nature of weight loss during a two-week fast found that approximately 95% of the lost weight came from protein-rich tissues (muscles and glands) rather than fat. A low-calorie diet leads to slower weight loss, but in this case, most of the loss is fat."

Nutrition For Women

Adaptation to chronic diets and loss of protein tissue

"People who are on a long-term diet can adapt to a low calorie intake (Lancet, April 5, 1975, Miller and Parsonage). This is probably partly due to a loss of active, protein-rich tissue. To replace such tissue, a complete supply of nutrients is necessary."

Nutrition For Women

The relationship between natural minerals and vitamin stability

"Natural minerals are usually bound to specific molecules, such as proteins or pigments (e.g., heme). In this state, they do not appear to destroy vitamins – unlike various water-soluble, inorganic minerals."

Nutrition For Women

Nutrient requirements when macronutrients are overintake

"Those who consume additional amounts of liquid oils increase their need for vitamin E; more carbohydrates increase the need for vitamin B1. An excess of protein increases the need for vitamin B6."

Nutrition For Women

The limitations of calorie counting in understanding metabolism

"The idea that a calorie is simply a calorie, or a purely calorie-counting approach, overlooks not only the specific dynamic effect of protein (in the case of oils, this is usually referred to as uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation), but also processes at the level of the entire organism – such as insulin secretion. This establishes a link between the way food is ingested (composition and timing) and behavior, appetite, and metabolism."

Nutrition For Women

Balancing macronutrients in a diet for people with hypoglycemia

"For many people prone to hypoglycemia, it seems sensible to include some protein, carbohydrates, and fat in every meal or snack. However, adjustments often need to be made, such as consuming more calories and eating more frequently."

Nutrition For Women

Training and increased protein intake for more muscle mass

“Many nutritionists claim that exercise does not increase protein requirements. However, Russian researchers have found that the combination of training and a higher protein intake can increase muscle mass.”

Nutrition For Women

Nutrient-poor diet and enzyme functions

"If we eat in such a way that a certain nutrient is severely lacking – for example, protein – we lose many of the enzymes responsible for processing that nutrient."

Nutrition For Women

Eating habits: Combine protein, fat and carbohydrates

"Eat frequently and combine protein, fat, and carbohydrates at the same time, e.g., an egg and an orange or a carrot with cheese. Fruit is the best source of carbohydrates; avoid uncooked starchy foods such as nuts."

Nutrition For Women

Heat treatment and its effects on protein quality

"Heat breaks down protein. Canned or powdered milk has lost considerable amounts of lysine, an important component of protein."

Nutrition For Women

Essential amino acids and the global food question

"What really seems to be crucial is the carbon skeleton of the essential amino acids. If the diet provides these along with other nutrients, protein in the diet no longer seems so indispensable. If one could find fruits and vegetables that contain these substances, the global food problem could perhaps be easily solved."

Nutrition For Women

Nutrition-induced thermogenesis and endogenous energy regulation

"Nutritional thermogenic factors include sodium, calcium, vitamin D, carbohydrates – especially sugars – and protein. These interact with our body's own energy regulation factors, particularly the thyroid gland and progesterone."

November 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Cholesterol and progesterone: Synergy

"The functions of cholesterol are in many ways similar to those of progesterone. In the pregnant uterus, for example, the relaxing effect of progesterone is supported by cholesterol (Smith et al., 2005). In the brain, nerve excitation is controlled by glutamic acid via a reuptake protein that binds this neurotransmitter, and the function of this protein depends on cholesterol; a reduction in cholesterol prolongs nerve excitation."

November 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Recovery processes in nerve cells and ion selectivity

"In the activated state, nerve cells allow extracellular ions such as sodium to enter, but the restoration of the selective state occurs instantaneously. The state of the proteins briefly resembles that of denatured proteins. With excessive stimulation, the recovery is incomplete, and if proteins and gel structure remain partially denatured, experimentally introduced foreign molecules (dyes) can be observed inside the cell."

Mind And Tissue Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain

Importance of different orthomolecules for the stability of cells and proteins

"The orthomolecules – besides niacin – include potassium, vitamin E (improves oxygen supply and makes it easier for cells to retain proteins), inositol (stabilizes cells and proteins against denaturing or drying influences; Webb, 1965), the other B vitamins, vitamin C, and anabolic steroids (for example, androgens and progesterone, ginseng, eleutherococcus) to promote protein synthesis and support the storage of potassium, creatine, and ATP."

Mind And Tissue Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain

Pharmacological benefits of ginseng and eleutherococcus for cells

"From a pharmacological point of view, ginseng, eleutherococcus and 2-benzylbenzimidazole can achieve a reduced utilization of glycogen, ATP and creatine phosphate (Dardymov, 1971), combined with increased protein synthesis (Rozin, 1971) and increased stress resistance of cells and organisms."

Mind And Tissue Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain

Unpredictable effects of viral proteins on human genetics

"The consequences of incorporating the virus's spike protein into our genetic repertoire are difficult to foresee. The thoughtless activation of our vast epigenetic system of retroelements – without any discernible benefit – should be stopped."

May 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Ling's view on the binding energy of ATP

"Since Ling did not assume that the binding energy of ATP is constantly consumed to drive sodium pumps in the cell membrane, he was also not concerned with the energy that might be released during the hydrolysis of this bond. He was – like Albert Szent-Györgyi – aware that the ATP molecule adsorbs onto protein molecules with considerable energy and that its presence determines the shape of the protein molecule."

March 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

The role of ATP in cell stability

"In a muscle cell, the presence of ATP stabilizes the muscle in its relaxed state. And in every cell, similar connections between ATP and proteins stabilize the cell in a basic resting state in which it prefers potassium to sodium."

March 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Induction principle in Ling's cell theory

"The principle of induction, which is central to Ling's view of cell structure and function, is something every student learns about early in their chemistry studies: the transmission of electron-withdrawing properties of different atoms and groups via interconnected atoms. Carbon dioxide, a Lewis acid, strongly withdraws electrons from the proteins to which it is adsorbed, thereby increasing their acidic properties. This influences properties such as contraction and nerve activation, as well as oxygen binding and enzyme activity."

March 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Protein interactions and the influence of central adsorbates

"Everything that binds to a protein—such as potassium or ammonium—has an inductive influence on the protein's structure and its interactions with the environment. And substances that adsorb particularly strongly, especially ATP and steroids, significantly influence the system's properties. Molecules that bind strongly to proteins alter how proteins affect the properties of water; and the properties of water determine cell metabolism as well as their interactions with each other and with the environment. Ling called these influential binding molecules central adsorbates."

March 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

The effects of carbonic anhydrase activation

"Stress activates the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which converts gaseous CO₂ (the form that binds to proteins and favors structured surface or vicinal water) into ionizable carbonic acid/bicarbonate that leaves the cells. Activation of this enzyme increases the intracellular pH and tends to excite cells; its inhibition lowers the intracellular pH, calms cells, and conserves energy."

March 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Nighttime bodily processes: Protein breakdown

"During the night – even with the calming effect of sleep – protein is broken down much faster than its synthesis, and calcium is lost from the bones."

March 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Mitigating the harmful effects of too much serotonin

“Avoiding prolonged fasting and strenuous training that increases free fatty acids, combining sugar with protein to keep free fatty acids low, and using aspirin, niacinamide, or cyproheptadine to reduce the formation of free fatty acids from unavoidable stress; also avoiding an excess of phosphate relative to calcium in the diet, consuming milk and other anti-stress foods before bed or at night, and spending time in a very bright environment with regular sunlight exposure during the day – all of this can minimize the harmful effects of excess serotonin and reduce the associated inflammation, fibrosis, and atrophy.”

July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Reductive stress triggers regenerative cell processes

“Reductive stress activates multiple levels of regenerative processes (as alternatives to the protective functions of carbon dioxide) to stimulate respiration, increase blood flow, and provide energy and materials for the renewal of cell structures. Prostaglandins, cytokines, estrogen, and nitric oxide are produced in a coordinated manner, and cell behavior changes to a defensive state. The structures of the cytoskeleton are remodeled as reductive chemistry converts protein disulfides into sulfhydryl groups, thereby altering the shapes and—most importantly—the solvent properties of the cellular material.”

July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Counteract oxidative damage with aspirin and bioflavonoids

"Oxidative damage, such as lipid peroxidation, is a seriously harmful phenomenon. Aspirin and bioflavonoids offer strong protection against lipid peroxidation as well as against DNA mutations and protein damage caused by the most toxic free radical, the hydroxyl radical."

July 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Cell organization and the influence of energy on protein solubility

“Many of the new observations that view cells as self-organizing coacervical systems are reminiscent of Gilbert Ling’s observations. For example, ATP increases the solubility of proteins (Patel et al., 2017), and when energy is lacking, some proteins precipitate out of solution and form membraneless organelles, filaments, and granules.”

January 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Receptors and focus shifting in cell biology

"A receptor is a concept of how order is brought to an otherwise supposedly random system of diffusing molecules. The behavior of receptor proteins can run parallel to some processes in the cell and be crucial for them. But even then, the focus on receptors tends to distract from what actually happens in the cell – and from the real processes that should be understood."

January 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Mechanistic view of the dynamics of cellular life

"The mechanistic tendency is to view the life of a cell in terms of information: digital on-off signals – whether a protein receptor is phosphorylated or not, reduced or oxidized, etc. – and to imagine the cell as atoms arranged in space. This imagined cell may perceive, but it perceives as a logician thinks – without melody, without scent, without erotic meaning."

January 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Cortisol responds to low glycogen stores

"If there is not enough glycogen stored in the liver, muscles and other tissues to meet the brain's nighttime glucose demand, cortisol levels rise. It then breaks down tissue proteins to provide amino acids and glucose – at the same time, free fatty acids also increase due to this nighttime stress."

January 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

ApoE4 and the risk of Alzheimer's disease

“People with an abnormal lipoprotein, ApoE4, are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and this abnormal protein is known to cause increased production of NO (“

January 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Dietary alternatives before considering Cytomel (T3)

"Before using a Cytomel (T3) supplement, the problem may be solvable through diet alone. A piece of fruit or a glass of juice or milk between meals, as well as sufficient animal protein (or potato protein) in the diet, is sometimes enough for the liver to produce the hormone."

Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life

Causes of hypothyroidism: diet and lifestyle

"Besides fasting or chronic protein deficiency, common causes of hypothyroidism include excessive stress or aerobic (i.e., anaerobic) exercise, as well as diets containing beans, lentils, nuts, unsaturated fats (including carotene) and undercooked broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, or mustard greens."

Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life

Using hydrocortisone in a targeted way to manage the effects of stress

"Often, a small, physiological dose of natural hydrocortisone can help to better manage stress without causing harmful side effects. While treating the symptoms with cortisone in the short term, it is important to find the underlying cause of the problem – for example, by checking for hypothyroidism, vitamin A deficiency, protein deficiency, lack of sunlight, etc."

Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life

The role of nutrition in preventing pregnancy complications

"Sufficient protein, glucose and sodium to maintain blood volume can prevent most of these problems in later pregnancy – unless the hormonal imbalance is very severe."

Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life

Dietary restriction and protein metabolism in old age

"A fundamental metabolic change with age is the slowing of protein turnover in cells. It appears that dietary restriction increases the protein turnover rate in aging animals. I consider it likely that unsaturated fats and the amino acid cysteine ​​both contribute to the age-related slowing of protein metabolism."

Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life

The brain's high energy requirements and nutrient needs

"The brain is a very energy-intensive organ, and the liver must work very efficiently to meet this demand. Therefore, if there is a nutritional or hormonal problem, the difficulties can be particularly severe. The need for sugar, protein, vitamins, and minerals can be very high."

Email Response by Ray Peat

Aging and the role of estrogen in the availability of reactive electrons

"In my experiments, I found that both aging and estrogen stimulation led to a significant increase in the availability of reactive electrons, which I measured via their reaction with a dye. These electrons originate from an interacting system involving proteins (cysteine) and glutathione, as well as various cofactor catalysts such as ascorbic acid and NADH."

February 2001

Natural antagonists in the treatment of degenerative brain diseases

"Antiendorphin, anti-excitotoxic, anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, antiprostaglandin, and antiglucocorticoid drugs have been used with good results in various degenerative nerve diseases. But all these so-called anti-agents are imprecise antagonists and have many side effects. Natural antagonists and nutrients are usually helpful. Protein, sodium, magnesium, carbon dioxide/bicarbonate, progesterone, thyroid function, vitamins, etc., can have a healing effect in many brain diseases."

February 2001

Cellular excitation and hydration as fundamental properties

"I think the only way to approach the general nature of cellular excitation is to consider it through the basic properties of living material. Only something as general and fundamental as the cell's hydration state—its 'moisture state'—can explain why cells are activated in a coherent way, with related processes taking place at all levels: from chromosomes through mitochondria and enzymes to the structural protein network of the cytoskeleton and sensory functions."

March 2000

The role of carbon dioxide in mitochondrial stability

“Just as carbon dioxide alters the shapes and electrical affinities of hemoglobin and other proteins, I propose that it increases the stability of the mitochondrial coacervate. This attracts additional proteins from its external environment—as well as from its own synthesis machinery—to enlarge both its structure and its functions.”

July 2000 - (1)

The role of the thyroid gland in sleep and energy production

"Since I immediately started sleeping soundly again as soon as I began taking thyroid medication, and had seen that thyroid medication alone can resolve the insomnia of most people (sometimes – as one doctor described from his experience – better than morphine), I began to understand that the adrenaline disrupting sleep was an indication of deficient energy production. And that the things that restore sleep – for example, thyroid medication, salt, sugar, protein, and progesterone – act directly on the energy production of the cells."

January 2000 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Natural factors for correcting edema and supporting cell function

"The thyroid gland, protein, sodium, and magnesium will correct most edema. Progesterone also plays a role: it increases the efficiency of respiration in the mitochondria and alters the ion affinities of structural proteins. Thus, together with the other natural factors, it enhances the correction of permeability and water regulation."

January 2000 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Influence of carbon dioxide on cell energy and heat production

"The concentration of carbon dioxide influences the structural energy content of the protein-water system. This effect can well explain many of the mysteries of cellular heat production – including the negative heat observed during certain phases of nerve and muscle activity."

December 1999 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

ATPases: More than just pumps in muscle contraction and cell function

"But the pump proteins – calcium ATPase, sodium/potassium ATPase, etc. – are proteins that really exist, even if their functions are much more interesting than just pumping. An important context to consider when thinking about these ATPases is that the muscle's contractile protein (myosin) is a calcium-dependent ATPase."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 4

Energy use in cells to restore the resting state

"To understand how energy can be used to restore the cell to its resting state without releasing heat, it might be helpful to consider that physical processes (changes in protein conformation and water structure) are closely linked to chemical equilibria."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 4

The role of ATP and CO₂ in the regulation of hemoglobin and proteins

“ATP and CO₂ both bind to hemoglobin and thus regulate its affinity for oxygen. The way they bind to this protein suggests that they also bind to many other intracellular proteins and regulate their functions in a similar way.”

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 4

The influence of carbon dioxide on biological structures and pH value

"Carbonated water is so commonplace that chemists are almost uncomfortable talking about it. All the water in respiring organisms contains a significant amount of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide binds to proteins and other amine-containing polymers and dissolves in water, lowering the pH. As a result, the interactions between polymers and water are strongly influenced by the CO₂ concentration. Carbon dioxide alters biological materials and structures in and around our cells."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 3

Polanyi's multilayer adsorption and Rothen's protein layers

"Polanyi's multilayer adsorption was considered impossible by the leading physicists of the time, but the simple idea of ​​electronic resonance eventually enabled them to accept the facts. Rothen's adsorption of multiple layers of immunologically specific proteins, however, was simply too much for them."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 3

Protein interactions across cell membranes and gene activation

"This protein on one side of the [imaginary] cell membrane tugs at a protein on the other side, and then perhaps the little homunculus that counts molecules decides that now is the right time to carry a message to the appropriate gene to turn it on."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 3

Macromolecular charge and the influence of pH and CO₂ on proteins

"The overall charge of proteins and other macromolecules generally depends on the pH of their environment. Cellular proteins usually carry a negative charge above a pH of 5. The ionization of chemical groups such as hydroxyl, amino, and sulfhydryl groups is responsible for the overall charge. The degree of oxidation or reduction affects the number of sulfhydryl groups, and the structural state of the protein also influences the charge. At high pH, ​​the charge is high, and the number and arrangement of sulfhydryl groups can affect the charge. The presence of small ions, carbon dioxide, and oxygen also influences the charge of proteins. When the entire living system is involved, bioelectricity interacts with other electron-related phenomena, including oxidation-reduction, pH, donor-acceptor, and free radical reactions."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2

Blood pH, vasoconstriction and coma in diabetic acidosis

"When the pH of the blood is high, the cells of the blood vessels are stimulated to contract. When the pH of the blood is low, nerve activity can be dulled to the point of coma, as in diabetic acidosis. I think these effects of pH – and the simpler effects of pH on protein loading – are closely related, as is the phenomenon of injury potential."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2

Cell damage, repair and adaptive responses in the organism

"When a cell is damaged (for example, by radiation or toxins), its reduced efficiency creates a small, local disturbance in the fields, which—to the extent that the organism's resources allow—triggers repair processes or removal and replacement. When stress is so severe that the entire organism is exposed to lactic acid, the body's adaptive resources are challenged and potentially harmful reactions are triggered. For example, a sluggish liver during stress can allow the lactate concentration in the blood to rise, which can lead to the release of endorphins and pituitary hormones (Elias et al., 1997). Endorphins can increase histamine release, and growth hormone increases free fatty acids; increased vascular permeability can cause proteins and fats to leave the bloodstream—with cumulatively harmful effects."

1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2

The role of unsaturated fatty acids in enhancing estrogen activity

“Unsaturated fatty acids – but not saturated fatty acids – release estrogen from the serum proteins to which it is bound, thereby increasing its availability and activity in tissue cells.”

May 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Nutritional and hormonal support for prostate health

"Thyroid supplementation, sufficient animal protein, trace elements, and vitamin A are the first things to consider for the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer. Nutritional and endocrine support can be combined with rational cancer treatments, as there is actually no clear boundary between different approaches that aim to achieve endocrine and immunological balance without causing harm."

May 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Effects of protein degradation and blockages in the citric acid cycle

"Increased protein degradation or a blockage of the oxidative utilization of fuels of the citric acid cycle – for example, through poisoning – makes these precursors available so that they can enter the porphyrin metabolic pathway."

1997 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

The role of fat residues in cell regeneration and growth

"Polezhaev's work on regeneration suggests that the fatty residues left behind by degenerating cells stimulate the formation of new cells. Linoleic acid activates – similar to phorbol esters and estrogen – protein kinase C and thus the cell growth system."

September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Tubercle formation and proteolytic enzymes inhibited by fats

"It has been suggested that the tubercle develops and persists because the body's proteolytic enzymes are inhibited by unsaturated fats. (Even older ideas about fat degeneration – dating back to the beginnings of biochemistry – were based on the observation that proteins precipitate out of solution at interfaces, such as on the surface of an oil droplet, forming a kind of protein-like 'skin' around fat droplets.)"

September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Oxygen deficiency during aging and excess estrogen

"The fact that oxygen becomes so reliably scarce with aging, stress, and excess estrogen suggests that a fundamental coordination mechanism may be involved. This could lead to a shift towards conditions that activate the expression of certain genes – possibly the hypoglycemia/stress/heat shock proteins, or perhaps simply the proteins that control cell division and growth."

June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Keratin formation as a sign of energy-deficient cells

"In size and overall structure, keratin filaments resemble the scrapie particles and filaments that accumulate in Alzheimer's disease. I see keratin as a protein produced by a cell that no longer has enough energy to produce more functional proteins. Normally, keratinized cells arise through rapid cell division on a body surface where little energy is available. In chronic vitamin A deficiency, the keratin-producing cells divide more rapidly than normal."

August/September 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

The importance of copper for mitochondrial respiration and aging

“Copper is an essential component of cytochrome oxidase, which occupies the crucial final position in the mitochondrial respiratory system. Copper is also a component of the cytoplasmic SOD enzyme, the amount of which decreases with age. Ceruloplasmin, an important copper-containing protein, helps keep iron in its safe, oxidized form. Copper is involved in the formation of melanin (itself an antioxidant) and elastin. The loss of melanin, elastin, and respiratory capacity so typical of senescence is also caused by excessive cortisol exposure.”

October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Dietary practices to minimize cortisol production

"Other dietary practices can minimize our cortisol production (e.g., combining fruit with protein, as protein-rich foods lower blood sugar and stimulate the release of cortisol)."

October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Factors in the traditional treatment of immunodeficiency

"Some of the factors I have looked for when working with ordinary (i.e., complex, traditional) immunodeficiency are: a deficiency of antiglucocorticoid hormones, a dietary excess of iron and unsaturated fats, a nutrient deficiency of vitamin A, folic acid, copper and protein, as well as exposure to pediculicides and other chlorinated hydrocarbons including dioxins, etc."

November 1989 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

The essential role of the thyroid gland in protein synthesis and energy production

"Thyroid function is essential for all cellular processes, including protein uptake and synthesis, the production of growth hormone, etc. Without thyroid hormone to maintain respiration, inefficient glycolysis wastes energy; unoxidized lactate provokes the breakdown of liver protein. Hypoglycemia stimulates the release of glucocorticoids, which maintain blood sugar at the expense of rapid protein breakdown."

November 1989 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Lowering estrogen to treat leukoplakia, with progesterone support

"Optimal treatment for leukoplakia would include a program that lowers the chronically elevated baseline estrogen levels while simultaneously promoting progesterone production. The body moves in this direction on its own when it receives the right support. With sufficient protein intake (eggs, milk, cheese, shellfish, liver, etc.), the liver completely removes estrogen from the blood in an otherwise healthy organism on the first pass."

January 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Balancing vitamin A and thyroid function

"Both vitamin A and carotene – like any unsaturated oil – tend to inhibit the thyroid gland. Therefore, it is important to balance vitamin A and thyroid supplements: A sluggish thyroid is more easily suppressed by high doses of vitamin A, while a high level of thyroid activity causes vitamin A to be consumed more quickly. An interesting expression of this biological relationship is that a blood protein transports both vitamin A and thyroid hormone."

January 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Non-catabolic effects of stress: enzyme inhibition and aging

"Some consequences of stress are not catabolic. When detoxifying enzymes are lost, intestinal toxins block other fundamental enzyme systems. This leads, for example, to a slowed protein metabolism and reduced superoxide dismutase activity. The resulting increase in lipid peroxidation reduces steroid synthesis."

August/September 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

Support detoxification and protein metabolism to protect cells

"Similar to anesthetics, which alter the physical state of the cell and thereby slow down viral replication, the oxidative defense system also has several points of intervention to support detoxification and promote protein metabolism."

August/September 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter

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Supplements according to Ray Peat

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