Melissa Cohen Nutrition | Functional Medicine London | Nutrition Hertfordshire

For general health purposes, you should be consuming about 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram).

Generally, the more active you are, the more protein you need.

Older people with severe kidney disease (who are not on dialysis) are an exception to this rule; these individuals may need to limit protein intake as their kidneys may not be able to properly process the protein.

Having a protein packed smoothie in the morning can help kick off your daily nutrition and keep blood sugar balanced, as well as support the thyroid gland (if low protein was a contributing factor). A protein powder mixed with blended foods can provide the body with predigested nutrition, allowing for better absorption of nutrients, even when our digestion isn't perfect.

Good sources of protein powders are pea and hemp, which are gluten, soy and vegan and are easily digestible. Mixing these with a non dairy milk such as coconut milk, with 2 tbsps nut butter, 1/2 banana and a handful of spinach makes for a delicious energy busting smoothie.