How Does High Protein Diet Cause Kidney Problems?

It is well said that too much of anything is not good. The same is also applicable when it comes to the intake of food and health. A person is healthy and free of any disease. For him, a high-protein diet is not harmful for very little time. There are different high-protein diets.

• Ketogenic diet
• Dukan
• The Atkins
• The South Beach and Paleo

These diets are adapted for weight loss purposes. And, intake of a high protein diet makes the person feel fuller.

Importance of Protein

Protein is one of the important nutrients that our body requires. It performs several functions in the body. Protein helps to repair tissues. It helps to produce different body chemicals including enzymes and hormones. Not only this, but protein also helps to build blood, bones, cartilage, muscles, and skin.

Here are some of the benefits of protein:-

1. Boost muscle mass – protein is necessary for developing leaner mass. It is also essential for building and maintaining
   • Healthy tendon
   • Ligaments and
   • Other body tissues
2. Manages body weight – intake of protein makes the person feel fuller. It helps prevent overeating. A high protein diet adapted for weight loss purposes. Studies show that a high-protein diet is an effective weight-loss strategy. But losing weight also depends upon certain factors. Such as calorie intake, regular routine diet, and lifestyle changes.
3. Stabilizing blood sugar levels – Consume foods that contain proteins. Reduce the effect on blood sugar levels. It slows down sugar absorption during a meal. Studies also prove that a high-protein diet can slow down or prevent type II diabetes.
4. Improve mood – Some amino acids from protein food are necessary to balance hormones in the body. They control the mood and act as a natural cure for anxiety. It is seen in many people. Those who lack an amino acid experience increased anxiety, weakness, mood, and depression. Protein helps to stabilize glucose in the blood. It prevents mood swings that occur due to fluctuating levels of blood sugar.
5. Promote healthy brain function – for the brain to function and keep up the levels of concentration, focus, and energy it requires amino acids.
6. Maintain strong bones – Research shows a positive relationship between better health of bones and food with proteins along with them. A high-protein diet helps prevent bone weakness, fracture, and osteoporosis. Protein helps to absorb calcium and it also helps in bone metabolism.
7. Slow aging and promote longevity – A diet rich in protein-rich amino acids can cure muscle damage due to aging. A high-protein diet can keep the muscles intact, thus preventing aging.

Every coin has two sides. A diet with high protein comes with a bundle of advantages and disadvantages as well.

When on the one side it can help to improve the health of bones. Blood sugar can stabilize, improve mood and manage body weight. It can lead to Kidney Bladder Stones problems, heart diseases, cholesterol problems, and lead poor nutrition.

The benefits or advantages of a high-protein diet have been discussed. Now below are some of the disadvantages or drawbacks of the same.

1. Kidney ailment – A high protein diet with a limited amount of carbohydrates can come with various health hazards. It is not beneficial in the long run. Studies prove that a high-protein diet is not good for the kidneys. The kidney’s function is to filter waste compounds, liquids, and nutrients from the bloodstream and produces urine. Since the kidney’s function is to filter, it needs to work very hard to clean the excess protein traces. This in return, increases the strain on the kidneys.For people with prior renal disorders, a high-protein diet is harmful to them. They need to choose which kind of protein they can intake.

   People who are suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure and diabetes will have some kind of kidney problems and a high protein diet may affect the kidneys.

2. Heart and cholesterol problems – Foods like red meat, eggs, and dairy products contain high protein nutrients. They also have high levels of saturated fat. Heavy consumption of these foods can increase cholesterol levels. And thus, lead to various heart ailments. This not only increases the chances of heart disease but also leads to cancer as well.
3. Poor nutrition – Even though a diet with high protein and low carbohydrates leads to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. It also in some cases leads to loss of calcium in bones.

Intake of good proteins such as soy protein, fish, beans, low-fat dairy products, etc., and if someone is getting into a high protein diet for weight loss purposes consult a doctor if required. Intake of carbohydrates is also important. Include carbohydrates food that is also high in fiber, intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.