Could high protein diets prove harmful for people with kidney or liver disease!

High protein diets have recently become extremely popular, as a way to lose weight quickly. As the name suggests, the main component for high protein diets is protein, which is great, not just for losing weight, but also for building muscles. Proteins are often referred to, as the building blocks of the body, as they are required to produce, maintain and repair various body cells. Therefore, it is safe to say that proteins are an integral part of any healthy and balanced diet. High protein diets that are low in carbs do not just keep the body healthy; they can actually help to lose weight.

For people who are on high protein diets for weight loss, it is recommended that around 30% to 50% of the daily caloric intake should consist of protein. While most people who have tried out high protein diets have met success in their weight loss endeavor, there may be a few side effects that are associated with these diet plans.

High protein diet heart problems

Most high protein diets encourage the consumption of red meats, dairy products and other foods, which are usually high in cholesterol.

The increased consumption of such foods may help in weight loss, due to the lack of carbs, but the levels of cholesterol in the body will definitely rise, increasing the risks of heart attacks and other heart related problems.

High protein diet kidney diseases

There are a couple of kidney problems that may be seen in people who follow high protein diets on a long-term basis. Some of the most common high protein diet kidney problems include kidney failure and kidney stones.

A diet that contains a limited amount of other nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fat, etc., can put additional pressure on kidneys, making it weaker and more susceptible to kidney failure or other equally severe kidney diseases. The consumption of protein-rich foods leads to a higher excretion of calcium in the urine. If high protein foods are consumed for a long period of time, it could lead to the formation of stones in the kidney.

High protein diet liver disorders

People on high protein diets tend to restrict their consumption of carbs, which can bring about changes in their metabolism. Because of these changes, the body may have difficulty in eliminating all the waste matter, which could lead to severe problems in the liver. Moreover, people who have weakened livers or any other liver problems cannot process proteins properly. If the waste products build up to a large extent, it could also cause some damage to the brain. There have been a few reports of live cirrhosis or damaged liver, seen in people who follow high protein diets.

Therefore, following high protein diets for about 2 or 3 months may bring about the desired weight loss results, without leading to any major side effects. However, most fitness experts, dieticians and nutritionists also state that high protein diets should not be followed on a long term basis. Pregnant women and people who are suffering from any preexisting medical conditions should never follow a high protein low carb diet, without first checking with a doctor.

High protein diets can be dangerous to individuals suffering from renal or liver disorders, as the kidneys fail to function properly, thereby retaining the metabolic wastes of protein. Protein is a vital essential nutrient, seen in the blood, hormones, bones, enzymes and muscles. Excessive protein is not stored. Amino acids, the building block of proteins are seen after breakdown. The nitrogen from these proteins is excreted. The non nitrogenous materials are made use of or made into fat. A high protein diet is recommended for individuals on muscle building. It is not recommended for people with hepatic encephalopathy.

Excess protein raises the probability of occurrence of osteoporosis and renal calculi. They also reduce the intake of vegetables and fruits. Identifying the right protein and consuming the same is essential. High protein diets should consider fish, skimmed dairy products, lentils and beans. Animal protein hinders with the mineral absorption, thereby resulting in their excretion. These result in kidney stones risk. Non vegetarian protein foods are avoided in the diets of individuals who are more prone to kidney stones. Big stones, call for a surgery for its removal, as abstinence results in urinary block. A gram of protein intake causes a loss of 1.75 mg of calcium.

The quality and quantity of protein taken is essential for consideration. Soy product helps in lowering the LDL cholesterol and increasing the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. It protects against the arterial plaque formation. Calcium is retained more on consumption of vegetarian foods. As calcium elimination is reduced, osteoporosis risk and renal stones is less. Kidney diseases, in general, are reduced in people consuming vegetarian diet.

Osteoporosis or porous bones is an outcome of deficiency of phosphorus, calcium and others. People on non vegetarian foods experience less of osteoporosis and degeneration of bone. High protein and high salt diets reduces the body’s calcium stores.
People on high protein diet experience loss of weight, due to water loss. Protein consumption increases the blood uric acid and urea levels, which are poisonous metabolic waste products. Water is sent to the kidneys, for a diuretic effect, to eliminate these by-products. This might result in the leaching of calcium, causing osteoporosis. Vitamin E is vital in bone development and protects the calcium from the effect of free radicals. The major cause of osteoporosis in women is due to the decrease in progesterone and estrogen. Saturated fats play an important role in bone modeling.