Considering a High-Protein Diet? Ensure Kidney Health First
In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to approach advice from social media with caution, especially when it comes to eating habits. This is particularly true for high-protein diets, a popular trend that has been gaining traction.
Kidneys, essential organs that play a critical role in our overall health, are often affected by high-protein diets. Eating a high-protein diet can put stress on these vital organs, especially for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of kidney disease.
Nephrologist Juan Calle, MD, discusses the effects of high-protein diets. He recommends combining protein with more fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet, emphasizing the importance of a balanced intake for effective weight loss that does not compromise kidney health.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. While some studies link protein-rich diets to kidney damage, the findings are not definitive. In healthy individuals, the kidneys can handle high protein intake without damage, and some studies found no harmful effects on kidney function with protein intakes as high as 3.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day over the long term.
It's important to note that a high-protein diet can contribute to kidneys losing their protein-processing powers, especially as people age. As a result, it becomes harder for aging kidneys to keep protein for the body to use, resulting in more protein being excreted in urine.
Moreover, many protein powders contain additives, heavy metals, and fillers that may burden kidneys, so moderation and careful selection of protein sources are essential, especially for those with kidney concerns.
In summary, high-protein diets may cause or accelerate kidney damage mainly in people with existing kidney conditions or risk factors. Healthy individuals typically do not experience kidney harm from high protein consumption, but those with pre-existing kidney problems or a history of kidney stones should consult a healthcare professional and approach high protein intake cautiously.
When seeking reliable eating advice, it's best to stick with a doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian. They can help find an eating plan appropriate for individual health goals, ensuring a balanced, low-sodium diet that promotes weight loss without compromising kidney health.
[1] Source: National Kidney Foundation [2] Source: American Kidney Fund [3] Source: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology [4] Source: Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
- High-protein diets, while beneficial for building muscle and promoting weight loss, can potentially cause or accelerate kidney damage, particularly in individuals with existing kidney conditions or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of kidney disease.
- A balanced diet that combines protein with fruits, vegetables, and other sources of nutrition can help ensure effective weight loss without compromising kidney health, as recommended by nephrologist Juan Calle, MD.
- It is essential for aging individuals or those with kidney concerns to be cautious about their protein intake and protein sources, as overconsumption and certain protein powders can burden the kidneys by making them lose their protein-processing powers.
- When seeking advice about eating habits, it is advised to consult healthcare professionals such as doctors, nutritionists, or dietitians to find an appropriate eating plan that promotes weight loss and kidney health, and avoid overreliance on social media advice.
