High Protein Diet and Kidney Health What’s the Link

Kidneys play a critical role in the functioning of overall health. They have various functions like filtering waste, acids, and extra water from the body. Protein is necessary for the body. The question that arises here is, Is a high protein diet good for the kidneys? The answer may not be what you expected.

A nephrologist had explained that too much protein intake, impacts body function, especially excretion. He continued to say that eating a lot of protein, especially meat or animal-derived proteins can be the cause behind more acid and toxin release in the body, therefore putting more pressure on the kidneys to filter and process all of these substances out.

Especially as a person ages, the kidneys have experienced a lot of wear and tear. This added pressure of filtering out the waste can be a reason for the kidneys to lose their protein-processing powers. Making it harder for the body to store protein for usage, and therefore the protein passes out of the body with excreta. This protein that gets passed out of the body reflects kidney damage.

There have been a few studies done on the linkage of protein-rich diets and kidney damage, with no solid findings. Therefore, this is only a hypothesis and needs to be treated more as caution or warning than pure findings.

Does a high-protein diet need to be avoided by everyone?

The entire explanation is a warning for those with kidney problems, or a history of chronic kidney problems, asking them to limit their protein use. It is also for people who have a medical history of kidney stones or a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). Higher protein can increase the risk of kidney stones in the future or potentially affect kidney function.

How to protect your kidneys?

Do not try to get calories from just one source. Try to combine your protein sources with more fruits and vegetables. You can lose weight while being on a good diet as this affects your kidney condition. Eat a more balanced and low-sodium diet, with decreasing number of calories that are consumed by the body.
Be sure to be aware of health fads, especially the ones that are broadcasted on social media, don’t try to follow celebrity diets or stick to liquid diets without consulting a doctor or a nutritionist.

Good nutrition can help you if you have certain kidney diseases. They can-

• Provide energy to perform daily functions
• Prevent infections
• Help maintain a healthier weight
• Decrease muscle-mass loss
• Slow down the progression of any kidney-related problem

Footnote-

Know the right amount of nutrients needed by your body. You should not overdo anything, not even the healthier alternatives.