Excessive consumption of animal protein, reliance on low-quality protein sources, and neglect of other essential nutrients can cause deterioration in kidney function.
Protein is a very important nutrient that provides energy, improves metabolism, helps reduce fat, and aids in muscle growth. Protein deficiency can hinder weight gain and can also prevent participation in strenuous sports activities or exercise. In such a case, the body uses stored energy, which can be harmful to health and can damage muscles in addition to putting pressure on the heart. However, improper protein consumption can put pressure on the kidneys, increasing the risk of dehydration, kidney stones, or chronic kidney disease.
According to Dr. Ha Tuan Hung, deputy head of the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi (Vietnam), the following common mistakes in protein consumption can silently burden the kidneys.
1.Excessive consumption of animal protein:
Consuming large amounts of protein-rich meat for a long time forces the kidneys to excrete excess nitrogen, which can lead to dehydration, frequent urination, and an increased risk of kidney stones. A diet high in animal protein and low in vegetables can also cause constipation due to a lack of fiber.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it is important to have a balanced diet and not overeat protein. According to it, the recommended amount is about 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per 0.45 kilograms of body weight. That is, for a 68 kg person, it is about 75 to 120 grams per day.
- Relying on low-quality protein sources:
Low-quality protein sources, such as processed meats, canned foods, and items with preservatives, increase the amount of sodium that puts extra strain on the kidneys. These foods are often high in salt and additives, which makes the kidneys have to work harder to filter them.
Processed meats are rich in protein, but if they are not consumed properly, they can cause deterioration in kidney function, especially in people who already have kidney disease or who have been advised by their doctor to monitor their protein intake.
The American Heart Association recommends eating healthy, less processed protein sources, such as fish, white meat, legumes, and nuts. These foods provide high-quality protein and are lower in saturated fat and sodium than processed or red meat.
- Imbalance in protein and other nutrients:
The body can only effectively absorb about 20 to 25 grams of protein at a time. If you consume too much protein, the body metabolizes or excretes the excess, which can put an additional burden on the kidneys.
According to Dr. Hung, you should consume an adequate amount of easily absorbed protein, such as eggs, chicken breast, salmon, and Greek yogurt, as well as plant-based protein in a balanced way.
- Neglecting other nutrients:
An unbalanced diet not only puts stress on the kidneys, but also affects the internal balance of the body. According to Dr. Hung, if there is a high amount of protein and a lack of carbohydrates and fats, the body starts using protein for energy. As a result of this process, harmful substances such as urea are formed, which the kidneys have to work harder to filter.
Lack of vegetables and fiber-rich foods can cause digestive problems such as constipation, which negatively affects the intestines. Lack of fiber can also cause diseases such as dyslipidemia, fatty liver and diabetes, which can damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced diet.
- Insufficient water intake:
When you consume a lot of protein, waste products such as urea and uric acid are formed in the body, which the liver and kidneys have to work harder to remove. If the amount of water is low, the kidneys cannot bear this load, which can lead to dehydration, kidney stones, electrolyte imbalance and decreased kidney function.
Therefore, drinking less water with a high-protein diet can cause further damage to the kidneys, especially in these individuals. Drinking adequate amounts of water daily is very important to maintain kidney health.
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