Numerous individuals thought that consuming large amounts of protein could lead to kidney damage, especially the ones who belong to fitness communities, athletes, and the ones who eat low-carb diets. Research has consistently shown facts against this myth that a high-protein diet does not harm the kidneys. To understand this fully, we need to differentiate fact from fiction and rely only on expert opinions of a kidney specialist.
Kidney Function and the Role of High-Protein
Understanding Kidney Function
As vital organs, kidneys filter waste materials and extra blood substances out of the body. Through their operation, these organs maintain fluid-electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce essential hormones. People often worry that consuming too much protein increases the load on kidneys which leads to kidney disease or damage. This issue is only relevant to people who already have pre-existing kidney diseases.
Role of High Protein Diet
Various research studies have shown the impact of consuming high levels of protein on kidney function. Research conducted by the International Society of Sports Nutrition shows that high protein consumption does not harm kidney health in people with healthy kidney operation. Another study revealed that healthy people have no evidence of kidney damage from high protein consumption.
Kidney specialists explain that protein metabolism increases nitrogen waste that kidneys must filter out. However, people with healthy kidneys can handle the increased load without any damage. The risks only arise in people with pre-existing kidney disease as their kidneys struggle with the process of additional filtration.
The Myth
A high-protein diet is a popular option for weight loss among healthy individuals and it is believed that long-term high-protein intake can cause intraglomerular hypertension. Intraglomerular hypertension is a result of kidney hyperfiltration or proteinuria.
According to the National Library of Medicine, intraglomerular hypertension can only occur in people with pre-existing kidney damage or disease. For patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or people who are at high risk of CKD, high-protein intake, including animal protein may have negative effects on kidney function and long-term kidney health.
Now clarifying the myth further, let’s understand the effects of high protein on kidney function.
Hyperfiltration from High-Protein Diets and Effects on Kidney Health
What is Hyperfiltration?
Hyperfiltration can be caused by increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), it is a test that measures how well your kidneys are filtering blood. An abnormal or increased GFR means that the kidneys are filtering too much fluid from the blood.
A single high-protein diet can lead to a temporary increase in GFR which can be managed with healthy eating habits and lifestyle. For people with pre-existing kidney disease, a long-term high-protein diet can lead to significant changes in kidney function.
Effects on Kidney Health
In the early stages of high protein consumption, glomerular hyperfiltration causes a rise in GFR, proteinuria or both, which results in loss of kidney function in those who are suffering from underlying CKD.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria is caused by the excessive amount of protein in urine which indicates the improper functioning of kidney and can be an early sign of kidney disease. Though, there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages but as the condition progresses, individuals can experience symptoms like foamy or bubbly urine, frequent urination, swelling in hands, feet, or face, and fatigue.
Proteinuria and Kidney Health
Hyperfiltration may lead to an increased risk of proteinuria which is an early indicator of kidney damage but an observational study by the National Library of Medicine does not show any direct association of high-protein intake and proteinuria, finding it only in people with diabetes and hypertension. Other studies shows that people with positive health behaviours including physical activity, energy intake, no smoking, and medication use do not have any risk of hyperfiltration, proteinuria or any other kidney damage.
Who Should Be Aware of Increased Protein Intake?
Pre-Existing Chronic Disease
Generally, a high-protein diet is safe for healthy individuals, but people with existing kidney disease should track their protein intake. Also, people who are suffering from CKD or other kidney-related conditions should consult with a kidney specialist to determine a suitable diet plan. Excess protein consumption can impact their kidney health negatively and seeking medical guidance is important.
Solitary Kidney
Solitary kidney is a condition where a person has only one kidney. This condition occurs due to a congenital condition where a person is born with only one functioning kidney; either due to one kidney is not developing or non-functional.
On the other hand, acquired solitary kidney occurs when a person has only one kidney and this happen after the removal of one kidney due to disease, injury, or donation. In both conditions, a high protein diet should be avoided and if possible a plant-based protein diet is recommended.
Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications
Modifying Protein Source
Though healthy individuals can stick to a traditional high-protein diet, certain modifications to it can prevent early conditions of kidney damage. Talking about the patients with pre-existing kidney disease like CKD, they should revise the high-protein inclusion in their diet. With finding a strong association between consumption of animal-based protein especially red meat and CKD, studies show that people consuming red or processed meat have increased chances of CKD progression.
People with CKD are always recommended with a plant-based protein diet as it is considered the most adequate source of protein for people with these conditions. Another reason why people with CKD should avoid an animal-based protein diet is that it leads to weight gain which might be a factor in kidney damage.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet shows a significant amount of attention as it helps to treat obesity and type-2 diabetes which eventually cause kidney damage. Studies also show that ketogenic is not an ideal form of diet for people with healthy kidneys as it can cause other adverse effects like vitamin & mineral deficiencies and fatigue.
When One Should Worry?
Numerous studies show that consuming high-protein foods does not result in kidney damage; thus, wrong notions about kidney disease stem from insufficient research data. People suffering from pre-existing kidney disease must obtain professional medical guidance from a specialist in kidney diseases. A complete medical checkup will provide patients with a precise dietary strategy.
Conclusion
Health and diet-related myths can create conditions of unneeded dietary limitations and anxiousness for individuals. One should always trust the advice of medical professionals and expert kidney specialists to know what nutrients are best for kidney health instead of limiting nutrients based on false information. A protein-rich diet remains beneficial for people who do not have kidney disease to achieve both overall wellness and health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1: Are protein supplements safe for kidney health?
Ans: There are some protein supplements that contain additional ingredients that potentially harm your kidneys. Healthy individuals or people with kidney conditions should choose protein according to the ingredients or take suggestions from an expert dietician or kidney specialist.
Q.2: Should people with pre-existing kidney conditions remove high-protein sources from their diet?
Ans: Protein is essential for all, but if you have pre-existing kidney disease, then you should limit protein in your diet or modify your diet with other dietary options. Check the preventive measures and lifestyle modifications mentioned in the article.
Q.3: What are the other conditions that can be caused by a high-protein diet?
Ans: If not kidney disease, a high-protein diet especially, an animal-based protein diet can cause other metabolic complications, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other cardiovascular diseases.
