Is A High Protein Diet Bad For Your Kidneys?"Is a high protein diet bad for your kidneys?" is the question on a lot of dieters lips. There has been much written online and in the press to question the health risks of a high protein low carbohydrate diet. At the same time supporters of these diets, such as the Adkins diet, are telling us the diet is safe. When a situation like this occurs it's often difficult to determine who to believe. So I hope to be able to resolve this dilemma. However, if someone were to ask me is a high protein diet bad for your kidneys, I would have to say "It depends!". Like a lot of things, the answer is never that simple; let me explain. During a high protein diet you aim to limit your carbohydrate intake to a much lower level. This is because the body normally uses the glucose in carbs as its energy source. By limiting your glucose intake you force your body to use stored body fat for energy instead. This fat is broken down to produce fatty acids called 'ketones' that you body uses for fuel. Unfortunately, these ketones are acidic and too many of them in your blood supply can cause damage to your kidneys as well as your liver. So whether a high protein diet is bad for your kidneys or not, depends upon the level of ketones you generate in your body and over what period. If you are careful about your diet and don't follow a strict low carb diet for more than 14 days or so at a time, then your kidneys should be okay. However, you should consult a health professional before embarking on such a diet to be safe. If you'd like to learn more about high-protein low-carb diets then check out some of the other pages on our web site. You'll find information on our recommended merchants who offer a range of dietary supplements to keep you healthy on your diet. Next article >> |
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