Avoid high protein diets
An actor was on a protein-heavy diet in order to get the body of an
athlete. Many actors follow similar diets to bulk up for a particular role.
However, according, to new studies from the Netherlands and Korea,
published online in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, a high-protein diet
may harm kidney function, and this is why doctors recommend kidney patients a
low-protein diet. The high-protein culture (Atkins, Zone, South Beach, and
Ketogenic diets) involve daily protein intake of 20% to 25% or more of the
total daily energy intake.
Without protein, our bodies would be unable to heal from injury, stop
bleeding or fight infection. That’s why eating protein is so important to
staying healthy. “The average person needs between 40 to 65 grams of protein
each day,” says a Senior Consultant Nephrologists &
Transplant Physician, and adds, “Ideal protein for chronic
kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis is 0.6 -0.8 grams and for
Dailysis dependent patients is 1.2 grams.”
When protein is ingested, protein waste products are created. Healthy
kidneys have millions of nephrons that filter this waste. It’s then removed
from the body in the urine.
Unhealthy kidneys lose the ability to remove protein waste and it starts to
build up in the blood. “Those with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) will benefit
with a low protein diet, as low as 0.8 grams per kg body weight. It has been
now found that a vegetarian source of protein is better than animal sources in
CKD,” says Sr. Consultant – Nephrologist & Complex Kidney
Transplant Expert.
Protein and the stages of CKD
The five stages of CKD are defined by the glomerularfiltration rate (GFR),
a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. “Although stage four
indicates a severe decrease in kidney function, you’re still able to live
without dialysis.
Because there’s no cure for kidney disease, the primary focus is keeping
you nourished and reducing protein waste build up. Excess protein waste can
cause nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, taste changes and itching.
If you’re in stages 1, 2, or 3, your protein intake may be limited to 12 to15
percent of your calorie intake each day. This is the same level recommended by
the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for a healthy diet for normal adults. If
you’re in stage 4 of CKD, your dietitian may advise you to reduce protein to
10.percent of daily calorie intake,” says a Dr.
Are some proteins better than others?
High protein foods like meat, milk and eggs can be high in fat and
cholesterol. “If you have high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, your
doctor and dietitian may recommend eating more heart-friendly proteins. Good
choices include fish, chicken breast, and low-fat soy products as well as
low-fat dairy products.
Phosphorus is a mineral that builds up in the blood as kidney failure
progresses. You may be advised to reduce high protein foods that are high in
phosphorus, if your level goes above normal. Milk, yogurt, cheese, dried beans
and peas, nuts and seeds, peanut butter and some soy products are high in
protein and phosphorus,” says the Dr.
How is protein managed?
To make sure one is getting the right amount of protein, Dr. says,
“Speak with your dietitian to get
specific guidelines regarding your protein intake. This number will depend on
your CKD stage, lab results, body size and other health conditions. If you’re
prescribed a low protein diet, your portions of protein containing foods will
be smaller than usual.”
If not protein, then what?
Although diet may be limited in high protein foods, one can still eat a
variety of foods, such as eggs, milk, meat, poultry, fish,fruits, vegetables
and grains. “Eating adequate calories is important to prevent muscle breakdown
and weight loss. It is advised to eat more healthy fats, such as olive oil, or
take supplements to help get enough
calories,” says Dr.
Doctors also have concerns about the long-term effects of maintaining a
high protein diet. “One should have have a balanced diet consisting of
carbohydrates, fat and proteins. Restrict supplemental proteins and minimum
intake is 0.8 gm to maximum 1.2 gm per day. It is proved beyond doubt that
vegetable proteins are safe and has more advantages,” says a lead consultant.