Eating too much protein doesn't improve your health; it can even damage your kidneys! Learn how much protein is right for you each day
These days, people's lifestyles have changed significantly. People's eating habits have also changed significantly. Nowadays, people are following a "high-protein diet" for weight loss, body building, or blood sugar control.
This diet has become increasingly popular among people in recent times. Many people believe that the more protein they eat or the more protein shakes they drink, the better their health will be, but this is not entirely true.
According to experts, protein is very important for the body, but its excessive intake can be harmful – especially for the kidneys.
Why is protein important?Prof. (Dr.) Vishal Singh, Director of Nephrology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, explains that protein is essential for keeping our muscles strong, repairing them, and boosting our immunity.
Doctors say that if you consume it in the right amounts, it is beneficial for your health, but problems begin when someone starts eating more protein than the limit. When our bodies digest protein, it creates waste, which the kidneys help remove.
Disadvantages of eating too much protein- Kidney stone risk: When someone consumes too much protein, it puts a lot of pressure on the kidneys to filter out this waste (especially nitrogen waste). This can lead to dehydration, increased calcium in the urine, and sometimes an increased risk of kidney stones.
- Increased risk of diseases: If you are someone who has blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or has a family history of kidney problems, consuming too much protein can be dangerous.
- Stomach and digestive problems: People who consume a lot of protein often reduce the amount of fiber in their diet, such as fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole grains. This imbalance can increase stomach acidity, slow digestion, and damage the intestines.
- Experts always recommend following a balanced diet rather than just chasing protein. The amount of protein you need depends on your age, the amount of physical activity you do each day, and your health.
- For a healthy diet, choose proteins that don't put too much strain on the kidneys. These include lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, milk, yogurt, eggs, fish, lean meats, and nuts.
- Additionally, drink plenty of water, which helps your kidneys excrete waste through urine.
PC: Times of India