Is too much protein hurting your kidneys? What you need to know

Excessive protein intake, especially from animal sources, may burden kidney function over time, say nephrologists. Moderation and medical guidance are key (Image: Pexels)

In recent years, high-protein diets have become increasingly popular with fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and even dieters who are now adopting them as a more reliable nutritional approach. Whether it's through protein shakes, meals with lots of protein, or plant-based protein substitutes, consuming more protein seems to be the way to go. Nutritionists typically recommend eating high-protein diets for muscle building, metabolic aspects, and controlling appetite.

As with most of the dietary approaches, moderation is the key. Recently, though, more studies are seeing the long-term effects of high protein consumption, especially on kidney health. While protein is a key nutrient for the body's functioning, eating excessive amounts of protein—especially from animal protein sources—could eventually impact kidney health by burdening them. This is an especially important consideration for those with existing kidney diseases.

"Caution is warranted," says Dr. Vijay Kumar Sinha, Director - Nephrology & KTP, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida. He shares information on whether high protein diets can affect kidney function and offers tips on how to do it right.

How High-Protein Diets Impact the Kidneys

• Acute Kidney Strain: High protein consumption is further likely to strain the kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage upon long-term use.

• Hyperfiltration: The kidneys have to filter more with higher protein consumption, potentially causing hyperfiltration and further accelerating kidney damage.

• Acid Load: Higher protein consumption is likely to enhance the generation of acid load to the kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage, as well as other diseases.

Also Read: How to keep kidneys healthy: Include these 8 foods in your daily diet to support kidney function

Potential Risks for Kidney Health

• Kidney Damage: Long-term high protein intake can damage kidneys, especially in people with a pre-existing kidney disease.

• Kidney Disease Progression: High-protein diet will hasten kidney disease in people with pre-existing kidney disease.

• Other Health Problems: High protein intake has also been associated with other health problems such as osteoporosis and liver disease.

Who Might Be At Risk

• Individuals with Kidney Disease: Patients with underlying kidney disease need to be extra cautious about adhering to high-protein diets.

• Older Adults: Older kidneys could become more vulnerable to damage through excessive protein.

• Individuals with Other Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, e.g., osteoporosis or liver disease, are exacerbated by high-protein diets.

Recommendations

• Eat Protein Balanced: Eat a balanced diet with a moderate amount of protein (0.8-1.2 grams/kg body weight/day).

• Seek Advice of a Healthcare Professional: A healthcare professional or registered dietician should be consulted by those with kidney disease or problem to establish the best safe level of protein consumption.

• Emphasize Overall Health: Focus on a general balanced diet and lifestyle, not excessive protein consumption.

Overall, since protein is a nutrient that the body requires, excessive consumption can be detrimental to the kidneys' functioning. Knowing individual protein requirement and a balanced nutrition model, the kidneys can be preserved and overall health ensured. Prioritizing the whole and sustainable health model over the high-protein model can be included in avoiding harm and to long-term health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis