High-protein diets are popular because of rapid weight loss. The American Heart Association does not recommend high protein diets due to lack of food variety and other adverse side effects.
Types
Types of high-protein diets include: The Zone, Atkins, Sugar Busters and Stillman diets.
Time Frame
Healthy individuals easily tolerate high-protein diets for short periods of time.
Considerations
Nitrogen is the result of protein metabolism and in excess amounts can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
Warning
Dramatic increases in protein can be dangerous for persons with kidney or liver disease due to impaired ability to remove the waste products of protein metabolism. Persons that stay on high-protein diets for extended periods of time may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.
Expert Insight
Most high-protein diets are also high in fat and cholesterol, which can have adverse side effects on health. Choose protein sources wisely and be sure to include low fat dairy and meats, as well as legumes and fish.
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