High protein diets are very popular in the fitness and athletic communities. Ironically, many people that want to gain weight and people that want to lose weight have turned to a diet that high in protein to help them with their fitness goals. At just 4 calories per gram, many people regard protein as the nutrient that they cannot get enough of and can do no wrong. There are several myths and misconceptions that surround high protein diets that you should aware of.
Myth: High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet is a Healthy Way To Lose Weight
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet may not be a healthful way to shed pounds. The fact is, the long-term health effects of prolonged usage this type of protein are unknown. NIDDK notes that getting the majority of your calories from protein sources such as meat, eggs and cheese is not at all a balanced diet. Many protein sources such as red meat are high in both dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, which can contribute to the risk factors for heart disease. Many people trying to lose weight with high protein diets often do not eat enough fruits or vegetables in an effort to avoid carbohydrates. If you do this, your health may be greatly compromised from the lack of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Myth: Protein Cannot Be Converted To Fat
A common misconception is that unlike carbohydrates, dietary protein cannot be converted to fat. This is myth, in fact, protein can very readily be converted to fat because it is not your body's first first choice to use as energy according to Georgetown University Dining and Nutrition Services. Georgetown explains if you continue to consume quantities of protein beyond what is required by your body, the fat gain will continue. Determine your protein requirements to avoid this side effect.
Myth: Excessive Protein Intake Can Cause Kidney Damage
Fortunately, it is a myth that excess protein consumption can cause damage to your kidneys according to the Health and Psychology Department at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt notes that no studies have found that high protein intake in athletes has caused kidney damage. Even if your excessive protein intake causes fat gain or an upset stomach from eating too much at a single serving, your kidneys are not in jeopardy of being damaged. If you have pre-existing kidney damage, however, you should avoid a high protein diet.
Myth: Excessive Protein Intake Is Harmless On Your Kidneys
Although excessive dietary protein will not damage your kidneys, it is not harmless on your kidneys. Purdue University and Vanderbilt University report that excessive protein consumption can cause additional stress to your kidneys. Vanderbilt explains that if you consume excessive amounts of protein, excessive amounts of nitrogen are created because nitrogen is a by-product of protein metabolism. The kidneys then need to remove the excess nitrogen from your body to maintain a proper nitrogen balance. In a sense, excess protein intake makes your kidneys work overtime and this should be avoided.
Member Comments