As one of the original low-carbohydrate diets, the Atkins Diet can be an effective way to shed pounds, but for people with existing kidney problems, there may be dangers. Low-carbohydrate weight loss plans may negatively affect kidney function. Individuals at risk of kidney problems should probably avoid going on the Atkins Diet, but people with healthy kidneys have little to fear.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet involves a four-stage plan during which dieters consume low levels of carbohydrates and high levels of protein and healthy unsaturated fats. In the first phase of the diet, carbohydrates are restricted to 20 g a day, most of which should come from green vegetables. Later phases add carbohydrates back into the diet in small daily increments until the dieter reaches a point at which weight loss slows or stops. The dieter is expected to maintain a daily carbohydrate intake somewhere between 45 and 100 g per day, depending on his individual metabolism.
Kidney Stress
The high protein levels in the Atkins Diet may put stress on the kidneys, which can lead to problems in individuals prone to kidney disease. A 2003 study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" found that women with reduced kidney function experienced further decline in kidney function while consuming a diet high in animal protein, such as the Atkins Diet. This effect did not occur in individuals who had perfectly healthy kidneys at the start of the study. Individuals over 40 and people with hypertension or diabetes may be particularly at risk, since these people could have undiagnosed mild kidney impairment.
Ketones
One effect of high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins Diet that may impact kidney health is the production of ketones. Ketones are produced when the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel. These ketones may add further stress to the kidneys as the body attempts to flush them out through the urine. High levels of ketones in the body also raise the risk of developing kidney stones.
Considerations
In healthy individuals with no risk factors or family history of kidney disease, low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins Diet are unlikely to cause kidney problems. However, the Atkins website advises people with pre-existing kidney disease not to use the Atkins Diet because of the risk of further damaging the kidneys. If this is of concern to you, a doctor can test your kidney function before you start the Atkins Diet. You may also want to have your doctor monitor kidney function on a regular basis while you are on the diet.
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