What Are The Dangers Of A High-protein Diet For Urination?

The first high-protein diet dates back to the the mid-1800s when William Banting, an obese funeral director, published a book outlining his weight loss success through avoiding carbohydrates. Numerous high-protein, low-carbohydrate -- or "low-carb" -- diets, have gained popularity since. By limiting grains, fruits and other carbohydrate-rich foods, the diets claim to enhance fat burning and weight loss. Although eating more protein temporarily may boost weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, excessive protein intake may trigger numerous side effects, including urinary complications. For ensured safety and wellness, consult your doctor before embarking upon a high-protein diet.

Dehydration

Most people should eat a diet containing 10 to 35 percent protein for optimum wellness. The more protein you consume beyond your basic needs, the greater your chance becomes for dehydration. High-protein diets increase the amount of water your body needs to eliminate nitrogen, the breakdown product of protein, through urine, and the amount of oxygen your body consumes, according to Colorado State University Extension. These factors can increase urine output and trigger dehydration.

Kidney Problems

Your kidneys are paired organs in your urinary tract that help keep your body clean and chemically balanced. High-protein diets can cause or worsen kidney problems, according to Zeratsky, because your kidneys may have difficulty eliminating the added waste products associated with protein metabolism. High-protein diets that severely restrict carbohydrates can trigger ketosis -- a state in which your body uses fat instead of glucose for energy. Ketosis can lead to high uric acid levels, increasing your risk for kidney stones.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when uric acid crystalizes and gathers in a single joint, such as the joint in your big toe, causing intense redness, pain and swelling. Because gout stems from high uric acid levels, high-protein diets that cause ketosis may increase your risk for gout, according to the Weight-control Information Network. If you already have gout, the diets may trigger or intensify symptom flare-ups.

Frequent Urination

Ketosis associated with high-protein diets may also cause a frequent need to urinate. In severe cases, frequent urination may indicate ketoacidosis -- an advanced state of ketosis that can lead to a loss of consciousness or death, particularly if you have diabetes. To avoid serious complications, seek prompt medical guidance if your urinary symptoms are severe or long-lasting.