The Dangers Of High Protein Intake For An Athlete

High-protein diets are a popular way to lose weight relatively quickly. Athletes have relied on these types of diets dating back to ancient Greece in the belief that they will lose fat and build lean muscle. For most athletes, a high-protein diet is considered relatively safe. Whether this type of diet provides any athletic benefit is unknown.

High-Protein Diets and Nutrition

Eating a high-protein diet means cutting back on the amount of carbohydrates you consume. Dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic explains that this kind of restriction can lead to deficiencies of important nutrients. This can include a lack of adequate dietary fiber that can cause constipation, abdominal bloating and excess gas. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are important sources of vitamin C, the B-complex family of vitamins, calcium and magnesium. Relying more on high-protein foods also can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Saturated Fat Intake and High-Protein Diets

Emphasizing higher-protein foods such as beef, pork and chicken also naturally increases your intake of saturated fats. Excess consumption of this type of fat increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. To decrease this risk when consuming a high protein diet, reduce your reliance on red meat and focus instead on skinless, white meat poultry, fish and pork with the fat trimmed off.

High-Protein Diets in Athletes With Kidney Problems

High-protein diets may or may not be effective for athletic pursuits, but, for some individuals, they can increase serious health problems. A 2011 article published in "The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society" explains that consumption of high-protein foods for prolonged periods can lead to bone-density loss and damage to your kidneys. Researchers say the risk of developing kidney damage is a concern if you already have impaired kidney functioning. The kidneys process proteins, extracting nutrients and water for excretion. Impairment of this functioning makes a high-protein diet more difficult for your body to process efficiently.

Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

Athletes who rely on high levels of protein in their diet may be at increased risk for developing colon cancer. A 2011 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that men who consumed a high-protein diet for a month had higher levels of metabolites that cause colon cancer. In addition, the same men experienced decreased levels of metabolites that provide your colon with protection from cancer. High-protein diets also generally exclude many natural sources of dietary fiber that have a protective effect against colon cancer.