High-protein diets have been used to improve health for more than 2,000 years, according to Dr. Margo Denke of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, whether to improve athletic performance or promote weight loss. Consuming too much protein increases fluid and sodium losses through your urine, which may affect sodium levels.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral and electrolyte your body needs to function properly. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Variations in blood sodium levels are most often caused by medical problems. For example, low blood sodium levels are most often due to sodium losses resulting from Addison's disease, diarrhea, diuretic use or kidney problems. High blood levels of sodium are usually due to an inadequate intake of water leading to dehydration, or conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or diabetes insipidus.
Protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient required to help preserve lean body mass, repair tissue, make hormones and enzymes and support immune health. While protein is essential, most Americans get more than enough to perform these functions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that you get 10 to 35 percent of your calories from protein, with the rest coming from a mix of fat and carbohydrates. High-protein diets are designed to help promote weight loss by increasing your intake of protein and limiting your intake of carbohydrates.
Sodium and Protein
Consuming too much protein may affect your sodium levels indirectly, as well. High-protein diets are often also low-carb, and under these conditions your body uses ketones in place of carbohydrates as a source of fuel. The breakdown of ketones forms ketone bodies, which are filtered by your kidneys. The presence of ketone bodies in your kidneys causes your body to excrete more sodium and water in your urine. The additional loss of sodium in your urine may cause a decrease in your sodium levels. It is important to note, however, that this does not occur if you eat enough carbohydrates along with your high protein intake.
Additional Concerns
Not only does consuming too much protein affect your sodium levels, but it also causes a number of other medical problems. High-protein diets increase blood calcium levels and your risk of developing kidney stones. The increased protein also causes your body to excrete more calcium, requiring additional calcium from your bones to maintain blood levels, which increases your risk of osteoporosis. If you have problems with your kidneys and consume too much protein, you increase your risk of going into renal failure.
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