Protein is essential for the healthy functioning of the body, but people with kidney disease are often advised to limit their intake of protein foods and are strictly prohibited from eating protein diets. Why? How significant is the effect of protein on the kidneys of a healthy person and kidneys whose function is impaired? Are protein diets really – direct path to kidney disease? estet-portal.com will answer these questions in this article.

The effect of protein on the kidneys: functions, intake and excretion of protein

In order to understand the effects of protein on the kidneys, it is first necessary to briefly review the functions of proteins and their metabolism.

Squirrels – an important component of the human body, since they make up enzymes, tissues and organs. It should be noted that proteins, unlike fats, the body does not store – accordingly, they must be constantly supplied with food.

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Protein helps the body recover from injury, stop bleeding, and fight infections. A protein molecule is made up of chains of amino acids, which are often referred to as the "building blocks" of a protein. living organism. Health is maintained by 20 amino acids, 11 of which are synthesized by the liver, and 8 come exclusively with food, which is why they are called essential:

  • valine;
  • isoleucine;
  • leucine;
  • lysine;
  • methionine;
  • threonine;
  • tryptophan;
  • phenylalanine.

If a protein contains all 8 essential amino acids in the required proportions, it is called complete, other proteins are incomplete. The proteins of animal origin that have the highest biological value are found in:

  • meat;
  • eggs;
  • fish;
  • caviar;
  • milk.

Proteins of plant origin contain incomplete proteins, since they do not contain all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities.  

Proteins, unlike fats, do not accumulate in the body.

Protein is broken down in the body into amino acids, which enter the bloodstream and are transported to the cells to synthesize the necessary proteins used for:

  • tissue repair and healing;
  • hormone production;
  • production of antibodies and enzymes;
  • maintaining acid-base and water-electrolyte balance;
  • Generate a certain amount of energy.

The breakdown of amino acids produces end products: ammonia, water and carbon dioxide. At the same time, ammonia, being a toxic substance, is “neutralized”; in the liver, turning into urea. Urea, in turn, is excreted by the kidneys along with urine. 

The effect of protein on kidneys with normal and impaired function

Where did the myth that high-protein diets lead to kidney disease come from? Indeed, a high protein diet is contraindicated in patients with chronic kidney disease, but eating protein foods in small to moderate amounts can improve the condition of the patient.

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Some believe that protein metabolites that are excreted in the urine place an additional burden on the kidneys, resulting in diseases of the body's natural filters. However, the kidney, like any other organ, works daily in the conditions for which it was created, namely, they filter about 180 liters of blood daily.

Healthy kidneys are excellent at removing protein breakdown products from the body.

Indeed, by increasing the amount of protein you eat, you make the kidneys work a little more intensively, but such an additional load is insignificant for them. Research results show that people whose kidneys function normally only benefit from protein diets. The same goes for bodybuilders, who not only consume large amounts of protein foods, but also take various supplements for muscle growth. Moreover, protein intake in large (but still reasonable) amounts helps to lower blood pressure and improve the condition of diabetics.

Why are high-protein diets contraindicated for people with kidney disease?

Now you know that the main organ that removes the end products of protein breakdown is the kidneys. When they are affected by disease, the glomeruli – glomeruli of blood vessels that filter all the blood passing through them, – begin to perform worse. Therefore, in order not to overload the already weakened kidneys, people with diseases of these organs are advised not to abuse protein foods. In addition, if the kidneys do not remove toxic substances from the body in a timely manner, their accumulation can lead to problems with other organs and systems.

In case of kidney diseases, protein foods should not be abused.

It is important to understand that the amount of protein that can and should be consumed in kidney disease is determined on a case-by-case basis. After conducting the necessary tests, the doctor will determine how much reduced kidney function is, and will recommend an adequate daily allowance of protein and other products necessary for the normal functioning of your small filters.

Thus, estet-portal.com would like to emphasize once again: the effect of protein on the kidneys depends on their condition. A healthy person, as studies show, should not worry about kidney damage due to a protein diet. However, patients with kidney disease should definitely plan their diet with their doctor!

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