Of all the myths that abound in the world of nutrition, the assumptions surrounding protein consumption and kidney damage seem to be the most common ones. How did this rumor start? Today we are based on what science thinks and if we should believe in popular legends.
Is taking too much protein dangerous?
People with kidney disease have a hard time filtering protein, which is why in some cases they follow a low-protein diet. So it was concluded that because kidney disease patients couldn’t filter out proteins, it seemed that too much protein was putting the kidneys at risk. Impressive, right?
Actually, studies have been done on higher protein intake , and the result is that higher intake is completely safe. In the short term, the body adapts to this higher consumption, which changes some markers of kidney function. This is part of the process of adapting to the additional protein. However, long-term consumption of larger amounts does not have a negative impact on kidney function.
There is a study , carried out by Dr. José Antonio, that even with the amount of protein consumed, the author states: ” There were no changes in any of the variables regarding blood lipids or the complete metabolic panel. We examined the two individuals with the highest protein intake recorded (4.66 and 6.59 g / kg per day) and we found no harmful effects on kidney function in any of the individuals . ”
But what happens with the glomerular frequency?
We know from previous studies that high protein diets cause hyperfiltration and we should expect an initial increase in glomerular filtration (GFR). Okay, you have no idea what “glomerular” is, do you? Glomerular frequency is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease.
But, according to the conclusions of another study , ” a healthy protein-rich diet increased GFR (estimated glomerular filtration is a test used to assess how well your kidneys are working. The test calculates the volume of blood that the kidneys filter over a certain period of time. It is said to be ‘estimated’ because the glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys. If these filters do not work properly, the kidney is said to have reduced or impaired kidney function.) It is not clear if long-term consumption of a high protein diet leads to kidney disease . ”
The claim that protein intake leads to kidney stones or kidney failure is not supported by any study to date. Logically, we do not encourage you to consume excess protein, all in a moderate way.
