Currently we have so much information that it is very easy to get into any type of diet, even if we do it in a dangerous way. Miracle diets are evolving, and what once seemed dangerous to us, now we look at with some suspicion. For example, the Dukan diet was widely criticized for the elimination of certain nutritional groups, but does not something similar happen in the protein diet?
Today we tell you what this type of diet consists of, what benefits it claims to provide and what are the dangers to which we expose our body.
What is a protein diet?
As its name suggests, a protein diet is based on high protein consumption. In other words, we will have to eat meat, fish and dairy products in greater quantities, while reducing carbohydrates and fats to a minimum. It should be noted that of the allowed foods, special interest is given in lean red meats to find the maximum protein intake.
It started out as an inspired diet for athletes, but has been extended by its "miraculous" weight loss capabilities. Many famous people have made it viral for their testimonies, but the dangers to which we expose our bodies are infinite.
The consumption of carbohydrates is banned to increase weight loss , something that happens with keto diets when there is a lack of glucose.
Many endorse this type of diet because you lose weight quickly and do not starve. This is not about cutting calories, but about eliminating nutritional groups.
What happens in our body when we do this diet?
Diet causes great changes in our body, even if they are not visible. Consider that your body is a car, what happens if you add poorer fuel? It will not have the same performance and will tend to break down. Something similar happens with your body.
Taking large amounts of protein will cause certain areas (kidneys and liver) to overwork and feel punished over time. Our body needs all the nutritional groups, and carbohydrates cannot be eliminated. They are essential to train optimally and stay healthy.
When we abuse proteins, our body begins a process in which it destroys muscle mass to find the glucose that we do not provide in our diet. We need energy and if we do not introduce it into food, the body will do what is in its power. So it is normal to lose weight, but it will be mostly lean mass.
If we do not take carbohydrates, which are the ideal fuel for energy, we will enter a state of ketosis . That is, we will extract energy from the fats obtained and physiological changes will be made in our body that can lead to fatigue, dizziness and discomfort.
Body fluids will also be altered, becoming acidic and causing nervous and cardiac disturbances. And, be very careful, because if we stop introducing basic nutrients, we can generate chronic diseases and organic failures.
Likewise, the lack of fiber in this type of diet causes the digestive system to be unable to function properly. We will enter a phase of constipation, abdominal pain, cholesterol levels will increase and there may be an increase in uric acid in the blood.
Is it advisable to do it?
Of course not. No nutrition expert will ever advise removing carbohydrates, healthy fats, and micronutrients from your diet. Abusing, in any environment, causes imbalances in our body that will affect health and sports performance.
It is a risk to exercise with a poor diet, since you will not have enough energy and tend to injure yourself more easily. If you really want to lose weight, eat properly and stay active. If you don't know where to start, go to a nutritionist and join the gym. Always put yourself in expert hands to study your case personally to achieve your goals.
