Low-protein Diet
A low-protein diet restricts the amount of protein that is consumed, and may be prescribed to someone with kidney or liver disease. Some believe that protein puts added stress on internal organs during the digestion and excretion processes. Protein is metabolized in the liver and then urea (a protein by-product) is excreted through the kidneys.
There are two categories of proteins: “high-value” and “low-value.” Animal protein is considered a “high-value” protein because it’s easier for the body to use. For this reason, the majority of protein on a low-protein diet should come from animal products such as red meat, chicken, turkey, eggs, and dairy products. “Low-value” proteins include dried beans, nuts, and some vegetables. On this plan, it’s important that an individual’s daily protein intake be consumed in small quantities with each meal rather than all in one sitting.
When following this approach, it’s important to ensure that adequate calories are consumed. On average, people need 40-60 grams of protein per day to maintain good health. A low-protein diet would consist of about 4-8% of daily calories from protein. Since protein contains four calories per gram, this would equal approximately 80-160 calories daily from protein. For an individual who consumes 2,000 calories per day, this would amount to 20-40 grams of protein each day. Therefore, it’s recommended that dieters increase heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, almonds, avocados, and salmon.
Foods to include:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Dairy
- Nuts
- Olive oil
Foods to avoid:
- Excessive protein
- Processed foods
Pros:
- May relieve internal stress for some
- May detox the body of chemicals
- Likely to decrease overall consumption of factory-farmed meat
Cons:
- Low-protein approach may lead to cravings and binges
- Some require higher protein intake for energy and focus
- Some thrive on higher amounts of beans and other “low-value” proteins
Sources:
Low-Protein Diet www.gicare.com (Links to an external site.)
Kidney Disease www.kidney.org (Links to an external site.)
High-Protein Diets May Boost Cancer Risk www.prevention.com (Links to an external site.)
How Can I Find How Much Protein I’m Eating (Links to an external site.)
Kidney Disease and a Low-Protein Diet www.lowprodiet.org (Links to an external site.)
