What are the side effects of a high protein diet?

Answer 1

AHA Recommendation
The American Heart Association doesn't recommend high-protein diets for weight loss. Some of these diets restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and don't provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. People who stay on these diets very long may not get enough vitamins and minerals and face other potential health risks.

Background

Many Americans follow popular diets, such as the Atkins, Zone, Protein Power, Sugar Busters and Stillman diets. Most of these diets aren't balanced in terms of the essential nutrients our bodies need. Some are high protein and emphasize foods like meat, eggs and cheese, which are rich in protein and saturated fat. Some restrict important carbohydrates such as cereals, grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. If followed for a long time, they can result in potential health problems. And while they may result in quick weight loss, more research is needed on the effectiveness for long-term weight loss.

These diets can cause a quick drop in weight because eliminating carbohydrates causes a loss of body fluids. Lowering carbohydrate intake also prevents the body from completely burning fat. In the diets that are also high in protein, substances called ketones are formed and released into the bloodstream, a condition called ketosis. It makes dieting easier because it lowers appetite and may cause nausea.

But these diets have other effects besides inducing quick weight loss. Most Americans already eat more protein than their bodies need. And eating too much protein can increase health risks. High-protein animal foods are usually also high in saturated fat. Eating large amounts of high-fat foods for a sustained period raises the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. People who can't use excess protein effectively may be at higher risk of kidney and liver disorders, and osteoporosis.

Answer 2

If too high for too long, high protein diet may cause Osteoporosis. The protein is broken down to amino acids in the body. The excess of the amino acids that are formed and not needed by the body has to be excreted by the kidneys. Each molecule of an amino acid must be neutralized before the kidneys can excrete it. For this our body calls on calcium to handle the job. But the calcium gets excreted in the urine, along with the amino acids. This process drains the supply of calcium in our bloodstream, so the body has to tap the stores in bones.

It has been seen that female meat-eaters lose about 35 percent of their bone mass by age 65, while female vegetarians lose only about 18 percent.
Also, a reaction called "ketosis" can occur which is a stage in metabolism when the liver has been depleted of stored glycogen and switches to a chronic fasting mode during long periods of starvation. (ie the lack of necessary carbohydrates). Long term high protein diets are not recommended.

The Proto system diet is the best as it involves a 3 day cycle of high protein low carb and 1 day of high carb moderate protein intake.

Answer 3

I went on all protein supplement diet and put on lean muscle and dropped about 10 kg in weight - equivalent to about 5lbs - and supplemented with exercise you will put on lean muscle mass and drop fat - although an all protein diet over a long period of time - especially in its raw form from supplements is not as healthy as it seems and may lead to Heart Disease and kidney damage and possibly failure - so that needs to be monitored.

Problems down the line - protein is essential to your body but you can only metabolise about 30g in one go - so it should be spaced out over the day - like 4 or 5 smaller meals - too much extra protein in ONE GO is wasted because what your body cannot use just comes out in your urine - and again, I repeat has to pass through your kidneys and so too much can strain it and do damage.

Answer 4

You are doing the diet incorrectly. A low carb diet is HIGH FAT and moderate protein. Too much protein will convert into sugar and get stored as fat.... Ignore anyone who tells you that carbs need to be your major source of energy for workouts. They're clueless. You need to go as low carb as possible to lose weight but up the fats. They will keep you full and help you burn fat. Google low carb high fat diet to get a better understanding.

Answer 5

If you do not properly hydrate yourself you can have kidney problems. The amount of proteins being filtered by the kidneys put them into overdrive and you need lots of liquids (water) to keep them healthy. Until your body gets adjusted you can experience low energy. Like others said do not completely cut carbs out just limit them.

Answer 6

Whatever you do , don't eliminate the carbs completely, that can cause low blood sugar and weakness and fatigue and all sorts of fun stuff, our bodies do need the carbs.

But if you cut back, you will lose weight and feel good it also helps build good muscle mass.

Answer 7

try to have a little lean protein with each meal as protein tends to be more satisfying than carbs or fats

Answer 8

love the starbucks grande caramel frappuccino skip the whole milk and whipped cream which packs in 410 calories total and order the starbucks grande caramel frappuccino light which is only 140 calories

Answer 9

It can strain your kidneys, have regular tests to make sure that you're not going into acute or chronic kidney failure if you are serious about it.

Answer 10

learn to walk the dog yo yo for 25 minutes