For those with co-morbidities or pre-existing kidney conditions, protein intake has to be strictly monitored.
Can protein powders, that we often rely upon to balance our protein intake for the day, shed weight and develop lean muscle mass, impact our kidney health? A high-protein diet may cause our kidneys to work more to filter your blood. Over time, this increased workload is believed to cause kidney damage. Let’s understand the evidence so far.
Latest research has found that for a majority of healthy individuals with normal kidney function, and no underlying health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, increasing protein intake within reasonable limits does not pose a significant risk to kidney health. Our kidneys are anyway processing waste, so adding a daily protein shake is unlikely to cause any adverse effects.
However, that intake must be balanced by adequate hydration. Fluids play a crucial role in supporting kidney function and relieving stress on the organ by facilitating the removal of waste products and toxins from the body.
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But for those with co-morbidities or pre-existing kidney conditions, protein intake has to be strictly monitored. If you are suffering from advanced renal disease, restricting your protein intake could slow down disease progression. Some evidence suggests limiting your protein intake is a good idea, even for those with more moderate kidney disease levels.
HOW MUCH PROTEIN POWDER DO YOU NEED?
A healthy adult consumes at least 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. This amount is enough for normal body functions like cell growth and regeneration. However, if building muscle is your goal, you’ll need around 2 gm of protein per kg of body weight for at least 12 weeks. Then you can bring it down to 1.8 gm per kg of body weight. This would mean quite a bit of dietary protein. That’s why you need supplements and powders. However, make sure that both dietary protein and supplements do not cross the recommended daily allowance. Individuals who take very high doses of protein powder or other dietary supplements may be at higher risk due to the cumulative impact of these substances on kidney function.
HOW TO MONITOR KEY INDICATORS OF KIDNEY FUNCTION?
Creatinine levels, commonly used as a marker for kidney function, stem from a waste product produced by metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels indicate advanced kidney damage. But relying solely on creatinine levels may not provide early warning signs of kidney dysfunction.
You must watch the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, which gauges the amount of protein present in the urine relative to creatinine levels and can function as an early warning sign of potential renal damage. An elevated urine protein-to-creatinine ratio may indicate the presence of proteinuria, a condition characterised by the abnormal excretion of protein in the urine, which can be indicative of underlying kidney disease or dysfunction.
Watch out for blood in your urine, swollen feet or hands, muscle cramping, fatigue, insomnia and headaches.
ALWAYS CONSULT A SPECIALIST
Make informed choices with your healthcare provider. Remember, the two most important risk factors for kidney damage are high blood pressure and diabetes. So address them first and get your parameters in range before contemplating the use of protein powders.
