Risks Related With High Protein Diet
While high protein and low starch diets may help with weight loss, they may also be harmful. Some of the side effects include:-
- Risk of Ketosis – Ketosis is a dangerous condition typically seen in severe and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as well as prolonged starvation. Glucose is usually our body’s energy source; when this source runs low for extended periods, unsaturated fats begin breaking down to produce glucose which then leads to an increase in ketones produced within our bodies and altering its acid/base balance, leading to acidosis, low phosphate levels, osteoporosis, kidney stones… It can even lead to severe ketosis with severe cases taking over entire organs! Ketosis should never be underestimated; lack of sugars can increase its risks exponentially!
- Risk of Coronary Illness – High protein diets typically consist of animal meats and proteins, which tend to be rich sources of dietary cholesterol and saturated fats that increase risk for coronary illness. Consuming more animal meats also increases dietary cholesterol intake which further heightens this risk factor.
- Risk of Kidney Damage – Protein is regularly excreted by the kidney. Excess animal protein intake over an extended period can put undue strain on their kidneys and damage their functionality; on the other hand, plant protein has no detrimental impact on them.
- Risks associated with Diabetes – Diabetes itself increases the risks of ketosis, coronary illness and kidney damage; high protein diets can exacerbate these concerns further.
- Harvard University studies have demonstrated that frequent meat consumption raises colon cancer risks by more than 300%.
- Risk of Osteoporosis – Consumption of too much protein leads to increased calcium loss through urine, leaving bones delicate and susceptible to cracks – an increased risk for osteoporosis.
- Risk of liver harm
- Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies – According to the American Heart Association, high protein diets which restrict caloric intake should not be recommended due to their limited food sources providing essential supplements and insufficient variety in order to address nutritional needs adequately. Consequently, those following such weight reduction plans are at an increased risk for reduced mineral and vitamin intake as well as cardiovascular, renal, bone, and liver irregularities generally speaking.