Too much protein?

jannrn · Jun 13, 2007

I believe it can, especially if it goes on chronically. Have you read the China Study? Interesting book. It talks alot about protein and also how not all protein sources are equal, but not specifically regarding kidney function, mostly related to general health and development of chronic 'Western' diseases.

nursesrule67 · Jun 13, 2007

Yes. Protein breaks down into among other things, NH3 or Ammonia, which can, in excess, damage kidneys. Remember the Atkins diet? I have taken care of otherwise healthy people who damaged their kidneys from prolonged Atkins-like diets. It's really interesting to look at the pathophysiology.

trainer2070 · Jun 13, 2007

Yes. Protein breaks down into among other things, NH3 or Ammonia, which can, in excess, damage kidneys. Remember the Atkins diet? I have taken care of otherwise healthy people who damaged their kidneys from prolonged Atkins-like diets. It's really interesting to look at the pathophysiology.

Id like to see you prove their kidneys were specifically damaged from the Atkin's Diet and high protein intake.

Any references to back up your claim that high protein intake definitely damages kidneys? I've looked at hundreds of studies from the late 80's up until 2004 or 05 and most seem to say youre wrong.

I'll give it to you that high protein intake with already impaired kidney function is a no go and that limiting protein intake in those with unhealthy kidneys may or may not help the situation. But to flat out say that yes excess protein consumption with healthy kidneys will damage them is hmm bs?

rn999 · Jun 13, 2007

Can't help but looked into this myself, the previous makes sense to me after reading the content of the following link:

http://www.healingmatters.com/kidney.htm

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jun 13, 2007

Anything in excess is not good for you. I don't believe Atkins will damage the kidneys if they are normal. I've been reading about this new amazing diet called kimkin or something like that. I'd love to try it but it seems to me it would not be a smart thing to do.

http://www.skinnyondiets.com/Kimkins.html?b=8277&GCID=S15771x274&KEYWORD=kimkins&gclid=CJ6hn7v914wCFRkigAodwSLfGQ

jojotoo, RN · Jun 13, 2007

No, normal functioning kidneys should be able to filter very large amounts of protein as long as they are getting enough water to actually assist with filtering.

The Eskimo population of Alaska has an extraordinarily high protein diet and in my experience did not have any higher incidence of kidney disease.

TazziRN, RN · Jun 13, 2007

My dad was diagnosed with renal failure in 1989. His nephro told him to limit his protein intake and, fearing for my kidneys, he asked if I needed to also. Doc said No, normal kidneys can handle excess protein with no problem as long as there is no underlying problem whatsoever.

In 1997 he had a transplant and I was his donor. We now each have one kidney. One of my questions was, "Do I need to change my diet because I'm down to one?"

Answer: "No, because your kidney is healthy." The only thing I have to do different is push water.

trainer2070 · Jun 13, 2007

Exactly, high protein intake on a healthy kidney is irrelevant. It stresses them more and requires a higher intake of water but it doesnt damage them or initiate failure. As far as high protein intake, I averge 350-400 grams a day and have for years.

nursesrule67 · Jun 14, 2007

Id like to see you prove their kidneys were specifically damaged from the Atkin's Diet and high protein intake.
Any references to back up your claim that high protein intake definitely damages kidneys? I've looked at hundreds of studies from the late 80's up until 2004 or 05 and most seem to say youre wrong.
I'll give it to you that high protein intake with already impaired kidney function is a no go and that limiting protein intake in those with unhealthy kidneys may or may not help the situation. But to flat out say that yes excess protein consumption with healthy kidneys will damage them is hmm bs?[/quote
I respect your opinion on this but I too have had extensive experience with people who were otherwise quite healthy who wound up on my transplant floor with no other reason for their kidneys failing other than either extensive protein intake as a result of high protein diets - or from being in prolonged states of ketosis -- high protein, no carbs. I believe if you look you can find studies that will support either of our views. I have many friends on high protein diets who are doing well, and I know others who don't feel well -- so what works for one may harm another -- and when I'm teaching my patients about this, that's what I tell them. But certainly, you would agree if you go high protein, after a while, have a renal function run so you know if you have a pair of kidneys that can handle it. Never hurts to be conservative and careful.

ChristyMNOP · Jun 14, 2007

I don't know the answer, but I think its interesting that high protein for a less than good kidney function is detrimental and will cause further damage. I've heard before from an instructor (source was a book I think) that kidney damage has to be significant before it shows up as oliguria or rising creatinine and BUN. So to me, it seems prudent have just have a normal protein intake-you may or may not actually have a normal kidney function. I'm usually very protective of my kidneys though. I have a great fear of having to go on dialysis/have esrd. If I could just limit my diet coke intake, I'd be able to sleep at night :)

miko014 · Jun 14, 2007

Anything in excess is not good for you. I don't believe Atkins will damage the kidneys if they are normal. I've been reading about this new amazing diet called kimkin or something like that. I'd love to try it but it seems to me it would not be a smart thing to do.
http://www.skinnyondiets.com/Kimkins.html?b=8277&GCID=S15771x274&KEYWORD=kimkins&gclid=CJ6hn7v914wCFRkigAodwSLfGQ

I'm so sick of fad diets! Why do people think that is a good idea?? It seems to me that you should just eat a healthy balance and avoid excess of any one specific thing! Easier said than done, I know. But people do these things and don't even research what they're doing. I work with a nurse (an RN!) who was telling us all about being on atkins while she was eating a salad. She said, "I'm so proud of myself, I haven't eaten any carbs all day!". We were like uhhh...you're eating carbs right now. She had no idea. She basically cut bread and cereal out of her diet and thought she was on atkins. I have another friend who is starting the South Beach diet...or maybe just started it. That one seems all about money - I mean, when you see all those products out there - it's like 7 bucks for a box of "south beach cookies". Give me a break! I'm all for being healthy, but healthy doesn't necessarily equal stick thin! Sorry, this is turning into an anti-fad diet rant...I'll stop now!