Low protein diet is recommended or followed by the people who suffering with kidney illness or to treat certain health conditions.
The best way to get rid of kidney diseases which interfere with protein metabolism is by undergoing low protein diet.
This article will help you to know about every brief account of low protein diet and shows you pros and cons of low protein diet.
What Is Low Protein Diet?
A low protein diet makes you to limit the protein content in your diet, typically it constitutes with 4-8% of your daily calories.
Proteins are macronutrients can be found in any part of your body,they are made of small compounds called amino acids which are important for growth and maintaining of body cells.
Good source of protein foods are meat, cheese, nuts leafy vegetables, beans, mushrooms and grains. These are common foods that we consume regularly but if you don’t eat them, then what happens to your body?
Insufficient amount of protein may lead to weakening of immune system and low growth, high amount of protein intake may lead to weight gain and liver problems.
So, how much amount of protein should be taken?
How Much Protein is Needed In A Low Protein Diet?
It is typically considered that your body needs more than 40 grams of protein in a day. Basically it depends on the condition of your kidneys and your body weight.If you have kidney disorder then you need to take more amount of protein in your iet.
Foods To Take in Low protein Diet
In low protein diet, you just need to include all low protein foods such as
Fruits
Apples, bananas, berries, pears, peaches dried fruit, fruit juice, grapes, oranges, lemon and lime.
Sugars
Lollipops, granola bars, cake, candies and marshmallow.
Beverage
All non dairy beverages
Vegetables
Vegetables like beetroot, radish, radish green, spinach, carrot and pumpkin.
Protein is necessary in your diet; even though you are on low protein diet don’t avoid it completely.Make sure to consume high protein foods like animal meat and plant based proteins in moderation.
Foods to Avoid
Some of the foods you need to avoid completely when you are on low protein diet are as follows:
- Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt
- Nuts like walnuts and almonds
- Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds
- Fish and shellfish
- Meat like chicken, turkey and beef
- Eggs
- Beans , peas and even lentils
How to Integrate Low Protein Diet In Your Routine
Initially, undergoing low protein diet would be difficult. But it would be easy if you consider the following tips in your diet.
- Try to use non dairy products
- While making burgers, avoid big slices of meat and shrimps inside it.
- Consume only thin slices of meat
- Instead of eating vegetables, consider it in salads
Health Benefits of Low Protein Diet
When you consume protein rich foods, the protein is typically broken by the liver and releases a waste product called urea, which is excreted by the kidneys.
Decreasing protein intake may ease the workload of the liver and kidneys which is beneficial for the people who are suffering with liver and kidney diseases.
Even high levels of urea in body also results in weight loss and change in mental status.Reducing intake of protein is also necessary for those with genetic disorders that affects protein metabolism such as homocystinuria.
Studies have revealed that, limited protein intake has resulted in increased life expectancy as well as it decreases chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Side Effects Of Low Protein Diet
- The foundation of muscles, bones and other tissues will be reduced by following low protein diet.
- It also increases the risk of infections.
- Leads to tooth decay
- Following low protein diet on continuous basis, affects the cell production in your body as well as immune system.
Precautions To Follow in Low Protein Diet
- Diet has to be designed to reach nutritional needs of dieter and less workload on kidneys.
- Always remember to follow diet under the guidance of medical dietitian, who is familiar with kidney and liver functions.
- Consult your doctor regularly to know the condition of your health and follow his suggestions to lead a healthy life.