A diet rich in protein alters kidney function: true or false? Our expert in endocrinology answers us.
Excessive protein consumption would overload the kidneys and would exhaust them, risking chronic kidney disease in the long term. Is it true ? For everyone ?
The role of proteins for the body
Along with carbohydrates and lipids, proteins represent one of the three large families of macronutrients. They are essential for the production, maintenance and renewal of the body’s cells, and particularly muscles. Proteins can be of origin animal or plant. The foods richest in protein are meat, fish, eggs, certain cheeses (Emmental, Parmesan, etc.), legumes, spirulina… Proteins are particularly important for children, adolescents, athletes, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people over 65 and those who wish to lose weight in order to limit muscle wasting. Enriching your diet with protein has many benefits: increase or maintain muscle mass, promote the feeling of satiety and thus reduce the risk of obesity. “In France, ANSES recommends that adults consume between 0.83 and 2.2 g/kg/d of protein (i.e. 10 to 27% of total energy intake). However, as these recommendations have been established for sedentary people, they should be adapted according to age, sex, weight and physical activity. immediately asks Dr Olivier Dupuy, Head of the endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition department at Paris Saint-Joseph hospital.
Kidneys and proteins, what’s the problem?
The kidneys’ mission is to eliminate waste produced by the body and transported by the blood. They also regulate the amount of water and minerals (sodium, potassium) contained therein, while maintaining the acid-base balance in the blood. The kidneys constantly adapt to fluctuations in our diet. So what’s the problem with protein? “Once in the kidneys, proteins are transformed into ureaa waste product that accumulates in the blood and “damages” the kidneys when it is in excess. This phenomenon can be harmful in cases of chronic renal failure., indicates the endocrinologist. However, simply eating protein is not enough to cause chronic kidney failure. Indeed, the development of this can only occur in the presence of other associated factors such as high blood pressure, excess weight or even diabetes. “In other words, a subject who does not suffer from kidney problems can consume proteins, preferably “lean” so as not to increase the consumption of animal fats and subject to abundant hydration“, adds our interlocutor.
Do you already have fragile kidneys?
Conversely, it is true thata person with kidney problems should limit their protein intake to reduce urea production. It is also recommended to reduce your salt intake an excess of which can considerably impair kidney function. “This is why all protein enrichments are bad. However, it is important to keep in mind thatthere is no bad foodonly a notion of quantities, expenses and age, nuances the specialist. Animal proteins are very important for a growing individual between 18 months and 20 years, they are much less important when you are an adult in the second half of life. And it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids to help with protein elimination.”