A high protein diet is a diet that contains large amounts of protein and reduced quantities of carbohydrates and fats. It involves fulfilling 20% or more of the total daily calorie requirement of an individual from protein.
Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet responsible for the maintenance of many bodily functions. It helps to build and repair muscle, organs, enzymes, hormones, as well as bones. In addition, diets high in protein help with reducing fat, losing weight, decreasing hunger, boosting metabolic rate, increasing a feeling of fullness, and retaining muscle.
However, there may also be a couple of disadvantages of such a diet. Some of these will be explored in this article. But if you are aiming at losing weight, make sure that you consult a good Nutritionist in Lahore or one in your region, so that you can choose the best possible diet plan for yourself.
Some disadvantages of such a diet include the following:
- Constipation
Since the diet primarily focuses on proteins, there is a lack of intake of fiber. Moreover, carbohydrates rich in fiber are also cut down from the diet. This leads of constipation.
- Diarrhea
Too much protein in the diet can also cause diarrhea as people often consume dairy products and processed foods to fulfill the desired amounts of protein.
- Bad breath
Consuming large amounts of protein may also lead to bad breath.
- Dehydration
High protein diets can also lead to loss of water from the body and put extra pressure on the kidneys for the excretion of excess protein, leading to dehydration.
- Higher risk of cancer
Red meat, rich in protein, is believed to be associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancers.
- Kidney damage
A diet with large amounts of protein can be damaging for people with preexisting kidney diseases. This is because damaged kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the extra nitrogen found in the amino acids that make up proteins.
- Calcium loss
A high protein diet is said to be associated with calcium loss. Calcium loss can then lead to many bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
- Weight gain
Excess protein from the diet is stored inside the body as fat. This can result in the person actually gaining weight instead of losing it, in the long run!
- Menstrual changes
Since most high protein diets involve very little quantities of carbohydrates and other essential nutrients, they can cause an irregular menstrual cycle.
While many high protein diets such as Keto are becoming increasingly popular among people for weight loss, they may not be suitable for everyone, at all times. There may be risks and downsides of the consumption of too much protein. Therefore, before starting any sort of diet, it is imperative that you seek professional guidance. For an expert opinion, make sure to pay a visit to a competent Nutritionist in Karachi or one in the area of your residence.
