Is a high amount of protein bad for you? Protein has been reported to have some adverse affects, including kidney strain, osteoporosis, and calcium loss. The following will discuss the veracity of these rumors. So what is the truth? Are high protein diets unhealthy? Check out what the research says.

Protein and Kidney Strain

Your kidneys handle the chemicals resulting from protein breakdown. Due to this, it has been hypothesized that extra protein breakdown might result in strain and consequently harm the kidney. Scientific studies, however, do not support these suggestions. In fact new studies directly oppose this speculation. That’s a relief for bodybuilders.

Despite the fact that studies have been published claiming that people with unhealthy kidneys should avoid an excessive protein intake because of unwarranted tension on the kidneys, individuals with no history of kidney problems should not be concerned over high protein diets. Studies have shown that when bodybuilders consumed up to 1.3 grams of protein per pound of body weight kidney function was not affected. In reality, in research performed on female rats, kidney function actually was enhanced with high protein consumption.

Protein, Osteoporosis, and Calcium Loss

Past studies have indicated that high protein intake was correlated with a higher amount of calcium loss in the urine. Were this true, it could potentially cause osteoporosis. Recently, however, such matters have been set aside. Recent research has demonstrated that instead, extra protein generally brings about more bone mineral content. that higher protein intakes usually lead to a higher bone mineral content. As exercise increases bone mass, a diet high in protein along with fitness training directs to a net increase in bone mass in spite of any would-be losses in calcium.

Research has suggested that when protein intake was increased to up to 225 grams per day, excess calcium was lost from the urine at a quicker rate than average. But calcium consumption as well as phosphorus consumption was limited and not permitted to rise in proportion to the protein consumption. Because whole-food proteins have both calcium and phosphorous and even protein supplements are supplemented with calcium and phosphorous, it is reasonable that boosts in protein consumption are usually attended by boosted dietary calcium and phosphorous. In this case, the research has proven that when consuming extra protein, there is in reality a positive calcium balance and there are no unfavorable results in the content of bone calcium.

Essentially, the studies weren’t performed in realistic environments and there is no reason to believe that high protein diets will result in calcium loss.