A low-protein diet involves eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains while consuming fewer animal products.
This eating plan is sometimes recommended for people with certain health conditions, likekidneyorliverdisease.
While a low-protein diet can improve health outcomes for some, it can also cause nutritional deficiencies.
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Thats why you should always talk with a medical professional before severely restricting your protein intake.
This article discusses everything you gotta know about the benefits and risks of a low-protein diet.
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What Is a Low-Protein Diet?
As its name implies, a low-protein diet involves avoidingproteinfood sources.
Protein is an essential macronutrient your body needs to perform many vital functions.
Some research suggests that a low-protein diet may help the general population.
However, there are certain times when a low-protein diet and foods low in protein are indicated.
Is a Low-Protein Diet Right for You?
You should only consider following a low-protein diet if your healthcare provider advises you to do so.
This diet may be right for you if you have certain medical conditions.
Kidney Disease
Kidney diseaseis a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and have trouble filtering blood.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathyis kidney damage sparked by diabetes.
Research suggests a low-protein diet may improve symptoms of diabetic nephropathy.
Liver Disease
Some people withliver diseasecan benefit from eating a low-protein diet.
Restricting protein limits the build-up of toxic waste products and relieves your liver from working too hard.
Homocystinuria
Homocystinuriais another inherited disorder.
With homocystinuria, a persons body has trouble processing an amino acid calledmethionine.
Treatment for this disorder typically involves following a low-protein diet.
Try eating as many healthy foods as possible to ensure you get vital nutrients.
You may need to take certain vitamins or supplements to get enough.
Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
This diet encourages limiting foods like meat and beans while eating more vegetables, fruits, and grains.
However, its not usually a good option for healthy people.
Limiting protein can lead to vitamin deficiencies and other side effects.
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Here’s what happens if you don’t.
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