Low-protein diet — sources, health benefits at NaturalPedia.com

A low-protein diet is a type of diet in which the consumption of protein is reduced. This diet plan has been designed by physicians and dietitians to restrict the consumption of proteins for people with liver or kidney problems and those who suffer from inherited metabolic disorders. In this type of diet, the intake of animal by-products, such as meat, eggs, fish, poultry, yogurt, milk, cheese, and pulses is lessened.

Benefits of low-protein diet

A low-protein diet can be beneficial to people with chronic kidney disease. Reducing protein consumption can help prevent the waste products of breaking down protein from building up in the blood to toxic levels and may slow down the need for dialysis. Moreover, a person with a damaged liver can also benefit from this diet. The liver aids in protein digestion and the reduced amounts of protein in this diet can help lessen the workload of a poorly functioning liver.

However, low-protein diet can also have side effects. These include lower energy, hair loss, weaker immune system; bloating; difficulty in learning; joint, bone, and muscle pain; changes in blood sugar; fatigue and difficulty in developing muscle; reduced concentration; difficulty with healing wounds; hormonal issues; inflammation; mood swings; increased hunger; malnutrition and a lack of healthy amino acids; difficulty exercising; and reduced strength.

Food items typically found in low-protein diet

The main food items typically found in low-protein diet are fruits and vegetables, breads, cereals, rice, pasta, and dried beans. The body needs calories, so healthy fats such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are also included in this diet. These fats can be found in vegetable oils, such as olive oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil. Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds and cashews are also included in this diet although they are rich in calories.

Body systems supported by low-protein diet

The body systems supported by low-protein diet include the excretory and digestive systems.

Where to learn more

• Diet changes can improve diabetic kidney function (press release)
• Study: Diet low in calories and sugar during chemotherapy treatment reduces cancer tumors by 50 percent
• High-protein diet in middle age doubles risk of early death, quadruples cancer risks
• 12 Signs that you are Protein Deficient
• The Top 3 (Free) Ways to Prevent Disease and Fight Aging

Summary

A low-protein diet is a type of diet that was designed by physicians and dietitians to restrict the consumption of proteins for people with liver or kidney problems and those who suffer from inherited metabolic disorders.

Low-protein diet can help prevent the buildup of waste products of protein in the blood to toxic levels and may slow down the need for dialysis in people with kidney problems.

Low-protein diet can help lessen the workload of a damaged liver.

Sources include:

EveryDiet.org

StyleCraze.com

HealthyEating.SFGate.com

DietsInReview.com