Despite the growing popularity of high-protein diets, not all research on their long-term effects has been published. While high-protein diets are associated with a higher risk of colon cancer and heart disease, the same is not true for plant-based proteins. However, a high-protein diet should not be completely avoided. The main risks of high-protein diets are kidney stones, heart disease, and colon cancer.
Protein intake can have unwanted side effects, including excessive weight gain, digestive distress, headaches, and dehydration. Additionally, high-protein diets can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as kidney stones and liver disease. Excess protein can also overload your kidneys, which are an essential organ in ensuring your health. As a result, it’s important to spread protein intake evenly throughout the day.
The best high-protein diets include lean protein sources as well as nutrient-packed vegetables and whole grains. Although there’s no definitive shopping list, you can stock up on berries, meats, and seafood in bulk. You can also opt for snacks that have a high protein content and replace low-protein ones with higher-protein choices. You can also substitute lower-protein snacks with high-protein snacks.
Studies show that Americans consume more than they used to. According to the Pew Research Center, the average American now consumes 2,481 calories a day, a 23 percent increase from 1970. While it’s true that Americans are eating more than the recommended daily intake of 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men, many of us are still far exceeding our daily calorie allowance. In addition, we’re not getting enough of the essential amino acids like B12, which are essential for a healthy body.
The high-protein diet is popular with celebrities and athletes. Typically, it contains 20% of calories in protein, and less than 40% of the rest of the diet is made up of fat and carbohydrates. The amount of protein that you consume will depend on your age, gender, size, activity level, and body weight. You should aim for a balance of these macronutrients to avoid developing a variety of health problems.
The recommended daily allowance of protein for a healthy adult is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. However, more protein is needed if you’re active. In general, women need more than men do. For example, a woman who’s pregnant needs about 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. A study conducted in 2016 concluded that older adults need to increase their protein intake.
Protein is important for life and is found in all human cells. The human body uses protein to perform vital biochemical functions such as growth, development, and tissue repair. It’s one of the three macronutrients in our diet. While eating high-protein foods is beneficial, you shouldn’t go overboard. The main danger of eating too much protein is that it can cause kidney damage. Consult a physician before starting a high-protein diet.