Dangerous High-Protein Diets

Diets like Atkins, the Zone, Sugar Busters, Slim Forever, and the Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet are just some of many that emphasize a high consumption of proteins. These diets have all enjoyed a time of brief popularity, and some people still swear by their harmlessness. Nonetheless, these diets have undergone intense medical scrutiny and many medical issues have been directly attributed to the following of high-protein diets.

Constipation

The allure of high-protein diets as a quick way to lose weight is a powerful one. However, many of these diets not only increase the amount of protein to be consumed, but they also limit the amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as in whole grains. All of these items are valuable sources of fiber that help prevent constipation. Constipation can be uncomfortable and prevents the body from running at peak efficiency.

Kidney Problems

Undiagnosed or untreated kidney problems can be exacerbated by a diet rich in proteins. The body rids itself of 1.75mg of calcium for each gram of protein we increase in our diets. This calcium is deposited into the kidneys, where it can build up into kidney stones. In addition, a high-protein diet increases the load on the kidneys; this can can result in additional pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can cause permanent damage if there's a pre-existing renal condition.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Most high-protein diets encourage the additional consumption of fatty foods, which are also high in cholesterol. Not only does the consumption of fatty and high-cholesterol foods add to your risk of obesity, it also is the leading factor of preventable heart disease and stroke. The body is unable to rid itself of the excess cholesterol, which builds up on artery walls as plaque, which then constricts blood flow and can result in heart disease or stroke.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a little-discussed side effect of high-protein diets, but it is a serious one. Consuming proteins results in the production of acid in the human body. Too much acid in the body is called acidosis, which is a leading cause of the weakening of bones. When too much calcium is leached from the bones, osteoporosis is the result. Combine this with the lack of dietary calcium found in many vegetables, and the high-protein diet can be a recipe for disaster.

Gout

Gout has been referred to as the "Rich Man's Disease," mostly because only the wealthy could afford diets rich in protein. Today, the popularity of high-protein diets has seen to the resurgence of this ancient ailment. Diets rich in protein increase the amount of uric acid found in the blood, and it is uric acid that causes painful gout. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, resulting in painful inflammation and limited movement.