Low-Protein Diets

Some diets are followed to lose weight. Medical conditions also influence diet regimens. People with high blood pressure may follow a low-sodium diet, and diabetics often adhere to low-carb diets to reduce their carbohydrate and sugar intake. Liver or kidney disease or gout compromise protein digestion, causing organs to work harder to metabolize high-protein foods. This can result in unhealthy symptoms, including fatigue, bone loss and kidney stones and even liver or kidney failure. Diets that restrict protein intake reduce strain on the liver and kidneys, promoting healthy organ functioning for those with liver or kidney-related problems.

Sources of Protein

Animal meat is a main source of protein. Beef, chicken, fish, lamb and pork are all high in protein and should only be consumed in small quantities when following a low-protein diet. Other, less obvious foods are also high in protein and should be limited or avoided. These include beans, nuts, oatmeal, milk, cheese, eggs and tofu. Some fruits and vegetables are also high in protein. Avocados, spinach, broccoli, prunes, coconuts, tomatoes and some cabbages are among the fruits and vegetables with the highest protein content and should also be limited.

Recommended Daily Protein Values

The medical community has seen considerable debate about how much protein should be included in a normal diet. Some health experts suggest that even in healthy individuals, too much protein can lead to problems, including kidney malfunction, liver disease, heart attack, stroke and bone loss. Other medical professionals warn that too little protein can result in anemia, circulatory problems, muscle deterioration, impaired vision and other unhealthy conditions. Typically, healthy people should consume between 40 and 60 g of protein a day, whereas those following a low-protein diet should consume 15 to 30 g of protein daily. Discuss your medical and nutritional needs with your doctor to determine your correct amount of protein intake.

Low-Protein Foods

Just as some foods are exceptionally high in protein and should be avoided while on a low-protein diet, other foods are naturally low in protein and should be implemented in a low-protein regimen. These include rice, salad greens, white bread and fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, pineapple, corn and cucumbers.

Protein Substitutes and Alternatives

Learning how to replace high-protein foods with protein substitutes and alternatives will benefit those who are following a low-protein diet. Use non-dairy creamer as a low-protein milk substitute. When eating meat, stick with lean alternatives like turkey and 90 percent lean hamburger or higher. Make meat a side instead of a main dish at dinnertime, and use very thin slices of deli meat for lunch sandwiches. Increase the amount of vegetables, starches and grains to take the place of meat in dishes such as casseroles and stir-fry. Substitute large quantities of mild cheese with small quantities of strong cheese such as cheddar, blue cheese or Limburger to reduce protein without compromising flavor.