High Protein Diet

There are 22 amino acids that combine to form different proteins and 8 of these must come from the foods we eat. Our body uses these amino acids to create muscle, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs. Proteins help replace and form new tissue, transport oxygen and nutrients in our blood and cells, regulate the balance of water and acids, and are needed to make antibodies. High Protein diets work on the above mentioned principle. Such diets contain very low amounts of carbohydrates and fat. High Protein diets have often given quick results. Many people have experienced rapid weight loss with such diets. However, high protein diets have been criticized heavily by doctors and dieticians alike. The increase in the amount of protein consumed, especially from meat and dairy products, raises the levels of uric acid and urea in the blood. These are toxic by-products of protein breakdown and metabolism. The body eliminates this uric acid and urea by pumping lots of water into the kidneys and urinary tract to help it flush out.

However, a detrimental side effect of this diuretic response is the loss of essential minerals from the body, including calcium. The high intake of protein leaches calcium from the bones, which leads to osteoporosis. A major reason for the popularity of high protein diets could be that such diets advocate consuming foods such as juicy roasts, salty hams, braised lamb chops, lobsters drawn in butter, pungent cheeses, salty fried eggs, and crispy bacon. The are foods most people consider their birthright to enjoy. Tastes are hard to change. Preach what people want to hear and you have an immediate following because naturally we all like to hear good news about our bad habits. In the absence of sufficient carbohydrates, the body starts burning off fatty acids. Result? The kidneys can become overworked and may suffer serious damage in the process. In addition, certain chemicals called Ketones are released into the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of headache, tiredness, nausea, dehydration, dizziness, constipation and bad breath.