It is known that obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and heart diseases are closely related to kidney health. In addition to these, Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı reminded that mistakes made in nutrition or lifestyle also affect kidney health and drew attention to high protein diets, which are frequently preferred for body shaping, muscle mass increase or weight loss.

International statistics show that around 850 million people worldwide have kidney disease. It is seen one of the diseases that decrease the quality of life and shorten its duration is chronic kidney failure. Unfortunately, it is still the cause of approximately 2.5 million deaths per year. However, considering that kidney problems accompany many chronic diseases, the importance of raising awareness about protecting our kidneys becomes clearer. Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı, in her statement on the occasion of "World Kidney Day", made important explanations about high protein diets, especially for those who want to lose weight quickly or build muscle.

Stating that lack of physical activity is still a significant problem, Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı says, “On the other hand, especially in big cities, when it comes to exercise, young people tend to exercise in indoor gyms. While doing these exercises, we observe that the kidneys are adversely affected in those who prefer very high protein diets and intense protein powders in order to increase muscle mass more and faster.”

The Protein Requirement of the Body Varies From Person To Person

Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı said that it is not right for people with kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, and kidney stones to apply high protein diets in terms of preserving their kidney functions, and gave the following information:

“The protein requirement of the body varies according to age, gender, activity status, pregnancy, or existing diseases, if any. In addition, different nutritional elements should be at the forefront according to the types of exercises. Even if the same exercises are done, it is not right for everyone to eat foods containing the same type of protein or use one type of protein supplement. Before switching to this type of diet, it should be checked whether the person has underlying kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones, and gout that facilitate the development of kidney disease.”

Excess Protein Impairs the Kidneys, and It Doesn't Increase Muscle Mass

Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı, Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist said that protein intake of 2 grams or more per 1 kilogram per day affects kidney functions negatively and does not provide additional benefits in increasing muscle mass, and made the following statement: “Except for those who do heavy resistance exercises as professional athletes, the energy needs required for moderate exercise 3-5 days a week are met by consuming 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per 1 kilogram. Consuming more protein can lead to dysfunction as a result of excessive filtering of the kidneys and subsequent protein leakage.”

No More, No Less…

A person whose daily protein requirement is 60-120 grams can meet his/her protein needs with normal nutrition. Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı stated that taking an average of 90 grams of protein with protein supplements additionally causes damage to the kidneys in the long term, if not in the early period, and continued her words as follows: “Before using such diets and protein supplements, it should be learned by consulting a physician whether there are some underlying diseases. Just enough protein should be taken according to the exercises. No more, no less... It should be kept in mind that insufficient protein intake of those doing exercise can have negative effects on both the immune and musculoskeletal systems of the body.”