Dangers Of Diets - What Are The Risks Of High Protein Diets?

Dangers Of Diets - What Are The Risks Of High Protein Diets?

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A number of diets promote a high intake of protein as a way of losing weight fast. The body has to work harder to break down the protein, which means it uses more calories in the process. While high protein diets based on this process can work, they can also carry some risks. This is particularly so if a diet also recommends a low intake of carbohydrates, which is often the case. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of glucose and if it does not get enough it will eventually break down the muscle tissue, which causes muscle wastage.

Here are other dangers of diets based on high protein, low carbohydrate intake:

* If the protein is mainly animal product, there is an increased danger of heart disease caused by saturated fats and raised cholesterol levels.

* Lack of fiber in the diet can cause constipation, poor bowel function and increase the risk of colon cancer

* The liver and kidneys come under pressure, as they have to work harder to detoxify and eliminate larger amounts of protein.

Some of the dangers of diets promoting a high protein intake are in dispute. Some health authorities warn there is increased risk of osteoporosis as protein takes calcium from the body. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that actually says the reverse is true - high protein intake can protect you from osteoporosis. So, we can conclude that this may or may not be a risk.

The National Academy of Sciences says the only known danger from high protein diets is for people with kidney disease. It also says we can get 10-35% of our calories from protein without danger. The average person gets about 15% of their calories from this source.

Many of the negative effects can be balanced by including carbohydrates and protein from fruit and vegetables. Some plants absorb cholesterol, which can counter the build up from consumption of saturated fats in meat. If meat is your preferred source of protein, it is wise to choose lean meat. There is plenty of lean beef, lamb, chicken and buffalo available.

From the evidence available it appears there is not a lot of danger in eating a lot of protein as long as you include the right carbohydrates. The best carbohydrates come from fruit and vegetables. In other words, the body works best on a balanced diet of carbohydrates and protein. This would offset any possible negative effects of a very high protein diet. In addition to that, you could take a multi vitamin and mineral supplement to fill any gaps in the supply of nutrients to your body.

About the Author:
You can make sure you are eating the right foods and getting the right balance of protein and carbohydrates in your diet by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/how-can-i-lose-weight-now William Burnell has studied and followed a healthy lifestyle for many years and knows how rewarding it can be.



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