Does protein damage the kidneys?

As we all know, protein is one of the essential nutrients our body needs, and it is very important for those who want to lose weight and keep fit. Because protein molecules are dense and difficult to consume, they increase people's sense of fullness. For friends who like to exercise, protein is an important substance for muscle building. However, many people have heard that protein can damage the kidneys. Is this true?

Protein is harmful to kidneys

As early as 1931, scientists discovered that dietary protein affects the excretion function of puppies' kidneys. Similarly, studies in humans have shown that more protein means the kidneys have to expend more energy to excrete metabolic waste.

A high-protein diet increases the kidneys' glomerular filtration rate, an estimate of how much work the kidneys are doing.

A large study found that for people with poor kidney function, the more protein they ate, the faster their kidney function deteriorated.

Let me explain with an example: if your kidney's original combat power is only 60, but it is under a pressure of 80, it may start to be unable to cope.

Therefore, the idea that protein damages the kidneys began to spread widely.

But, are your kidneys not in good condition too?

The statement that "protein damages the kidneys" has a big premise: it only applies to people who already have poor kidneys, but the vast majority of people do not have kidney diseases.

In fact, past studies have never found that a high-protein diet can damage "originally healthy" kidneys.

Scholars once conducted a health survey on a group of bodybuilders and found that although the protein in their diet was more than twice the recommended intake, their kidneys were not harmed.

Although protein intake does increase the workload of the kidneys, such overtime work is acceptable for healthy kidneys.

Summary: There is currently no scientific evidence showing that a high-protein diet will have adverse effects on the kidneys of healthy people. In other words, for most people, a high-protein diet should not harm the kidneys.