High Protein Diet Safe for the Kidneys? Here's the Explanation

Illustration of a high-protein diet. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - A high-protein diet is often a mainstay strategy for those who want to build muscle mass, speed up recovery after exercise, or keep their weight stable.

This eating pattern usually increases the daily protein intake to support metabolism and a longer feeling of fullness. However, behind its popularity, questions arise about its impact on kidney health.

According to a report by Medical Daily on Saturday (28/2), researchers generally define a high-protein diet as consuming more than 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. In some people who have certain fitness goals, this figure can even increase to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

The impact of this diet on the kidneys depends very much on the total amount of protein consumed, the quality of the protein source, and the condition of the individual's kidney function. In healthy people, increased protein intake can trigger a temporary increase in the rate of kidney filtration. However, this condition does not necessarily indicate damage.

For healthy adults who undergo muscle building or weight loss programs, protein intake of around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is generally still considered safe.

Conversely, in individuals with chronic kidney disease, excess protein consumption can be an additional burden. Kidneys that have already decreased their filtering function must work harder to process the remaining protein metabolism, so it has the potential to worsen the condition.

Experts recommend that a high-protein diet be carried out in a balanced manner. Protein should be divided into several meals, not consumed in one large portion at once, to reduce the workload on the kidneys.

In addition, the variety of protein sources is also important. Combining plant proteins such as nuts, lentils, tofu, and grains with low-fat animal proteins is considered better than relying on only one type of source. Consumption of processed meat associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic should also be limited.

Outside of protein intake arrangements, monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and weight also plays an important role in maintaining kidney health. These factors are known to be the main triggers of kidney damage in the long term.

For individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease, periodic kidney function tests are recommended to detect disorders early before they develop into more serious conditions.