Health Concerns of a High Protein

  • Protein is digested by enzymes situated in the upper part of the digestive tract only.  If there is an overload to these enzymes, undigested protein molecules reach the colon causing dysbiosis (A state of altered bacterial flora in the gut).  This putrefactive state can contribute to degenerative diseases later in life furthermore the undigested molecules will escape into the blood stream causing allergies.  Taking probiotics does not resolve this situation unless the protein content is reduced.

  • High protein creates an acidic environment within the body which leaches potassium from the tissue cells hence increasing blood potassium similar to dehydration.  The body tries to neutralise the acid by robbing the calcium reserves (similar to having acid stomach & taking antacids) this depletes the bones and could contribute to osteoporosis.
  • Interference with the way the messages communicate within the brain ie synapses.
  • Blood urea and nitrogen levels increase similar to that seen in starvation (even if you do not think you are starving yourself or feel hungry).  This leads to over production of urea in the liver due to excessive breakdown of protein.
  • Eventually a loss of muscle mass is noticeable and creatinine levels rise, this is a waste product produced by muscles and filtered from the blood by the kidney’s to be excreted in urine, this drop can be an indication of kidney mal function.
  • Plasma protein is deranged and imbalanced.
  • The correct balance of protein within the diet is 15% along with 15% of the correct fatty acids, the remaining 70% should comprise of complex carbohydrates i.e. wholegrain products (whole grain bread, flours and brown rice etc.) over their processed counterparts (white breads, flours and white rice etc.) these provide dietary fibre, minerals and B-vitamins they are the suppliers of major metabolic fuel and enter the blood stream more slowly than refined carbohydrates, keeping the blood sugar levels and appetite better controlled.
  • Diets rich in whole grains have been shown to protect against the development of chronic degenerative diseases, especially cancer, heart disease, diabetes, varicose veins and diseases of the colon including inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids and diverticulitis.

 

Kathleen Thornhill Dip. Nut. Med.
Nutritional Therapist.
ktnutrition@hotmail.co.uk 

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