High Protein Diets
Are there any risks associated with excess protein?
Protein quite simply is the body’s major building material. We need Protein in many different ways for our bodies to function efficiently but across the world we are seeing protein consumed in excess.
What are the benefits of increasing protein intake?
Well firstly as protein is a building material we need this to increase muscle size. The average person needs 1.2-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
This would mean a person weighing 9 stone would need roughly 85 grams of protein per day. This is based on a 1.5 gram per body weight suggestion.
Put into perspective, the equates to:
One can of Tuna is roughly equal to 25 grams of protein. 2 slices of Pizza is equal to around 32 grams of Protein.
What happens if you consume more than what is required?
Our bodies are unable to store extra protein. Unfortunately such extra protein is converted to and stored as fat.
In athletes, consuming excess protein can seriously affect their ability to train and compete at peak performance.
Another important point to keep in mind is the potential harm if protein is consumed in excess.
For example, excess protein may lead to dehydration, ketosis (high levels of blood acids), potassium and calcium depletion, muscle weakness and possible kidney problems.
Do high protein diets work?
If you take into consideration that the weight lost is mostly in the form of Water, then Yes, they do.
But the big question is, when you’ve lost all that ‘fat’, and start eating normally, what happens to your weight?
What is the best way to keep healthy?
Eat sensibly and become more active to promote a true ‘Healthy Lifestyle’.
William Byrne, January 2004
