What is a low protein diet?
A low protein diet is a form of nutrition that reduces daily protein intake. This type of diet is often recommended in certain health conditions, such as kidney failure. In these cases, protein intake is reduced because the nitrogen products of the proteins processed by the body are harmful by accumulating in the body. In addition, a low protein diet may be recommended for the treatment of certain diseases.
When following a low-protein diet, the consumption of carbohydrates and fats is increased instead of proteins. However, excessive fat consumption should not be done and healthy fat sources should be tried to be used. It may also be advisable to take a B vitamin supplement, as a low protein diet may reduce B vitamin intake.
Always consult your doctor or dietitian before following a low-protein diet. In this way, you can learn the amount that will meet your daily protein needs and which protein sources you should prefer.
How to diet on a low protein diet?
A low-protein diet may suggest reducing daily protein intake and consuming more of foods composed of carbohydrates and fats. The reason for this is that in some health conditions (such as kidney failure), nitrogen products excreted during the processing of proteins by the body are harmful by accumulating in the body. In addition, a low protein diet may be recommended for the treatment of certain diseases.
Here are some points to consider when making a low-protein diet:
- Try to meet your daily protein needs: The body should get the amount of protein it needs, but you should avoid excessive protein intake.
- While reducing the amount of daily protein, choose foods containing protein: For example, you can choose legumes, eggs, dairy products or low-fat meat varieties.
- Increase carbohydrate and fat consumption: On a low-protein diet, it may be necessary to increase carbohydrate and fat consumption. This is done to provide energy instead of proteins. However, don’t overdo it and try to take advantage of healthy fat sources (eg olive oil, avocado).
- Take a B-vitamin supplement: On a low-protein diet, B-vitamin intake may decrease. Therefore, it may be recommended to take vitamin B supplements.
- Consult doctors and dietitians: Always consult your doctor or dietitian before following a low-protein diet. In this way, you can learn the amount that will meet your daily protein needs and which protein sources you should prefer.
