Protein and kidneys

[thomasb]

im currently trying to gain some mass(muscle). hence, i need a bit more protein. now about diabetes and the extra stress on the kidneys, is this only if you already have problems with your kidneys, or should i really not eat more protein? my kidneys are fine btw...

[BlueSky]

Healthy kidneys are able to handle as much protein as you want to eat. But you don't want to go overboard with it. As you are very active, your body probably needs about 1.2 grams of protein a day per Kg of body weight. I know body builders often push the limits and eat 2+ grams of protein a day per Kg. But apparently much of the excess protein is just used for energy or stored as fat. Those are very expensive calories. It makes far more sense to get your energy from dietary fat.

For building muscle, the best time to consume protein is after workouts. The muscles are the most receptive to these nutrients and it is a good time for a whey protein shake. For lots of insights into this that are suitable for diabetics, visit Untitled Document (http://www.lowcarbmuscle.com)

[REDLAN]

as far as I know, the notion that protein damages the kidneys is something of a myth.

there is some evidence that high protein diets may damage kidneys - e.g. cats tend to suffer kidney problems and eat a very high protein diet.

however....

for humans the typical range of consumption for protein is between 12% and 25% of total calories. There is no evidence that eating protein within these ranges has any effect on kidneys. It is unusual for humans to eat significantly more protein than 25% of total calories (below 12% or so, then there tends to be insufficient protein to supply the body's basic repair needs)

[Jan B]

I've read a lot on this, and opinions vary. The general concensus is if you don't have kidney disease, protein won't hurt you in any amount. If you have slight kidney disease, lower protein diets are/ have been considered safer to delay the disease process.

[BriOnH]

as far as I know, the notion that protein damages the kidneys is something of a myth.



That's true if you have a good A1c and excellent control. When sugar spills out of the kidneys (this usually occurs at 180 mg/dl) this causes your kidneys to spill a molecule (sugar) that is bigger then what the kidneys are used to. When sugar starts to spill a lot, it creates wider gaps in the heads of the 'hoses' (nephrons) allowing bigger molecules like essential protiens out.

My humble advice is if you aren't spilling and Microalbumin and you are in good control the extra protein should be fine.

[Harold]

That's true if you have a good A1c and excellent control. When sugar spills out of the kidneys (this usually occurs at 180 mg/dl) this causes your kidneys to spill a molecule (sugar) that is bigger then what the kidneys are used to. When sugar starts to spill a lot, it creates wider gaps in the heads of the 'hoses' (nephrons) allowing bigger molecules like essential protiens out.

My humble advice is if you aren't spilling and Microalbumin and you are in good control the extra protein should be fine.
Just to add to this. High Blood Pressure by itself is also a kidney killer. Add that to high bgs and you can be in trouble quickly. Blue Sky is right. The best time to consume proteins is post workouts. Not only are your muscles better able to use the available proteins you also avoid the deadly duo of high bgs and blood pressure.