Kidney Scientist Reveals How High Protein Affects the Human Body (kidneys & other organs)

Summary

Dr. Jacob Taus, a kidney scientist, discusses the relationship between protein intake and kidney health, focusing on individuals with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). He explains how excessive protein can cause acidification and potential kidney stress, but clarifies that normal protein consumption (20-25%) does not worsen kidney function. He explores the phenomenon of hyperfiltration caused by large protein intakes and dispels myths about protein's negative impact, particularly on kidney disease. Dr. Taus highlights the importance of muscle mass and metabolic health in supporting kidney function, emphasizing that glucose and insulin resistance are more significant concerns than protein intake itself.

Takeaways

• 😀 Individuals with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those in stage 3b or 4, should limit protein intake due to issues with filtration and protein spilling into urine.
• 😀 Protein consumption is often demonized in relation to kidney health, but the root cause of kidney damage is often more complex, such as hyperfiltration, not just protein intake.
• 😀 High protein intake causes a transient increase in filtration rate (hyperfiltration) in healthy individuals, but this effect is temporary and doesn't lead to long-term kidney damage.
• 😀 Excessive protein intake can cause the kidney to become over-acidified due to ammonia production, which may negatively impact kidney function.
• 😀 There is no direct correlation between the protein you eat and the albumin that shows up in urine in CKD patients—it's more of an issue with kidney filtration dysfunction.
• 😀 Studies from the 70s suggested protein intake could harm kidneys, but more recent research has shown that moderate protein intake doesn't accelerate kidney function loss in healthy individuals.
• 😀 While animal protein may have a more pronounced effect on kidney filtration due to its amino acid composition, moderate protein intake from any source does not appear to damage kidney function.
• 😀 High protein intake may lead to hyperfiltration, but this effect is short-lived and doesn't stress the kidney unless it occurs repeatedly over time.
• 😀 There is no evidence that consuming protein in excess leads to the formation of excess glucose or fat. Protein intake is unlikely to cause significant metabolic issues in most individuals.
• 😀 Metabolic health, including maintaining muscle mass, plays a key role in kidney health by managing glucose levels and preventing the harmful effects of excess glucose and insulin resistance.
• 😀 Glycation of proteins due to excess glucose is a more significant issue for kidney health than protein consumption itself. Glycation can damage kidney function over time.

Q & A

Who should limit their protein consumption according to Dr. Jacob Taus?

Dr. Jacob Taus suggests that individuals with late-stage chronic kidney disease, particularly those in stage 3b and stage 4, should limit protein consumption. This is because their kidneys are not able to properly filter protein, leading to protein in the urine and further complications in kidney function.

What is the relationship between protein intake and kidney health?

Excess protein can lead to the production of ammonia, which causes acidification in the kidneys. Acidified kidneys may lead to issues with kidney function. Additionally, in late-stage kidney disease, protein shows up in the urine, which indicates the kidneys are not filtering properly.

Why has protein been demonized in relation to kidney health?

Protein has been demonized due to early studies and misconceptions linking high protein intake to kidney damage. One major reason is the association between proteinuria (protein in urine) and kidney disease. However, newer research indicates that normal protein consumption does not necessarily harm kidney function.

What is hyperfiltration, and how is it related to protein intake?

Hyperfiltration refers to the increased filtration rate that occurs when consuming a large amount of protein. It is a transient effect, causing the kidneys to work harder temporarily. While transient hyperfiltration from eating protein is normal, chronic hyperfiltration, as seen in conditions like high blood pressure, can contribute to kidney damage.

What is the significance of the study from the 1970s regarding protein intake and kidney health?

A study from the 1970s suggested that high protein intake might be harmful to kidneys, but it was not conducted rigorously. Over time, this finding became a widely accepted but largely unproven belief. Recent research has debunked this claim, showing that normal protein intake does not accelerate kidney disease progression.

How much protein can lead to hyperfiltration, and is this harmful?

Consuming around 30-40 grams of protein (e.g., a chicken breast) can lead to a temporary increase in filtration rate or hyperfiltration. However, this is a normal, brief response and does not pose a significant risk to kidney function in healthy individuals.

How does protein from animal sources compare to plant-based protein in affecting kidney function?

Animal protein, particularly from sources like meat, has been found to cause a greater transient hyperfiltration response than plant-based proteins like soy or whey. However, this effect does not seem to cause long-term harm to kidney function in healthy individuals.

What does the research say about protein intake and polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?

Studies on polycystic kidney disease (PKD) have shown that moderate protein intake does not accelerate the disease's progression. Both individuals who restricted protein and those who consumed normal amounts showed similar disease progression.

What role does muscle mass play in kidney health and metabolic function?

Maintaining muscle mass, especially with age, helps regulate metabolic health by serving as a glucose sink. Adequate muscle mass prevents glucose buildup in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and complications in kidney function.

What is glycation, and how does it relate to kidney damage?

Glycation occurs when excess glucose attaches to proteins in the body, changing their function. This process contributes to kidney damage, especially when high glucose levels cause glycation of proteins in the kidneys. It is more closely related to high blood glucose levels than to protein intake.