Can Protein Harm Your Kidneys and Liver? – Dr.Berg on Protein Side Effects

Summary

Dr. Berg discusses the potential harm of excessive protein consumption on the kidneys and liver. He emphasizes that overly cooked protein and high intake, especially without sufficient vegetables, can strain these organs, leading to health issues like ammonia buildup and fatty liver. He recommends a moderate protein intake of 3-6 ounces per meal, depending on individual factors, and highlights the importance of stomach acidity for proper digestion. Apple cider vinegar is suggested to improve digestive acid levels, preventing indigestion and bloating.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Overconsumption of cooked protein can harm the kidneys and liver.
• 🔥 Raw or less cooked protein is easier on the liver and kidneys compared to overly cooked protein.
• 🍣 Consuming large amounts of protein, like 9-12 ounces in one meal, can strain the liver and kidneys.
• 🍚 Combining high protein intake with carbs can lead to ammonia buildup, affecting brain function and energy levels.
• 💊 Excessive protein intake can cause liver conditions like cirrhosis and fatty liver.
• 🚰 Damaged liver and kidneys can't filter waste effectively, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.
• 🥦 Including vegetables in a high-protein diet provides a protective effect on the liver and kidneys.
• 🥗 Dr. Berg recommends consuming large quantities of vegetables, like a big bowl of salad, with meals.
• 🍽️ The recommended protein intake per meal is three to six ounces, depending on body size, activity level, and age.
• 🍋 Insufficient stomach acid can hinder protein digestion, causing issues like gas, bloating, and undigested protein.
• 🍎 Adding apple cider vinegar to meals can help improve stomach acidity and aid in protein digestion.

Q & A

Can protein consumption harm the kidneys and liver?

Yes, protein can harm the kidneys and liver if consumed in excessive amounts, particularly if it is overly cooked.

What does 'overcooked protein' refer to in the context of the video?

Overcooked protein refers to protein that has been cooked to an extent that it becomes harder for the liver and kidneys to process, as opposed to more raw or lightly cooked protein like sushi or rare meat.

At what protein consumption level does Dr. Berg suggest there might be strain on the liver and kidneys?

Dr. Berg suggests that consuming 9 to 12 ounces of protein in one sitting can strain the liver and kidneys, potentially causing damage over time.

What is the recommended amount of protein per meal according to Dr. Berg?

Dr. Berg recommends consuming three to six ounces of protein per meal, adjusting based on individual size, activity level, and age.

How can consuming too much protein along with carbohydrates affect the body?

Consuming too much protein along with carbohydrates can lead to an accumulation of ammonia, which can affect brain clarity, energy levels, and may even cause liver conditions such as cirrhosis and fatty liver.

What happens when the liver and kidneys are damaged to the point they can't filter properly?

When the liver and kidneys are damaged, they can't filter toxins effectively, leading to a buildup of toxic waste in the body and potentially causing various health conditions.

Why does Dr. Berg emphasize the importance of including vegetables in a high-protein diet?

Vegetables provide a protective effect on the liver and kidneys, reducing the stress caused by a high-protein diet and helping to maintain their function.

What is the role of stomach acid in protein digestion according to the video?

Adequate stomach acid is crucial for the digestion of protein, as it helps release enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver and gallbladder, ensuring full digestion and preventing issues like gas, bloating, and undigested protein.

How can one tell if they do not have enough stomach acid for protein digestion?

Symptoms like indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and GERD can indicate insufficient stomach acid, which may hinder proper protein digestion.

What is Dr. Berg's suggestion for improving stomach acid levels to aid in protein digestion?

Dr. Berg suggests consuming apple cider vinegar, one to two tablespoons mixed in water with each meal, to help improve stomach acid levels and facilitate protein digestion.

Outlines

00:00

🥩 Protein Intake and Organ Health

Dr. Berg discusses the potential harm of excessive protein consumption, particularly when it comes to cooked protein. He explains that too much protein can strain the liver and kidneys, especially if it's overly cooked. He advises against consuming large amounts of protein in one sitting and suggests a range of three to six ounces per meal, adjusting for individual size, activity level, and age. Dr. Berg also emphasizes the importance of including vegetables in the diet to provide a protective effect on the liver and kidneys.

Keywords

💡Protein

Protein is a macronutrient essential for the body's growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. In the video, it is discussed as a potential source of harm if consumed in excessive amounts, particularly in cooked form. The script emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in protein intake to prevent strain on the kidneys and liver.

💡Kidneys

Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste products from the blood and maintain electrolyte balance. The video script highlights that overconsumption of protein, especially cooked protein, can damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and leading to the buildup of toxic substances in the body.

💡Liver

The liver is an organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of chemicals necessary for digestion. The script warns that excessive protein intake can strain the liver, potentially leading to conditions like cirrhosis and fatty liver, which are characterized by scarring and fat accumulation, respectively.

💡Overcooked Protein

Overcooked protein refers to protein that has been cooked to an extent that it may be harder for the body to process. The video suggests that overly cooked protein can be more taxing on the liver and kidneys compared to more raw forms, such as sushi or rare meat.

💡Strain

In the context of the video, 'strain' refers to the excessive demand or pressure placed on an organ due to overconsumption of a substance, in this case, protein. The script indicates that consuming large amounts of protein can strain the liver and kidneys, potentially causing damage over time.

💡Ammonia

Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism. The video script mentions that consuming too much protein, especially with carbohydrates, can lead to an accumulation of ammonia in the body, which can affect brain function, energy levels, and overall health.

💡Vegetables

Vegetables are nutrient-dense foods that provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The script emphasizes the protective effect of vegetables on the liver and kidneys, especially when consuming high-protein diets, and recommends including large quantities of vegetables in meals.

💡Digestion

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. The video discusses how insufficient stomach acid can impair protein digestion, leading to issues like gas, bloating, and undigested protein, which further strains the liver.

💡Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. The script uses acid reflux as an indicator of insufficient stomach acid, which can affect protein digestion and overall health.

💡Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. The video script recommends the use of apple cider vinegar to increase stomach acidity, which is beneficial for protein digestion and can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

💡Stomach Acid

Stomach acid is a digestive fluid that contains hydrochloric acid and other enzymes, which are essential for breaking down food, particularly proteins. The script explains that having enough stomach acid is crucial for the proper release of digestive enzymes and bile, facilitating protein digestion and preventing strain on the liver.

Highlights

Protein can harm your kidneys and liver if consumed in excess, especially in cooked form.

Overcooked protein is harder on the liver and kidneys compared to raw protein.

Raw protein sources like sushi or rare meat are gentler on the body than overly cooked meat.

Consuming 9-12 ounces of protein in one meal can strain the liver and kidneys, leading to damage over time.

High protein intake combined with carbs can lead to ammonia buildup, affecting brain function and energy levels.

Excessive protein consumption can cause liver cirrhosis and fatty liver.

Damaged liver and kidneys can't filter toxins effectively, leading to various health conditions.

Recommended protein intake per meal is 3-6 ounces, depending on size, activity level, and age.

Younger individuals may consume up to 8 ounces of protein per meal.

Omitting vegetables from the diet increases stress on the kidneys and liver.

Vegetables provide a protective effect on the liver and kidneys.

Large quantities of vegetables are recommended for a balanced diet.

Low stomach acid can hinder protein digestion, causing gas, bloating, and strain on the liver.

Signs of insufficient stomach acid include indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and GERD.

Consuming apple cider vinegar can help increase stomach acid and improve protein digestion.

Acidic stomach is necessary for the release of digestive enzymes and bile.

The video concludes with a recommendation to balance protein with vegetables and maintain proper digestion.

Transcripts

hello dr. Berg here in this video I want

to answer the question can protein harm

your kidneys and liver okay so the

answer is it can if you consume too much

cooked protein now does that mean cook

protein it means overly cooked the more

raw the protein the easier it is on the

liver and kidney and I'm not saying go

to McDonald's and have a raw burger I'm

talking about maybe sushi or some type

of rare meat is better than overly

cooked meat now also when you get up

into the 9 10 to 12 ounce range that's a

lot of protein to consume in one sitting

you're going to be straining the liver

straining the kidney creating damage in

the liver over time if you consistently

do this especially if you're having

carbs to it it's going to build up

ammonia and that can affect the brain

thinking clarity affect your energy

level it could even cause cirrhosis that

scar tissue of the liver and even a

fatty liver okay and what happens when

the liver gets damaged and the kidney

gets damaged it can't filter anymore so

you would bill it a lot of toxic waste

in the body and you have all sorts of

conditions that can occur from that

alone so I recommend three to six ounces

per meal depending on your size and your

activity level and your age if you're

younger you could probably you know do

eight ounces that's not a problem the

other thing too is when you omit the

vegetables in your diet you create a lot

more stress if you're doing high-protein

on the kidney and the liver so

vegetables add a protective effect on

the liver and kidney so that's another

reason why I recommend large quantities

so like today for example I have this

huge bowl I'm going to fill it with

salad I'm going to down that thing and

I'll have some protein as well but I

have a lot of vegetables and lastly if

your stomach does not have enough acid

and it's not strong enough that's going

to create a problem with the digestion

of protein you're going to get gas

bloating undigested protein which is

more strain on the liver it takes a very

acidic stomach to even release the

enzymes from the pancreas and the bile

from the liver and gallbladder to

helpful get a full digestion

how do you know if you don't have enough

acid well if you have indigestion

bloating acid reflux GERD that means you

don't have enough acid so it's very

important to have apple cider vinegar

probably one to two tablespoons in some

water with each meal very smart idea all

right

thanks for watching