Wearing Away Muscles With A High Protein Diet

If you like to eat bacon and eggs for breakfast, a steak for lunch, and fried chicken for dinner, then a protein diet may be just what you're looking for.

But before you embark on one of these popular diets, you should be aware of how these diets work, the problems associated with these diets, and healthier alternatives to protein diets.

How protein diets work:

When you consume too much protein, the excess amino acids are sent to the liver and tuned into fat.
During the process, the nitrogen released from the amino acids (protein) is turned into ammonia, which is toxic to your body.
Essentially, your body then has to convert the ammonia into urea, which is eliminated through urine.
You will lose weight with a high protein diet, but the weight loss will be owed to excessive water loss.
The unhealthy process, also known as ketosis, causes nausea and appetite loss, which may also lead you to eat less and lose weight.

Problem with protein diets

In addition to feeling weak, tired and nauseous on the protein diet, there are other problems associated with these diets.

A high Protein diet is often low in calories. Your body needs glucose from carbohydrates, but since you aren't consuming enough carbohydrates, your body looks for other options. It will convert your muscle mass to blood sugar for your brain.
A Protein diet can be high in saturated fat if you eat a lot of high-fat cuts of red meat. Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol have been known to lead to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Protein needs calcium in order to process it in the body. If calcium is not available, the body will take it out of your bones.
A Protein diet puts a strain on the kidneys.
A Protein diet lacks nutrients and fiber needed for cancer prevention and overall good health.

A healthier approach to weight loss:

Eating a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, low-fat proteins, fruits and veggies is a better approach to weight loss and may prevent cancer and other diseases as well. If you exercise regularly, use portion control and eat only when hungry, you should lose weight without taking the risks associated with protein diets.

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