Do High Protein Diets Damage Your Kidneys?

I go over studies on whether high protein diets damage your kidneys and cause kidney disease--both for people with or at risk of CKD, and for people with healthy kidneys. Press "show more" to see the study link(s)!

[PlantChompers]

This is the best episode I've ever seen on kidney disease and protein. I have listened to many nephrologists say the exact same thing — I'm not aware of nephrologists with a different conclusion — but they don't say it as clearly and concisely as this, and with such a convenient list of good references. 👏

[BlairChasteen]

Well, I get quarterly labs and eat 200+ grams of protein daily (not carnivore) and my body works better than it did when I ate less than 100grams a day and the labs show that as well.

[mikeeno]

What about eggs and cheese protein on your kidney?

[ISSNTV]

Dr. Miche, how would you define "high" regarding protein intake?

[meszarosgabordaniel]

Wait a minute. Are you really saying eating high amounts of sugar won't cause diabetes?

[gregbannish]

What about oxalates in vegan sources of protein, ie seeds and nuts, will that cause kidney damage?

[juno]

I was diagnosed with igA Nephropathy, supposedly uncurable autoinmune kidney disease. I switched from animal protein to plant protein, and according to my nephrologist I´m basically cured.

[helsinkioslo]

If sugar intake isn't a factor in developing diabetes, what do you believe causes it? I suggest considering data from past diabetics who adopted a low-carb diet and successfully reversed their condition.

[garyford]

So how does protein used in muscle repair fit into this equation. If I do a 5k run and a 30 min weight workout followed by a standard 26 g protein shake. Does any of that get used before the kidneys have to filter it out?

[twchau]

May I ask what exactly is the high protein level that can potentially compromise kidney functions for hidden kidney patients? 2g/kg body weight? 2.5g or 3g of higher?

[Luke-iy]

Thank you for providing a voice of reason and logic in a sea of nonsense / anecdote / broscience. It is much needed.

[edwardtaussig]

Could you possible provide a chart (or a link to one you approve of) that shows the recommended limit on protein vs. body weight?

[fervidApathy]

Whew! As I was watching this drinking my every-other-day soy milk and pea protein powder smoothie, I was getting a little worried. Then came the part where you explained the source of the protein you eat can affect your kidneys differently. Yay plants! 🌱

[Gian-ni]

The problem is that if you are a skinny man and want to put on mass, you are gonna need a lot of proteins.
....And if you got candida and limit you calories from Carbs, you gonna need even more proteins.
I'm 43, got 2 k stones, just found out today.

[hgrqkxn]

From what I understand, doctors aren’t sure what causes Diabetes, the pancreas producing less or no insulin and/or too must insulin, or what’s causing insulin resistance with our cells.
As a diabetic I know that sugar products and complex carbs, processed foods, breads, potatoes, etc cause my insulin to shoot through the roof.
If I stay on a diet that eliminates those foods, eating meat, beef, fish, chicken, low carbs vegetables & fruits(berries) I can control my blood sugar without having to use a lot of meds/insulin, and regular exercising.
Like a lot of viewers, I don’t like extreme diets on either end.
I believe that a healthy in the middle clean eating diet, away from the fast foods, processed foods, processed oils, and unfortunately the American diet is my answer.
We are all just trying to be and eat healthy, whatever that is.
I appreciate your hard work and trying to deliver your research to us.
PS I do get regular bloodwork done, so far so good.

[frankgonzalez]

Animal protein causes inflammation? that crazy to say.

[crevecouer]

In the USA is there anything left to eat?

[MrSilentrage]

So pretty much all the studies relating to protein consumption is done on people with compromised kidney function. You do a great job of elaborating on the risks associated with these group of people while simultaneously lazily brushing over the fact that for healthy people, a high protein diet overtime increases the risk of poor kidney function with the “too much of anything eventually becomes bad for you” argument. I appreciate that you do mention that the quality of protein on kidney health does make a difference because that is something I haven’t even considered.

Great video I shall say. It would be nice to see a video covering the effects of kidney function in healthy population consuming higher protein diets over an extended period of time

[jimomalley]

Thanks, we love facts based on data, the more the better.

[realdaybreaker]

I was doing super high protein diet for over 2 years on OMAD, when I say high protein I am talking 500-600 grams of protein from meat in one sitting, this made me feel fatigued, dehydrated after every meal.

I got my blood work done and it was discovered that my creatinine was at 196 and egfr at 39 and BUN at 9... Additionally my CK was over 1200.

My docotrs thought i Was taking TRT and steroids, because I withheld my diet information from them.

My doctor ordered an ultrasound and my kidneys and protase were remarkable.

Cutting down the protein to 300 grams have shown great improvement in my health and substituted the remaining calories with carbs.

Yes, protein does impact your kidney function even for a healthy man.