As my patients – and regular readers of this blog – know, one of my frequent recommendations for better health is to increase the intake of dietary protein. Dietary protein is satiating, which tends to lead to lower overall caloric intake, and thus less fat mass. At the same time, dietary protein supports muscle mass, particularly when combined with a regular program of physical activity. The combination of less fat and more muscle leads to lots of desirable outcomes, from improved health (lower blood pressure, lower blood glucose, improved metabolism, lower risk for frailty with aging) to a more visually appealing body aesthetic. Does this strategy work for everyone? No, we’re all unique. But for a lot of people it’s quite helpful.
However, frequently when I make this recommendation to patients, I am met with one particular concern: “won’t all of that extra protein harm my kidneys?”
