Risk #1 GOUT
Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood that deposits
urates of sodium in and around the joints which cause inflammation (gouty arthritis). The
inflamed joints that are affected may be any joints but gout usually begins in the knees
or feet. A diet high in purines (protein foods) are broken down to uric acid in the body.
Examples of foods high in purines are; meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and liver.
Risk #2 KIDNEY STONES
High-protein diets will draw calcium from the bones and form calcium
oxalate stones. Along with calcium oxalate stones you can also form uric acid oxalate
stones due to high-protein diets. Most of these stones are formed in the kidneys, as
kidney stones.
Risk #3 OSTEOPOROSIS
As explained above, if there is calcium loss over time you can
eventually develop osteoporosis from excessive protein intake.
Risk # 4 FATIGUE
The body’s main source of energy is from carbohydrates. If the
body doesn’t have the carbohydrates available, then the body uses protein for energy.
This is called ketosis. Ketosis results from the incomplete metabolism of fatty acids,
generally from carbohydrate deficiency, and is commonly observed in high fat protein
diets. Eventually you are eliminating your body’s main fuel line and replacing it
with an alternate fuel line. For example, would you expect to win a basketball game if you
were to play the game with your 2nd string instead of your 1st
string? In all probability not, so don’t settle for fatigue.
Risk #5 DEHYDRATION
Most high-protein diets stress to drink more fluids due to the
increased fluid loss. Most Americans don’t get the fluid intake that is recommended,
or they consume mostly caffeinated beverages as their main source of fluid intake.
Caffeine is a diuretic and will promote dehydration, along with high-protein diets. When
the body is slightly dehydrated you feel tired (fatigue) and or “just not
right”. Avoid high-protein diets and add more water each day and you should feel much
better. If you are active and work out you should drink two cups two hours prior to your
workout and five to ten ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your activity to prevent
dehydration on a regular balanced diet.
Risk #6 BAD BREATH
When you consume a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and the body
goes into ketosis, your breath will give you away. Most breath mints won’t cover the
bad breath and don’t forget, you can’t have a breath mint due to the carbs. So
don’t go around smelling like a cross between nail polish and over ripe pineapple.
Risk # 7 POOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Athletic performance will be hindered without adequate consumption
of complex carbohydrates. When your body is neglected with energy
(low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet), your performance will be insufficient. Prior to any
athletic competition, most athletes’ carbohydrate load for strength, endurance, and
speed. Also remember, as discussed earlier, dehydration will promote fatigue which in part
will lead to poor athletic performance. Rule of thumb: drink at least two cups two hours
before your workout and five to ten ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your activity.
Risk #8 CANCER
The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society
recommend, based on scientific research, a diet high in fiber and low in fat to lower
cancer rates. Risk of many cancers is likely to increase when most of your complex
carbohydrates (plant-based diet) are eliminated from the diet (i.e. fruits, vegetables,
beans, lentils, and whole grains).
Risk #9 HEART DISEASE
Studies have shown that a diet high in animal protein, cholesterol,
and saturated fat and low in fiber and carbohydrates have been linked with heart disease.
Animal protein, cholesterol and saturated fat will raise serum cholesterol, especially LDL
(low-density lipoproteins) or bad cholesterol. A plant-based diet has helped lower the bad
cholesterol (LDL). In addition, a diet high in meat will increase homocysteine levels and
iron stores in the body, as evidence has shown may increase the risk of heart disease.
Risk #10 HYPERTENSION
Key minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium work together
with sodium as intercellular and extracellular fluids. A diet high in these three minerals
have been shown to lower blood pressure. A diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber
contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
and nonfat dairy products. Blood pressure will likely increase with age on a typical
high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Risk #11 LONG TERM WEIGHT CONTROL
We all want to lose weight, but keeping it off for the long run is
difficult. Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are limited in the amount of foods that we
can consume at one time. Next, we start to feel deprived and bored and then we are more
likely to have cravings and or binge later on foods that are high in sugar and fat.
Variety is the spice of life; have a little of everything, and keep the weight off for
life and don’t short-change yourself. The best bet for permanent weight loss and
control, as well as good health, is to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, beans, and non-fat dairy products along with eliminating high caloric dense foods
such as cookies, fries, desserts, candy, chips, etc. Research has shown, the majority of
people who succeed in long-term weight loss have consumed a low-fat, high-fiber diet along
with regular exercise.
