Protein is an essential nutrient for the human body. It plays a vital role in building and repairing body tissues, maintaining muscles, producing enzymes and hormones, supporting immunity and carrying out numerous important biological functions.
But an important question remains: How much protein do we actually need every day? And can people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) eat protein?
š„ How Much Protein Do You Need Every Day?
For a healthy adult, the usual recommended protein intake is approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a healthy adult weighing 60 kg may require around 48 grams of protein per day.
However, protein requirements can vary depending on age, physical activity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, muscle mass, nutritional status and other medical conditions. Therefore, there is no single protein requirement that is appropriate for everyone.
š Where Does Protein Come From?
Protein comes mainly from two sources:
Animal sources:
Fish, eggs, chicken, meat, milk and other dairy products.
Plant sources:
Lentils, beans, chickpeas, soybeans, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
A balanced diet can include both plant-based and appropriate animal-based protein sources.
ā ļø More Protein Does Not Always Mean Better Health
Consuming substantially more protein than the body needs is not necessarily beneficial. When protein is metabolised, nitrogen-containing waste products such as urea are produced, and the kidneys play an important role in removing these wastes from the blood.
For people whose kidney function is reduced, excessive protein intake may increase the metabolic workload on the kidneys. Therefore, the idea that āmore protein always means better healthā is not correct.
š©ŗ Can CKD Patients Eat Protein?
Yes. CKD patients still need protein. However, the amount and type of protein they need may differ from those recommended for healthy individuals.
Protein requirements in CKD depend on several factors, including the stage of CKD, kidney function, nutritional status, age, body weight, other medical conditions and whether the patient is receiving dialysis.
For many patients with CKD who are not on dialysis, excessive protein intake may need to be restricted. However, completely eliminating protein without medical advice is not appropriate either, because inadequate protein intake can contribute to malnutrition and loss of muscle mass.
On the other hand, patients receiving haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis generally require more protein, because protein can be lost during dialysis treatment.
š± Why Does the Source of Protein Matter in CKD?
For people with CKD, it is not only the amount of protein that mattersāthe source of protein also matters.
Plant-based sources such as lentils, beans and other legumes can be part of a healthy diet for many people. However, CKD can also affect how much potassium, phosphorus, sodium and fluid a person should consume.
Therefore, a food that is healthy for one person may not necessarily be appropriate in the same quantity for someone with advanced kidney disease.
ā¤ļø Choose Protein Wisely
Instead of regularly consuming excessive amounts of red or processed meat, choosing healthier protein sources such as fish, chicken and suitable plant-based foods may be beneficial.
However, CKD nutrition must be individualised. Patients should not follow a generic diet chart from social media or the internet without professional guidance.
A nephrologist or renal dietitian can determine the appropriate protein intake based on the patientās kidney function, nutritional status and treatment plan.
š The Key Message
Protein is essentialābut it should be consumed in the right amount.
Protein is not completely prohibited in CKD.
Too much protein may be harmful, while too little protein may lead to malnutrition and muscle loss.
The right protein intake should be determined after considering the patientās CKD stage, eGFR, body weight, nutritional status and dialysis status.
āø»
š„ iUKD ā Kidney Care Under One Roof
Kidney Hospital iUKD (Institute of Urology and Kidney Diseases) provides advanced medical and surgical care for kidney and urological conditions in Assam and the North-East.
The hospital provides treatment for kidney stones, prostate disorders, kidney failure, urinary problems in men and women, and urological cancers including cancers of the kidney, urinary bladder, prostate, genital organs and testicles, along with a wide range of other urological conditions.
iUKD also provides urological robotic surgery services.
Under the leadership of Dr. Arup Kumar Nath, Managing Director and Chief Urology Specialist, popularly known as the āLaserMan of India,ā a team of specialist urologists and nephrologists provides comprehensive care to patients.
Specialist Diabetology OPD:
Every Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Hospital Address:
Kidney Hospital iUKD
Institute of Urology and Kidney Diseases
Nazirakhat, Sonapur, Guwahati, Assam ā 782402
Contact:
š 8011501833
š 9864104444
Healthy kidneys. Healthier life. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a meaningful difference in kidney health.