A high-protein diet could be associated with certain health conditions if you’re not careful, shares Baker. “Consuming too much protein can put a strain on your kidneys, increase the risk of osteoporosis, and lead to other health problems,” Baker said. “Additionally, if you’re consuming a lot of protein from animal sources, it can be high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease.” Therefore, she advises seeing a healthcare professional about a high-protein diet, particularly if you already have a health condition.
If you want to start a high-protein diet, Baker suggests researching more about high-protein diets and creating a meal plan each week to ensure you’re getting plenty of protein and other nutrients. “Buy plenty of lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds to make sure you have enough protein-rich foods on hand,” she said. Because high-protein diets can stress your kidneys, she recommends drinking plenty of water to flush out excess protein and keep your kidneys healthy.
“That being said, a high protein diet can be safe for most people as long as it’s done in moderation and balanced with other healthy foods,” Baker said.