A low-protein diet is designed to limit proteins processed by the body. Many people have special dietary needs that require low-protein diet plans. Some examples of these include vegetarian, high carbohydrate diets and limited protein diets. All of these diet plans are designed to reduce the amount of protein metabolized by the human body.
Kidney disease is a serious illness that requires a person to follow a strict diet. Many people with this illness are required to follow low-protein diet plans. This helps limit the stress placed on the kidneys and other organs during normal digestion.
Many foods contain high amounts of protein. These foods should be limited or removed when on a low-protein diet. Foods with the highest amounts of protein generally are milk, yogurt, beans, and meats. These foods can be substituted with corn, vegetables, and cereal products.
There are several diets designed specifically for kidney disease. Most of these diets include a balance of essential minerals and carbohydrates while reducing protein intake. Daily protein intake should be monitored but not completely eliminated because this nutrient is crucial for normal bodily functions.
Low-protein diets require a person to be conscious of all the foods he eats. This can bet done with a daily food journal. As foods are cooked, a dieter can read the labels and document the protein, carbohydrates, and fats he consumes for each meal. This will help him ensure the correct balance of food is consumed on a daily basis.
Dieting requires discipline and patience. People on low-protein diet plans should be careful what they eat. This may require limiting visits to restaurants where nutritional content is unclear. Bad foods can be substituted with a good diet of healthy fruits and vegetables, which make a person feel full and satisfied.
Vegetarian diets reduce or eliminate the amount of meats eaten. These types of diets can be used as low-protein diet plans because meat is the primary source of protein. If a person is choosing a vegetarian diet, he should substitute his protein with vegetable proteins like soy or beans to ensure that minimal proteins are consumed daily.
High-carbohydrate diets are designed to increase energy reserve levels. These low-protein diet plans reduce the percentage of daily proteins consumed while increasing carbohydrates. Long-distance runners use high-carbohydrate diets to prepare for marathons or extreme energy sports. These types are diets are known to increase overall energy and mood but should be limited time because they can increase weight.
