THE NEW DETOX ON THE BLOCK C

Diets such as Keto and Paleo are leaving behind a trail of problems associated with high-protein intake. To combat this, nutritionists recommend protein detox or ‘protox’

elebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder recently wrote about ‘protox’, also known as protein detox. Several health-conscious people these days are avoiding carbohydrates in their diet. Instead, they are including protein-based dishes such as yoghurt and eggs. But, they are consuming protein to an extent where one can have an “overload of the dietary staple”.

“If you continue to consume excessive amount of protein each day your body will store what it cannot use as fat. This puts you at risk of a multitude of health problems such as high cholesterol and gout,” says Neomee Shah, nutritionist.

Experts cite another reason for avoiding excessive consumption of protein. One of the by-products that protein metabolism gives out is ammonia. As high levels of ammonia are toxic, the body converts the excess into urea, a water-soluble chemical, which is flushed out by the kidneys through urine. If more protein is consumed, the kidneys need to go on an overdrive to eliminate all the ammonia.

WHO IS PROTOX RECOMMENDED TO?

People who eat too much non-vegetarian food

Those who take in protein supplements arbitrarily

Chronic dieters, who in an attempt to shun all carbohydrates, end up taking too much protein

Those who have been on Ketosis or Paleo, also known as Caveman diet for long

Individuals who are allergic to animal protein

People suffering from high cholesterol levels

Those with B12 deficiencies

People suffering from cramps or muscle soreness.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PROTOX

“Doing it arbitrarily might lead to loss of muscle mass. The muscles also suffer from lethargy due to the absence of protein in one’s diet,” says Kavita Devgan, nutritionist. Several research studies have also listed out various ill effects to the body when protein is not adequately consumed. According to National Institutes of Health, Maryland, USA, “A low-protein diet induced secondary hyperparathyroidism, which persisted for two weeks. The secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by the low-protein diet was attributed to a reduction in intestinal calcium absorption (as assessed by dual stable calcium isotopes). The longterm consequences of these low-protein induced changes in calcium metabolism are not known, but they could be detrimental to skeletal health.”

BENEFITS OF PROTOX

It eases the burden on kidneys, as the production of urea, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism, reduces and there is no need for the kidneys to flush it out. Excessive protein can be stored as fat. Hence protox can help avoid obesity.

According to a study published in Cell Metab in 2014, “Low protein intake during middle age followed by moderate protein consumption may optimise health span and longevity.”