Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

If you have kidney or liver problems, you may have to learn to eat less protein (protein) so that the toxin that metabolizes nitrogen, ammonia or urea is not stored in the body and affects your overall health. . By reducing protein intake, eventually the kidney and liver workload is reduced and unnecessary stress on the body is removed. A low-protein diet should only be done with the guidance and supervision of a doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Determining the Sources of Protein in Your Diet

1. 

   Understand why you may need to eat less protein. If you have kidney or liver problems, like when diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be asked to reduce your protein intake.When food is metabolized in the body, waste urea is formed. If you have kidney problems, the urea may not be filtered out as usual. This waste storage can be very dangerous to your health.
   • By reducing your protein intake, you are also reducing the amount of work your kidneys have to do.
   • However, keep in mind that protein is an important part of your diet and you should only switch to a low-protein diet when recommended and under the supervision of your doctor.

2. 

   
   
   Identify foods with a high value protein content. The first step to eating less protein is understanding where and how you get protein in the first place. We consume two types of protein, high value protein and low value protein. Animal protein is a high value protein. Getting enough high-value protein is important for maintaining a healthy body. This protein generally produces less waste than low-value protein due to the balance of amino acids.
   • Chicken, turkey, fish, red meat, eggs and pork are all high-value protein foods.
   • Dairy products also contain high-value protein, but at the same time they also contain high amounts of phosphorus. Therefore, you may need to reduce your intake of these products.

3. 

   
   
   Identify low-value protein foods. Plant proteins are low-value proteins because of the lower content of essential amino acids than high-value proteins. Some of the foods that contain this protein include cereals, breads, nuts, pasta, rice, pasta and dried beans.
   • Sometimes high-value proteins rich in amino acids are called complete proteins and low value proteins are also called incomplete proteins.
   • Always check food packaging for protein content.

4. 

   
   
   Evaluate your daily diet. Once you have a grasp of the main sources of protein and their respective value, you can begin to analyze your diet and discover where and how you used protein. If kidney or liver problems force you to lose protein, be sure to discuss this analysis with your registered dietitian or doctor for guidance on developing a balanced and healthy diet. You can also use an online tool to get a rough idea.
   • Don't completely cut protein out of your diet. The amount of protein you need to cut back will depend on your particular situation.
   • The amount of protein needed will change over time. Therefore, you need to work closely with your doctor to make sure that your diet is appropriate and supports your health.
   • Your diet should also meet your daily nutritional needs and therefore cannot be arbitrarily reduced.

5. 

   Know your recommended intake. When you are diagnosed with liver or kidney problems, the amount of protein you need to eat will be determined precisely by your doctor and dietitian. It may be heterogeneous from case to case but overall, with kidney problems, you will likely be required to take only 200 ml of milk as well as one serving of protein per day. This portion can be equivalent to 25 g of meat (including chicken and turkey), 40 g of fish, 1 egg, 25 g of cheese, 25 g of soy sauce or 75 g of tofu, lentils or green beans.
   • For adult men (ages 19-50), the recommended amount for people without kidney disease is 55.5g per day.
   • For women of the same age, this figure is 45 g.
   • Men 11 to 14 years usually need 42 g, and for women it's a bit less, at 41 g.
   • Men 15-18 years old should take 55 grams per day, and women 45 grams.
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Part 2 of 2: Reducing the amount of protein in your diet

1. 

   Gradually reduce protein intake. You can reduce your protein intake by making small changes to the way food is prepared. For example, when making chicken sandwiches, instead of large amounts of chicken, use just a few thin slices. Add plenty of lettuce, tomatoes and salad to balance the meat deficit and so you can still have a delicious and full meal.
   • Adding vegetables to eggs or minced meat can significantly reduce the protein content of a meal or snack.
   • You can increase your soup intake by adding a low-value protein like rice. For creamy soups, reduce the amount of milk and replace it with a lower value protein.
   • While prioritizing low-value protein is a good way to reduce your intake, you still need to ensure a balanced diet.

2. 

   Reduce high-value protein. In order to reduce the amount of high-value protein, you will need to cut back on meat in your diet. This doesn't mean you need to eliminate the meat completely, but you should restructure the meal so that it is no longer the center, but only a small side dish. You can also try not to eat meat for a few days a week.
   • Consider the vegetarian diet because compared to animal sources, many plant protein sources are much lower in protein.
   • Always try to replace calories from meat with other foods. For example, eat more vegetables and whole grains to compensate for cuts in meat. Use veggies and whole grains to fill them up and remember to use healthy fats that don't contain a lot of protein (like coconut oil, butter, ...).
   • If you like cheese, try using small amounts of cheese with a stronger flavor to satisfy your taste buds in smaller amounts.

3. 

   Developed recipes have been modified. You can create new versions of your favorite recipes for lower protein content. For example, you can cook a low-protein version of a chicken salad. The usual recipe consists of 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, 1/4 cup celery, 1 cup red apple, 1/4 cup pecans and 3 tablespoons mayonnaise.
   • You can make adjustments by varying the proportions of the ingredients.
   • Turn down 1 1/2 cup chicken and compensate by increasing the amount of celery to 1 cup.

4. 

   
   
   If needed, add a calorie-booster to your diet. If you reduce your protein intake, you run the risk of lack of calories. When planning a meal with a doctor or dietitian, they will take this into account and may suggest you include some extra calorie-fortified foods. These can include healthy fats like olive oil, salad dressings or sunflower oil.
   • Avoid adding too many carbohydrates to meals to boost calories. Healthy fats are a great calorie booster and provide many benefits to the body.
   • Honey, jam and other sweeteners can be added to foods and beverages to increase calorie intake.
   • If you have diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor before adding these sugar supplements.

5. 

   
   
   Avoid sodium-rich foods. High sodium levels can make it difficult for the body to control blood pressure and water intake. This is especially important if you have liver or kidney problems. Processed foods are often high in salt and, therefore, high in sodium. Fresh vegetables are a better choice. If there is any doubt, seek advice or explanation from your doctor or dietitian.

6. 

   
   
   Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Low-calorie diets should be tailored for you and your health by a specialist. Compliance with this regime is very important. It is designed to balance the need for reducing high-value protein while still providing the right amount of nutrients, minerals and calories you need.
   • If you have to cut back on protein, your doctor can prescribe a supplement to cover all your nutritional needs.

7. 

   Keep drinking water. Unless advised by your doctor, continue to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. As a result, your body is hydrated and at the same time, limit junk food. We sometimes confuse hunger and thirst and therefore, eat when we need water.
   • Cutting back on junk food makes it easier to reduce protein. In general, you are advised to drink 1-2 liters of water per day.
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Advice

• Replenish the mineral deficiency due to reduction or elimination of protein in the diet. These include amino acids, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and iron.

Warning

• Low-protein diets should only be done in consultation with a doctor or dietitian.