High Protein Diets for Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know
The difference between a medicine and a poison is dosage. So it goes with the macronutrients in our diet: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. We need each. Not too much, and not too little. High protein diets have been a popular choice for many people looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve their overall health. However, high protein diets for cancer patients needs review; consuming excessive amounts of protein can pose significant health risks.
We will explore the potential hazards of a high protein diet for cancer patients.
The Role of Protein in Cancer Treatment
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. For cancer patients, maintaining a healthy protein intake is crucial to support the immune system, promote healing, and aid in recovery. However, the key is to consume an adequate amount of protein, not an excessive amount. In a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Greek researchers found that replacing carbs with protein led to a statistically significant increase in death and illness.
Potential Hazards of a High Protein Diet for Cancer Patients
1. Increased Risk of Cancer Progression
Research has shown that consuming a high protein diet, particularly from animal sources, may increase the risk of cancer progression. A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high protein diets increased the risk of cancer-related mortality in middle-aged adults by 74% compared to those who consumed a moderate protein diet.
2. Impaired Kidney Function
A high protein diet can put additional stress on the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. For cancer patients with compromised kidney function or those undergoing chemotherapy, a high protein diet can exacerbate kidney damage and lead to complications.
3. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
High protein diets, especially those that are high in red meat and processed meats, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cancer patients already face an increased risk of heart disease due to treatments like radiation therapy and certain medications. Adding a high protein diet to the mix can further increase this risk.
Boosting Cancer Treatment: How to Make Chemo More Effective
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
A high protein diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies if it displaces other important food groups. For example, if a cancer patient consumes excessive amounts of protein from animal sources, they may not be getting enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Reverse Aging Naturally – Unlock the Fountain of Youth
5. Potential Interactions with Cancer Treatments
Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
In such cases, a high protein diet may not be well-tolerated or may exacerbate these side effects. It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best dietary approach during cancer treatment.
6. Increased Risk of Infection
Cancer patients are already at an increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system. Consuming excessive amounts of protein, particularly from animal sources, can further increase this risk. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that high protein intake was associated with an increased risk of bacterial and viral infections in cancer patients.
The Hazards of High Protein Diets for Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know
While protein is an essential nutrient for cancer patients, consuming excessive amounts can pose significant health risks. Acid/base balance is one of the critical issues with protein intake. For decades, various scientists and authors have proposed charts that indicate the acid/base effect of a food on the human body. Many of these charts were conflicting. Recently, scientists have created a new and more objective measurement of pH called “potential renal acid load” or PRAL. In general, protein rich foods are high in amino acids, which creates a more acidic residue that the kidneys must process. Many health experts are concerned that the ketogenic, paleolithic, carnivore diets will inflict great harm on the kidneys of those over indulging in protein foods. For example, on the PRAL rating tahini and chia have a more acid forming score than beef or chicken.
Hidden Dangers of High-Protein Diets for Cancer Patients
Basic guidelines for protein intake start at about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. So a 170 pound adult (=77 kilograms) would require 77 grams of protein per day. Given that animal foods (beef, chicken, fish, pork, etc.) provide around 7 grams of protein per ounce of weight, 2 eggs would provide 14 grams of protein, and a 6 ounce serving of salmon would provide 42 grams of protein.
While protein is essential for health, it is clear that we must embrace the ancient adage “the difference between a medicine and a poison is dosage”. Eat some protein. But not too much.
