Daily Mail: Eating too many protein bars can be bad for your kidneys

Excessive consumption of protein bars and shakes can increase the risk of tooth decay and worsen kidney function, UK dentist Raggi Munjal and urologist Bhaskar Somani have told The Daily Mail.

Munjal explained that in order to improve the taste of whey protein—a key ingredient in protein bars and shakes, often large amounts of sugar are added to whey protein products. According to the dentist, regular consumption of such foods can increase the risk of tooth decay in the same way as eating chocolate every day.

Many people eat protein bars and drink protein shakes to achieve certain athletic results and improve their fitness. It is stated that a person should consume 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per day for successful exercise to maintain muscle and build endurance, and 1.6 to 2.8 grams to increase muscle size and strength. However, according to urologist Somani, it is important not to abuse proteins.

The doctor explained that excess protein is not absorbed by the body, but is broken down and excreted during metabolism. Adding more protein to your diet puts more strain on your kidneys because they have to filter more input. If you drink incorrectly—lack of fluid, excess protein increases the risk of kidney stones.

Stones can block the ureters—the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder, leading to infection. Urinary tract disorder, if left untreated, can cause loss of kidney function and even kidney failure, concluded the doctor.

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