High Protein Diets & the Frequent Need to Urinate

Nearly all foods and beverages are made of carbohydrate, protein and fat. According to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations, the percent of total calories each of these nutrients should contribute to the diet is 45-65% carbohydrate, 10-35% protein and 20-35% fat. When an individual consumes a diet that is significantly lower than the carbohydrate and greater than the recommended protein range, the result is often a frequent need to urinate. The increase in urine production is caused by the additional waste created when the body breaks down protein for energy.

The Body's Water Content

• The human body on average is comprised of two-thirds water. For example, a 160-pound person contains approximately 12 gallons of water. Water is an essential nutrient, and is distributed throughout the body in blood, between and within cells, in muscle and bone, and is even found in fat. Due to the high volume of water found in the body, certain medications, levels of hydration and high-protein diets can greatly alter body weight.

Carbohydrates, the Preferred Energy Source

• The body prefers to use carbohydrates and fat for energy. The body can metabolize and create energy from carbohydrates much more efficiently than protein. Protein in the form of meat and dairy is a financially expensive source of energy compared to grains. The body would rather use protein to rebuild muscle tissue, replenish hormones and enzymes and regulate blood PH. When carbohydrate intake is inadequate the body must rely primarily on fat for energy in an attempt to preserve protein for more important body functions.

Ketones

• When the body is forced to use fat as the majority of its energy source, ketones are formed. In order for the body to efficiently create energy from fat, small amounts of glucose are needed. In the absence of adequate glucose, fat metabolism stops midway and ketones are made. While muscles and some tissue can use ketones for energy, they are only used to using them in small amounts.

Symptoms of Ketosis

• A minimum of 50-100 grams of carbohydrates are needed daily to prevent ketosis. When intake drops below these amounts. The result is an accumulation of ketones in the blood. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and ketoacidosis, and a potentially fatal condition where the pH of the blood is significantly decreased. The individual may also experience bad breath. As blood levels rise, the body tries to rid itself of excess ketones through increased urine production. This can result in dehydration, which is a key reason why high protein diets encourage high fluid intake.

Not Safe or Effective

• High protein diets as a method of weight reduction are not safe, nor are they effective in the long run. Understandably people will tend to eat less when they are in a state of ketosis due to nausea and loss of appetite. However, they will also burn less energy, as dehydration resulting in fatigue reduces their energy expenditure.