Most people in the United States consume two times more protein than they
need, and much of it is from animal protein. When people eat a meal high in
animal protein, the kidneys have to work overtime to process it.This increases
the blood flow and makes more urine to remove the waste. This increases the
activity for many hours after eating.
If you were to eat the same meal, but replace the meat protein with soy
protein, the kidneys work much less hard. With soy there is no increase of
activity. Red meat (beef) forces the kidneys to work the hardest; after that
it's poultry, then fish. Soy makes the least amount of work for the kidneys,
and does it without overtaxing them.
If you have kidney disease, or diabetes; are at high risk for kidney disease,
or have high blood pressure and are over 50, red meat will make more work for
your kidneys and cause more damage.
A diet that contains soy and vegetable proteins is a much wiser choice and
protects the kidneys. It can also reverse kidney disease, according to Dr. Jim
Anderson, Professor of Medical and Clinical Nutrition at the University of
Kentucky.
For those looking for a protective level, a consumption of 20 grams of soy
protein a day is suggested. Those looking for possible reversal to a present
condition should consider 30 grams a day.
And the rest of us should consider adding 10 grams of soy protein each day for
general health benefits.
Copyright 1997 Julia Elliott