Low Protein Diet Menu

What is a low protein diet menu? Why do you require such a type of diet? What are the foods included? What to avoid? If you are confused about this diet, then read the article to know the details.
Protein is an essential component required by our body for proper growth and development. However, anything is excess is bound to show adverse results. And similar is the case with proteins. Excessive intake of proteins causes trouble with uric acid excretion and it's detrimental to people suffering from liver and kidney disorders. The recommended protein intake for a healthy individual, as suggested by health experts is 40-60 grams per day. Health complications arise when the amount exceeds this standard value. A low protein diet menu contains minimum amount of proteins and nutritional intake comes mainly from fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Low Protein Diet Menu Plan

We all know that a high protein diet menu for weight loss is suggested to people who are overweight. But what if they are simultaneously suffering from kidney and liver diseases? In such cases a balance is needed to reduce the amount of proteins. A high protein diet menu for women is also dangerous if they are suffering from high uric acid and gout. A low protein diet is similar to the gout diet and uric acid diet. In such cases, doctors ask to avoid consumption of purine rich foods that help in synthesis of amino acids. From the next paragraphs you will come to know what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid in order to restore the protein levels in your body.

Plenty of Fruits
Fruits contain the least amount of protein. People who suffer from kidney stones are advised to consume large amounts of fruits. You must consume those fruits that have high vitamin content in them. Sugary fruits like, cherries and strawberries are excellent for overall health. You can also have watery fruits like melon, watermelon, papaya and cantaloupe. Citrus fruits are not only healthy but they are also essential to build a strong immune system. In this regard start eating oranges, grapes, apples, grapefruits, berries, lime, as much as possible. Avocados and apricots are also safe.

Selected Vegetables
While following a low protein diet, a person is advised against consuming green vegetables. They are known to contain some amounts of proteins that might accentuate retention of uric acid inside body. You will be asked by your doctor to avoid spinach, mushroom, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, etc. You need to very careful while selecting vegetables, if you are on a low protein diet. Cabbage, cauliflower, bitter gourd, eggplant, lettuce chicory, beetroot courgette, pumpkin, sweet corn, yam and swede are safe for consumption.

Minimum Dairy
Dairy based products are the richest sources of protein. Egg whites, milk, peanut butter, tofu, contain high protein. These should be eliminated as far as possible from your low protein diet plan. At the same time you cannot avoid them completely, since they are considered to be healthiest group of foods. So, minimize your intake to once a week. Have eggs twice a week, while milk once. You can have low fat cheese and butter instead. However, do not consume large amounts everyday. Low fat or cholesterol free butter, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese are absolutely safe.

Curtail Animal Meat
Mutton, beef, turkey and pork are foods containing high amount of protein and also fat. You should curtail heavy preparations of these meat products. Doctors say that chicken, although rich in protein, does not cause any problem if consumed twice a month. You can boil the chicken at high temperature before eating. Have sea fish, like salmon, sardines, cod, trout, mackerel, tuna, etc. These fish are sources of unsaturated fatty acids, like omega-3-fatty acids and are essential for a low protein diet.

Consumption of pulses and sprouts are also restricted to people who are prescribed a low protein diet. You should get the diet plan chalked out by your doctor, if you are suffering from any renal problem or gout and associated health issues.
By Saptakee Sengupta
Published: 2/4/2011
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