Low Protein Foods

Although protein is one of the important nutrients necessary for the body, for some people protein may cause a lot more harm than good. After protein is consumed, metabolism of the protein takes place in the liver, and protein waste such as urea is thrown out.

After protein has been metabolized and digested, the task of excreting the waste has been entrusted to the kidneys. There can be high build up of urea in the kidney, either due to improper functioning of kidneys or due to high protein diet. The urea may also eventually build up in the blood stream, which in turn may give rise to further problems.

Therefore, low protein diet is followed so that load on the vital organs is reduced drastically. However, if there is any problem with the liver, body finds it difficult to metabolize protein.

Low protein diet is routinely prescribed for patients who suffer from liver or kidney disorders. This diet helps in treating the condition. To follow a diet low in protein, one must be aware of the foods that have low protein content. Before we turn to such food items,

I would like to bring it to your notice, that people who are advised low protein diet should also reduce their sodium intake.

When you are making soups, you can use different substitutes for the ingredients which are rich in protein. For example, you can use milk substitutes to get a creamy broth. Alternately, you can also have rice powder or rice itself to give the soup a thicker consistency. Pasta is also an alternative which you can use.

If you like clear soups, then you can make it using low protein vegetables. However, steer clear of beans, as they are a rich source of protein.

This is my personal favorite low protein food. There are a huge variety of ways to make a salad. One can use a wide variety of vegetables along with different dressings to bring about a change in the salad. If you want to add some cheese, then you can opt to add cottage cheese made from low fat cow milk, which comparatively has lower amounts of protein in it.

Pasta is low in protein and rich in carbohydrates, therefore can be consumed, when a person is on low protein diet. However, you will have to opt for low protein sauces. If you like white sauce, then you can use wheat flour with water to make the sauce. Adding vegetables to the pasta also proves to be beneficial.

You can also choose to make pasta salad, but make sure you opt for a low protein dressing as well.

Like pasta, rice is also rich in carbohydrates and low in protein. It is best to add a number of vegetables to the rice to make it a wholesome meal. If required, one can also add lean meat protein, but make sure to add small quantities to the rice.

You can either opt for no protein sandwich or choose a sandwich with low protein. If you would like to consume a sandwich with low protein, then it is best to opt for thinner slices of meat in the sandwich. At the same time, do not forget to add vegetables.

Similarly, you can add low fat cheese, but the best would be to use cottage cheese made from low fat cow milk. Alternately, you can choose to use smaller quantities of strong tasting cheese.

One of the healthiest foods low in protein are fruits, rather it contains almost no protein at all. You can have fruits between your meals, so that you do not feel hungry and binge on something. It is best to opt for fruits low in sugar as well. Fruits like apples, melons, citrus fruits, are some of the best options.

Including small quantities of proteins in your meals may be permissible, depending on your condition. Before you follow a low protein diet, it is recommended that you consult your health care professional, and the said diet should be followed only under medical supervision.