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2003/02/12, 11:51 PM
I read an article that too much protein can have bad effects long term and will show itself by nitrogen in the urine. Is their an at-home urine test for nitrogen, or is this something that requires lab work. Has anyone else thought of this, or am I nutty as usual?
http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/protein4.htm-
Protein that's not used as fuel or stored in the body is eliminated, and that causes its own problems. Excess amino acids are converted into urea, a nitrogen-containing waste product that puts a strain on your kidneys.
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2003/02/13, 12:17 AM
I've never thought of this. I think the article makes it a bigger deal than what it really is. I'll continue taking my protein respectively.
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"You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough."
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2003/02/13, 10:20 AM
I use Keto strips. YOu can buy them at any drugstore. The brand I use is Ketstix by Bayer. Simply direct your urine stream for 15 sec. or so on one, and compare colors on the bottle. Will get you in the ballpark. I use them when dieting for a contest to make sure I am not breaking down muscle tissue.
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Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
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2003/02/13, 10:21 AM
Sorry, typo...Ketostix
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Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
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2003/02/13, 04:09 PM
I consume around 170 -200 grms of protien a day. I weigh between 168-172lbs. My point here is I was in for complete blood work 2 weeks ago and ALL my numbers were in the norm levels. I'm going to continue with my present diet routine.
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Nothing is too small to know, and nothing is too big to attempt!
Ivan Montreal Canada
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2003/02/13, 05:54 PM
Ketostix detect keotones in urine, which show that your bodies metabolism is in a state of ketosis, which is the crux of the Atkins no/low carb diet. I'm not aware that ketosis has anything to do with nitrogen, but I'd love to find out.
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2003/02/13, 07:22 PM
If looking for protein secretion, these will work.
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Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
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2003/02/14, 12:12 AM
Cool. So how does it work? If the strip turns color, then your peeing out the protein?
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2003/02/14, 12:31 AM
http://www.accessatlanta.com/shared/health/adam/ency/article/003580.html
I think you may be mistaken. Ketostix detect keotones in urine, which show that your bodies metabolism is in a state of ketosis, which is the crux of the Atkins no/low carb diet.
Unless you are eating less than 30-50 grams of carbs a day, you would never see any color on the stick. I could see why you might want to check to make sure you are not in ketosis if you were cutting carbs to get ripped before a contest.
If you did actually have protien in your urine, then you probably have kidney disease.
I'm going to pursue the nitrogen thing-
http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/protein4.htm-
Protein that's not used as fuel or stored in the body is eliminated, and that causes its own problems. Excess amino acids are converted into urea, a nitrogen-containing waste product that puts a strain on your kidneys.
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2003/02/14, 12:35 AM
Yep, see-
http://health.yahoo.com/health/encyclopedia/003605/0.html
The urine test for nitrogen takes a whole 24 hours worth of urine. Unless you had a hookup at a hospital or doctor, I don't think it would be an appropriate way to look for answers.
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2003/02/14, 01:07 PM
hi carivan juz wanna ask u a question....how long have u been on your 170-200gm protein diet? and u said all ur blood work is within normal ranges but what about your kidney function tests like urine dipstick tests?
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2003/02/14, 04:47 PM
Kidneys are fine, My urine is fine. I have been eating this way since i started resistance training in 2001. My system can actualy handle more than that according to my weight.
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Nothing is too small to know, and nothing is too big to attempt!
Ivan Montreal Canada
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2003/02/14, 05:18 PM
Yes, it's true protein builds nitrogen waste. A lot of functions in your body develop waste. You do that no matter what you eat. However, the function of you kidney is to clear out waste through your urine. That's why it's important to stay hydrated. The more water you drink, the more you urinate, the more often waste gets cleaned out of your body. Sure if you left that nitrogen waste in your kidneys, it probably would damage them.
The article presents its case somewhat improperly. It starts by saying that protein isn't used for energy during exercise. Of course it's not! That's not what it is supposed to do. Carbohydrate is the body's primary energy source, fat being secondary. Protein is not consumed for purposes of energy.
They continue with this:
"Health experts say that at maximum, athletes may require 0.55 to 0.73 grams per pound."
I have never, on fitness websites or otherwise, seen that figure quoted. I'm not sure who the experts they're referring to are, but the prevailing number, one that I see everywhere, including medical studies (the most important place) is 2g protein per kg of bodyweight.
The article mentions that protein is not an efficient fuel source. This is true, but once again, that is not why protein is consumed. It continues to say that protein that is not used will be stored as fat. Yes, but that is true of any calorie source. In fact, the fact that protein requires 2.5 times more calories to digest indicates that it is less likely to be stored as fat than a macronutrient that digests more easily. The bottom line is - if you're burning all your daily calories, the protein will be burned as fuel. Something has to be and dietary protein is more accessible than muscle protein and will be used preferentially.
Finally, protein causing kidney damage is theoretical. Medical studies that indicate that were performed on subjects already possessing some level of renal failure. If high protein diets did cause kidney damage, we would have an epidemic of it in high level atheletes and bodybuilders.
Now, that being said, I'm sure there is a level of protein consumption that does lead to kidney damage, but I think reaching it with any consistency is impractical. I generally consume 1g per pound of bodyweight and never go over 1.5g. I believe this to be a very safe range. I see no need to go outside of it.
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"Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!"
-- Bob Dylan
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