"Kidneys process and break down proteins. An excessively increased amount of protein intake causes the organ to work harder to compensate. Overuse of protein powders can lead to developing kidney stones and kidney failure," Ajay Choudhary, nephrologist, told IANS.
He said that in India about 40 per cent of youngsters suffer from hypertension, obesity or diabetes or are smokers - all of which lead to kidney stones, infection and diabetic kidney disease. Many add to their health condition by taking protein supplements without proper advice, which could be dangerous.
"Many young men take protein supplements like protein shakes, protein pills, anabolic steroids as it gives them biceps, six packs in a short duration. But this leads gradually to kidney failure. Many don't realise this. Kidney disease hardly shows any symptoms until it has progressed to such an extent that dialysis remains the only option," Harsha Jauhari, chairman, renal surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.
