“High protein diets, known as ‘Paleolithic diets‘, are popular…While effective in regulating weight and stabilizing diabetes, these diets are not without risks. Excess protein greatly increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver. Excess ammonium can cause neurological (nerve) disorders and, in severe cases, lead to coma. These results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggest caution when following these diets. Science Daily-dated July 17, 2024| Retrieved, August 10, 2024
The Situation
Within the fitness industry-using Jamaica as reference- there exist the popular narrative of high protein consumption to fuel muscle muscle tissue repair & thickness (hypertrophy). This narrative is heavily pushed by ‘fitness professionals’, as well as fitness influencers on social media. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not against protein consumption. What I’m against is the irresponsibility if you will, of these said fitness industry personnel, not including a caveat in their messages. Similar to a caveat message included in the marketing of alcohol (“Drink Responsibly”), similar should be the case for protein-rich diets marketing (“Eat Consciously”).
Ethics Being Eroded for Attention & Profits?
In my view, the lack of regulation governing the health & fitness industry (Multinationally), is a major factor for the continuing erosion of ethics, and ethical standards by ‘fitness professionals’ as influencers, and similar. In a world of attention-grabbing, visually-appealing content leading the way of social behavior conform, and business profitability increase; backed by the lack of industry regulation & enforcement, the health risks posed to the population–such as those with elevated risk of protein metabolism challenges–is not likely to subside any time soon.
Your Consumption of Protein like other Nutrients Should Abide By The Principle of Relative Moderation
“Eat in Moderation”, you should’ve heard of this phrase. Well to go a bit further, you should “Eat in Relative Moderation”. You have different physiologic requirements than me. Your: age, sex, physical activity status, daily diet, body composition, down to your DNA is different than mine. On this basis alone, your dietary needs specifically for protein, should be moderated with these factors mentioned (and non-mentioned) in mind. And in the context of your meals, or desired meals, should be designed & communicated to you, with these & other factors in mind.
Too little of a good thing, is bad for you. Too much of a good thing, is also bad for you. Your consumption of high protein diets can be good. However, you must take into consideration your individual needs & risk status. Eat in Relative Moderation. Eat Consciously.
About The Author
Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.
