Keto and Kidney Pain

Keto kidney pain has been an issue of debate among those who favor losing weight healthy and those who are skeptical about consuming more fats.

Medical experts often misdiagnose pain in the kidneys as pain in the back.

Any effect on kidney function often gives the keto diet a bad rep. However, it can also occur due to other causes, including kidney infection, kidney stones, bleeding of the kidney, or urinary tract infection.

Moreover, one should always connect with a medical professional before dieting to rule out the risk of food affecting kidney function.

Although the keto diet might seem like a new trend, it has been around since the 1920s, when it helped treat epilepsy. However, now, it is an effective remedy for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and weight loss.

Keto Kidney Pain. Some Hard Facts About Keto Diet

Keto and Kidney Pain

One of the facts to remember about the keto diet is that it mostly reduces the intake of carbohydrates and increases the absorption of protein and fats. However, with that said, there are some facts about the keto diet.

Is the keto diet bad for the kidneys? Let us find out what these facts are.

Muscle Loss is a Possible Side Effect

The issue of muscle loss is still an area requiring more research by diet experts. Some studies suggest that those on the Ketogenic diet lose some muscle even with light training.
However, the fact is that protein alone is not enough for one to gain muscle mass, especially when carbohydrates are not a part of the diet.
At the same time, people on the keto diet lost an equal amount of body fat and muscle as others on a healthy diet.

The Risk of Kidney Stones

A negative effect on kidney functions, including kidney stones, holds the keto diet as the culprit. However, eating processed meats and other animal protein increases the risk of kidney stones and gout.
The reason is that a high protein intake causes the urine to become acidic, increasing calcium and uric acid.
One thing that you need to remember is never to undergo a keto diet, especially if you have kidney disease, as it requires the person to consume low-protein food.

Loss of Electrolysis and Dehydration

Your brain gets its energy from glucose, which comes from consuming carbohydrates. With a low-carb diet, the brain has to depend on Ketones for energy. On the other hand, releasing electrolytes leads to a fall in insulin levels.
As a result, the total body water level decreases as carbohydrates decrease during the ketogenic diet. It leads to keto flu, which leads to constipation, nausea, fatigue, irritability, and other symptoms.

The Possibility of Bad Breath

As a by-product of Ketosis, your breath during the keto diet initially smells a bit fruity.
The lungs and breath remove Acetone, which is a by-product of Ketosis.

However, wait! With so many facts also come some dangerous myths surrounding the Keto diet. Let us now help you get those rumors out of the way.

Keto Kidney Pain – The Myths

Research has backed up the benefits of the Keto diet, with fat helping one reduce weight and maintain optimum health levels. It becomes a reality with carbs removed from the menu.

However, there are some concerns on the other spectrum, especially regarding Keto kidney pain.

One might wonder about the relationship between a high-fat and low-carb diet and kidney function.

We will share with you the two most probable causes of kidney pain during a keto diet.

High Animal Protein Intake

The keto diet is not among the carb diets, so it requires animal protein to consume fat. Animal protein, including cream, butter, pork, eggs, and other dairy products, contains high fat, making them an ideal part of the keto diet.
Unfortunately, a diet rich in animal protein will always lead to increased uric acid and lower citrate and, simultaneously, increased oxalate.

Dehydration

During the keto diet, you often have to reduce hydration, making consuming animal protein all the riskier.
It undoubtedly increases uric acid in the body, which can reach dangerous levels.

Keto Kidney Pain – The Solution

You should consult a registered dietitian before trying any dieting. The dietitians have the proper knowledge about which diet would suit one’s body.

However, in case you are already on the Keto diet and experience kidney pain, below are tips to help you deal with the pain during this diet.

1. Remain Hydrated

Dehydration during the keto diet can easily lead to increased uric acid in the body. Make sure to consume plenty of water, which will also help you get rid of a dry mouth.

Moreover, you can also add a little bit of lemon to the water to prevent the calcium molecules from staying together. It is a practical tip to maintain good kidney health.

2. Say Yes to Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements are effective at decreasing the number of kidney stones. It is also helpful in prolonging the time it takes for kidney stones to form.

3. Consume Kidney Bean Broth

The broth from cooked kidney beans helps boost both kidney and urinary health. It will also help one break down and remove kidney stones that might have formed earlier.