Low Protein Foods

Low protein diet is prescribed to people with kidney or liver problems. 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, i.e. urea is thrown out. However, in case there are problems with the liver, then body finds it difficult to metabolize proteins. 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 all the time. 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.

Foods Low in 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 low in protein. Using foods low in protein, one can efficiently design a low protein diet menu. Before we turn to the foods low in protein, I would like to bring it to your notice, that people who are advised low protein diet should also reduce their sodium intake.

Soups
One of the low protein foods is soups made with the use of minimal protein in it. 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.

Salads
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 in your salad, then you can opt to add cottage cheese made from low fat cow milk, which comparatively has lower amounts of protein in it. Likewise, if you like non vegetarian fare, then you can use fish in smaller quantities.

Pasta
Pasta is also a food 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.

Rice
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.

Sandwich
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 to the sandwich. Similarly, you can add low fat cheese to the sandwich, 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.

Fruits
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.

Now that you know the foods low in protein, you can include them in your diet. 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.