Is High Protein Intake Bad For Lupus Patients

Is high protein intake for lupus patients? When it comes to lupus, Lupus Nephritis is one of its complications we need to mention. Lupus Nephritis refers to kidney problem caused by lupus. Therefore, once being diagnosed with lupus, protecting kidneys from being damaged in advance will be necessary. And to achieve this purpose, ingesting proper protein is very important.

High protein intake is bad for lupus patients

To protect kidneys from being damaged, finding a proper protein intake is necessary. When seeing this sentence, some people may wounder how protein intake is related with kidney and Lupus Nephritis. As for this point, I’d like to say kidney helps us keep protein in the body while filtering blood. Kidney is a filter organ and responsible for filtering blood. During this process, not only waste products can be discharged effectively, nutrition like protein can be kept in the body. Besides, urea nitrogen will be produced when protein is metabolised in our body and it is normally discharged through our kidneys. High protein intake will increase kidney burden, which is harmful for our kidneys. For lupus patients, they are running higher risk for lupus kidney disease, so it is necessary for them to avoid any factors that may cause damages on kidney.

How much protein should a lupus patient ingest everyday?

Since high protein intake is harmful for kidneys, well then, how much protein should a lupus patient ingest everyday?

For lupus patients with healthy kidneys, 0.8-1.4g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is necessary and this is based on their daily physical activity. If they are vigorously active people, they can ingest more and if they are inactive people, less protein will be needed. 

Beside, for people with Lupus Nephritis, they also need to adjust their protein intake according to the exact condition and this is usually based on their kidney condition. For instance, if their kidneys are injured mildly, 0.6-0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day will be ok. However, if their kidneys have been damaged seriously but still have not started dialysis, 0.2-0.4g of protein per kilogram of body weight is needed. And for these who are on dialysis, they need to ingest more protein (usually 1.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day), as some of these protein might be removed during dialysis. Besides, try to ingest some high quality protein which can provide our body the essential nutrition and meanwhile produce less wastes. 

Kidney is an important organ with multiple functions. Kidney failure may occur due to different conditions or illnesses and lupus is just one of the causes. For lupus patients, if their kidneys have been affected, bringing lupus into normally firstly and then repairing kidney damages to improve kidney function will be imperative; otherwise, dialysis and kidney transplant will be the final choice for them to sustain their life.