Protein Diets Bad For Your Colon?

Protein Diets Bad For Your Colon?

Are high-protein diets unhealthy on your colon?
Andres Rodas works at a butcher shop in Buenos Aires January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
NEW YORK (Reuters Well being) - The high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets many people turn to for weight loss may need doubtlessly harmful long-time period results on the colon, a small research hints.
In a examine of 17 overweight men, UK researchers found that a protein-heavy, low-carb weight-reduction plan created sure adjustments within the colon that could, over time, contribute to colon most cancers threat.
The study appeared solely at short-time period shifts in sure compounds which might be byproducts of metabolism, and not actual illness danger. So it does not show whether high-protein diets really elevate the danger of any colon ailments.
But the findings increase that possibility, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Vitamin.
"The priority raised by our studies is that the chance of colorectal cancer could be raised by lengthy-term adherence to diets which might be excessive in protein and low in carbohydrate, especially fiber," senior researcher Dr. Harry J. Flint, of the University of Aberdeen, told Reuters Health in an e mail.
So what does that mean for individuals who wish to shed extra pounds?
Diets relatively high in protein and decrease in carbs have been shown to help heavy individuals shed pounds. And, Flint and his colleagues point out, obesity is thought to be a threat factor for a number of diseases, together with colon most cancers.
"Folks shouldn't be discouraged from shedding weight, as this affords important well being benefits," Flint said.
Nevertheless, he added, they should guantee that any weight loss plan they comply with contains enough quantities of fiber. Folks should also be aware, Flint stated, that a high protein intake over months to years might have in poor health effects within the colon.
The findings are based on 17 obese men who each adopted three short-term diets: a one-week menu plan designed to keep up their weight; a four-week high-protein food plan with moderate amounts of carbohydrates; and a four-week high-protein diet low in carbs.
The first weight loss program, which allowed about 360 grams of carbs per day, usually supplied cereal, eggs and toast for breakfast; a sandwich and salad for lunch; and chicken, fish or soy, together with pasta, for dinner.
The low-carb diet - which allowed just 22 grams of carbs every day - generally consisted of eggs-and-bacon breakfasts, and lunches and dinners heavy in meat, poultry and fish, along with some vegetables and cheese.

The reasonable-carbohydrate diet allowed 181 grams of carbs every day. Each excessive-protein diets contained simply lower than one hundred forty grams of protein per day.
At the end of every eating regimen interval, Flint's group analyzed fecal samples from the men to look at levels of sure metabolic byproducts.
On common, the research found, when the lads were on the excessive-protein diets, they had increased ranges of substances known as N-nitroso compounds, and sure different metabolites which have been linked to cancer.
And once they have been on the excessive-protein, low-carb food regimen, they'd lowered concentrations of fiber-derived compounds regarded as protecting against most cancers.
Exactly what these adjustments would possibly imply for a person's lengthy-time period health is not clear. However Flint said that the findings suggest that individuals ought to be cautious about consuming too much protein and too little fiber over a prolonged period.
Individuals searching for to shed pounds, he and his colleagues say, ought to remember to get enough fiber of their diets. Typically, experts advocate that adults get about 28 grams of fiber per day - though it's not identified whether that's sufficient for someone on a high-protein weight-loss diet.
Flint and his colleagues are presently studying that question.
SUPPLY: /eaIyu4 American Journal of Clinical Vitamin, online March 9, 2011.
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EXTRA FROM REUTERS