Kidney back pain has been linked to over consumption of protein.

  Many people in Canada and the US suffer from chronic and undiagnosed back pain, and even more experience sudden flare ups of severe pain that occur seemingly without cause. You may assume that your pain is caused from lifting something that was just too heavy or sitting inappropriately for a long period at a computer, but this may not always be the case.

  In today’s society there is a large focus on losing weight and building muscle. People are resorting to some rather off the wall fad eating plans, and while some can be effective for a short period of time, any kind of diet that limits the body’s nutrition can have sometimes strange and unexpected side effects.

  An example that has been coming up recently is the high protein and low carbohydrate diet. Though we have mentioned the dangers of this diet previously, it is important to understand that the issue isn’t eating too much protein, it is consuming much more protein than carbohydrates. Your body needs carbohydrates in order to break down the proteins you consume, and limiting your carbohydrates when consuming large quantities of protein can seriously harm your kidneys. If you are noticing that your lower back hurts after grabbing an extra protein shake or if you eat a big steak the day before, it could be your kidneys causing the pain.

  If you are concerned about eating too much protein, make sure you are balancing it out. Your body actually requires more carbohydrates than protein, the daily breakdown being like a 1 2 3 rule. You need 1 times the fat, 2 times the protein and 3 times the carbohydrates. So, if you know that you’ve consumed 10 g of protein, your body would require 15 g of carbohydrates and just 5 g of fat. Also, if you are bulking up by eating increased protein, remember that you cannot drink enough water! The key to avoiding protein related lower back pain is hydration and moderation.

How to eat when you're trying to bulk up

Building up your muscle mass can be difficult, but consuming the correct types of foods can greatly increase the chances of you being successful. A greater muscle mass is created by breaking down the existing muscle, and then providing your body with the protein and nutrients required to rebuild them with thicker muscle fibers. Exercise is essential, but proper diet is as well.

    A high protein diet is your best bet when getting buff. It is recommended that you intake 1 gram of protein per pound that you weigh, so if you weigh 190 pounds, you would eat 190 grams of protein daily. It is also important that you are consuming complete proteins, rather than incomplete proteins which are commonly found in plants. You will want to stick to the proteins found in fish, eggs, dairy, and meat. Soy and beans can also be a good source of complete proteins, or you can add a protein supplement to your diet if you would find that easier. Whichever way you chose to intake your protein, it is extremely important to drink lots of water along with it. A high protein diet can put a large strain on your liver and kidneys, and proper hydration can help to prevent any serious damage. 

  It is best if you spread out your protein intake. Avoid consuming all your protein in one sitting, and add it to many smaller meals throughout the day. If you are consuming all of your protein at once, your body will not have a chance to use it all up. Your goal is to maintain a high blood protein level throughout your day and night. Drinking sport drinks that contain carbohydrates and proteins during your exercises can also help you spread out your protein intake. You should also consume a high carbohydrate bar or shake within thirty minutes of exercising to replenish your body’s glycogen. Glycogen is essentially your muscle’s energy source, and is found in carbohydrates. Muscle cannot be rebuilt without it, and giving your body that boost of glycogen right after your work out will help.

    Be sure you are consuming lots of vegetables in your diet as well. Broccoli and spinach will provide you with the vitamins your body requires to stay healthy and the more leafy green vegetables like lettuce will ensure you receive enough fiber to keep everything in working order. Avoid sugary processed foods like white bread and cookies whenever possible because they can actually interfere with your body’s glucose levels and affect your immune system. When building muscle it is essentially important to keep your body balanced by consuming everything your body requires and by staying away from the foods that will hinder your progress. 

   Eating properly while building muscle mass is crucial, and the proteins and carbohydrates you consume will be your body’s building blocks for bulking up. Without the proper building blocks your body cannot rebuild the broken down muscles after a work out. Do not forget to constantly hydrate as well, because on a high protein diet, it’s nearly impossible to drink too much water.