Too much protein harms your kidneys

The Myth: "High-protein diets destroy your kidneys and cause long-term damage."

The Reality Check: Your kidneys are not made of tissue paper.

If you have existing kidney disease, then yes, protein restriction matters—a lot. But if you're healthy? Your kidneys are literally built to filter nitrogen waste from protein. They're actually pretty good at their job.

The Mayo Clinic confirms what nutrition science has known for years: higher protein diets do not impair kidney function in healthy individuals. Your kidneys can handle way more than that extra scoop of dal or handful of nuts you're worried about.

What's Really Happening: When you consistently fall short of protein needs, you get fatigue, slow recovery, and poor immunity—symptoms most people ignore because they develop gradually.

The Smart Approach: Add protein mindfully through dals, curd, and soy-based meals. If you're genuinely concerned about your kidney health, get them checked by a doctor instead of avoiding protein based on internet fear-mongering.

Need to know your actual protein requirements? Read: How Much Protein Do You Really Need Every Day?

Balance is key. You don't need to overcorrect and start chugging protein shakes—just make every meal count toward your daily needs.

Bottom Line: Your healthy kidneys can handle adequate protein intake. What they can't handle is you being malnourished because you're scared of a myth.