High-Protein Diets May Contribute to Neurological Disorders, New Findings Suggest

High-protein diets, often praised for weight loss and muscular growth, could have dark sides. Recent research considers such diets to be among the dietary factors contributing to neurological disorders. A new study by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) describes high protein intake—specifically, the consumption of large amounts of animal proteins—as being connected to dangers in brain health and cognitive capacity.

The Study: Potential Toxicity Risks Associated with High-Protein Diets

High protein intake could increase the risks of serious neurological disorders. The UNIGE study was focused on how excess protein affects the body. According to the researchers, excess protein intake increases ammonium in the body. This ammonia can accumulate especially when the liver is unable to clean it out. If the liver cannot effectively control this ammonia, then the patient may fall into very severe conditions like a coma. The study says that high-protein diets can be harmful, especially for people with liver problems or metabolic diseases.

The scientists put into several models of mice high-protein diets, like those that would have been eaten during the Paleolithic era. They found that normal mice tolerated the added protein intake quite well, but the mice lacking an enzyme called glutamate dehydrogenase could not tolerate the added ammonia. Those researchers found that even small dietary shifts could be a problem for these animals.

The Link Between High-Protein Diets and Cognitive Decline

Much protein in the body will lead to cognitive decline. According to the findings, high levels of ammonia affect brain function. The proper functioning of the brain depends on a balanced mixture of nutrients. An imbalance is created if the levels of protein are abnormally high. In the long run, it results in cognitive impairment, just as when the levels of carbohydrates are low. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body. Such a diet causes brain fog and a lack of clear thinking.

On the contrary, studies have shown that a balanced carb diet can promote brain health. Combining proteins and carbohydrates in the diet helps offer nutrients necessary for enhancing cognitive functions. Therefore, when there are too many proteins, this balance is disturbed, giving results such as memory and learning issues.

The Impact of High Salt Intake on Brain Function

Excess salt consumption is also no less damaging to the functioning of the brain. Excessive salt intake can trigger pathways in the brain responsible for causing cognitive decline. Such activation might give rise to inflammation and, over time, even neurodegeneration. Studies have shown that excessive salt in the diet over a long time can lead to some conditions, including hypertension and heart diseases, which then affect brain health.

Furthermore, sodium presence in the body might compromise the use of proper nutrients by the brain. High levels of sodium have an effect on the human brain, as it deprives the brain of the most important nutrients for proper performance. It is a vicious cycle, in which high salt input causes poor nutrient absorption and further cognitive decline.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet for Better Brain Health

A healthy diet is essential for good brain health. Therefore, it supports the various functions of the brain and ensures its proper nourishment. Consuming a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats helps impact favorably on one’s cognitive functions. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats should comprise most of most meals.

On the contrary, high intakes of sugars and saturated fats are deleterious to the health of the brain. A diet having high sugar content would cause inflammation as well as insulin resistance, while a high intake of saturated fats can be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, saturated fats tend to affect brain functioning and reduce the ability to reason as well as think properly.

A good, healthy diet will stave off neurological diseases. Integrate whole foods, and minimize processed ones as a means to control the amounts of protein and salt. Consistent meal patterns with varieties of all food groups support cognitive health.

Thus, new findings from the University of Geneva draw more attention to the potential risks of high-protein diets and add significance to raising awareness of how these diets may affect brain health. In this case, cumulating evidence indicates a very strong association between high protein intake and a predisposition to neurological disorders. Therefore, it is important for one to strive to eat a balanced diet in order for people to be protected from cognitive decline and maintain optimal brain function.

Reference: “Dietary protein load affects the energy and nitrogen balance requiring liver glutamate dehydrogenase to maintain physical activity” by Karolina Luczkowska, Yan Zhou, Angela M. Ramos-Lobo, Thierry Brun and Pierre Maechler, 13 June 2024, Journal of Biological Chemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107473