Water, as we all know, is essential for our survival. It keeps us hydrated, supports our bodily functions, and helps maintain our overall health. While we’re told to drink plenty of water throughout the day, the importance of hydration becomes even more apparent when it comes to a high-protein diet. In a recent Instagram video, nutritionist Amita Gadre explained why staying hydrated is even more important when you’re eating more protein. Take it? “If you’re increasing your protein intake, do you need to drink more water? Absolutely, yes!” Curious to know why? Watch the video to find out!
Also read: 11 Ways to Get Enough Protein in Your Diet
He explained that a high-protein diet can put extra stress on the kidneys, as the body produces more waste, like urea, that needs to be flushed out. This makes it even more important to hydrate properly to ensure the kidneys are working efficiently. Consuming too much protein can also challenge your digestive system. Amita Gadre points out that if you eat more than 25 grams of protein in a single meal, your body may struggle to digest it all at once. By gradually increasing your protein intake, you give your digestive system time to adjust to and process the protein load more efficiently. Naturally, this also requires increasing your water intake.
Also read: High-Protein Recipes: 5 Protein-Loaded Vegetarian Dishes Perfect for a Desi Lunch
Another important reason to drink more water with a high-protein diet is to help with muscle maintenance. Whether you’re adding protein to promote muscle growth or speed recovery, staying hydrated is important. Dehydration can cause muscle soreness, fatigue, and even inhibit muscle protein synthesis, slowing your growth. In the video, Amita Gadre said, “When you’re increasing protein to aid in muscle growth or recovery, you need to make sure your muscles are well hydrated.” He concludes, “So the next time you load up on that protein, remember: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.”Have you drunk enough water today? Let us know in the comments below!