Do you need extra water on a high-protein diet? A nutritionist explains

Water, as we all know, is essential for our survival. It keeps us hydrated, supports our bodily functions, and helps maintain our overall well-being. While we’re constantly told to drink enough 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 it’s even more important to stay hydrated when you’re eating more protein. His take? “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!
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He explained that a high-protein diet can put extra strain on the kidneys, as the body produces more waste, such as urea, that needs to be excreted. This makes it even more important to hydrate adequately to ensure kidney function efficiently. Consuming excessive amounts of protein can also challenge your digestive system. Amita Gadre explains that if you are eating more than 25 grams of protein in one meal, your body may struggle to digest it in one go. By gradually increasing your protein intake, you give your digestive system time to adjust and process the protein load more effectively. Naturally, this requires increasing your water intake as well.
Also read: High-Protein Recipes: 5 Vegetarian Recipes Rich in Protein and Ideal for Desi Lunches
Another important reason to drink more water along with a high-protein diet is to aid in muscle maintenance. Whether you’re increasing protein to promote muscle growth or speed up recovery, staying hydrated is essential. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and even interfere with muscle protein synthesis, slowing your progress. In the video, Amita Gadre said, “When you’re increasing protein to aid muscle growth or recovery, you need to make sure that your muscles are well hydrated.” He concluded, “So the next time you grab that protein, remember: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.”

Did you drink enough water today? Let us know in the comments below!