First thing that we are told in any weight loss or bodybuilding diet is to increase the amount of protein ingested. There are various protein shakes available, but the emphasize is also on natural, rich in protein products, like various meats and dairy. Those are the two most popular food types associated with high protein content.

I would agree that increased protein intake is vital in any diet which is supposed to get you in better shape, however as I have found out myself there could be nasty consequences if you won't do it right.

Gout Arthritis

Yes, you've seen it right. If you'll abuse your body by ingesting too much bad (fat meat, red meat, processed meat) animal protein you might develop arthritis. It is caused by storage of uric acid crystals in your joints, which cause inflammation and pain. If untreated it could lead to swelling and eventually lost of function of your joints and then you would need to seek professional help.

So what exactly is uric acid and how does it get to my body?

Uric acid is abundant in certain food which we would ingest as a part of high protein diet. So if you consume lots of red meat, processed meat, shellfish and high fat dairy chances are you're building up uric acid crystal deposits.

But what if I want to build up muscle or lose weight and high protein diet is a must for me?

Good news is that high protein diet doesn't have to include those potentially dangerous item. In modern day and age we have access to millions of low-fat products, which are still high in protein and you can replace the ones you're consuming right now with low-fat alternatives.

When it comes to unhealthy meats my advice is to either completely remove them from the menu, or consume them very rarely. There are different types of healthy and lean meats and fish available on the market and in the long run you'll be better of eating them.

It's not only arthritis which could be affecting you. If you'll stay on red meat diet in few years you might develop cholesterol and blood pressure problems leading to heart disease. So I'd suggest you'll look on the diet problem from bigger perspective.

What else can I do to avoid problems?

Lookup foods which are proven to reduce the uric acid levels like fatty fish and include them in your diet. You might want to start taking food supplements like cod liver oil and calcium to strengthen your bones and joints. And finally drink lot of green tea (3-4 cups a day). You can only benefit from this.

Finally a balanced diet is what you really need. Our bodies need to be in balance and one way of achieving this is to monitor what you ingest. Remember we have only one set of joints and it's wise to take good care of them.

Please note.

All the advice included in this article is for educational purpose only and shouldn't be considered a substitute for treatment. If you're struggling with any of the conditions mentioned here please consult your doctor.