What symptom can become more severe due to excessive protein intake in advanced kidney disease patients?

In patients with advanced kidney disease, excessive protein intake can lead to a worsening of uremia. Uremia is a condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter waste products from the blood. When a person consumes a high-protein diet, the body produces more nitrogenous waste as protein is metabolized, which puts additional strain on the already compromised kidneys. This can cause an accumulation of waste products in the blood, exacerbating uremic symptoms, which may include nausea, fatigue, confusion, and itching.

Managing protein intake is important for these patients to help minimize the buildup of toxins and prevent the progression of uremia. Therefore, understanding this connection helps healthcare providers offer more appropriate dietary recommendations to patients with advanced kidney disease.