What might be a concern with high protein diets regarding kidney health?

High protein diets can lead to increased kidney excretion, particularly of nitrogenous waste products such as urea that are generated from the breakdown of proteins. When protein intake is elevated, the kidneys often work harder to filter out these byproducts and maintain homeostasis. This increased workload may be a concern for individuals who already have compromised kidney function or are at risk for kidney disease.

In healthy individuals, the kidneys typically manage increased protein intake without significant issues. However, chronic high protein consumption can place additional stress on the kidneys over time, which may lead to potential concerns if kidney health is already undermined by other factors.

Other options, while they relate to kidney health, do not directly address the implications of high protein intake as clearly as the concern regarding excretion does. Increased kidney stones can be related to various dietary factors but are not solely attributable to protein intake. Decreased kidney function is a broader concern that can result from many different factors, not just protein consumption. Similarly, kidney inflammation can arise from various causes and is not explicitly linked to high protein diets.