Too Much Protein Symptoms: Exploring the Impact on Your Health
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Proteins are key nutrients that we need for good health. They give our bodies energy. They also build and help maintain our cells, organs, and tissues strong. But too much of them can harm our health. In this article we will discuss problems caused by excessive protein intake. We aim to help you manage your protein intake for the best health possible.
We will discuss in detail the importance of proteins, the right amount to eat, the possible issues if you overeat, and how high-protein diets affect health. We will also guide you on when you should seek help if you feel unwell due to too much protein intake. Also, we will discuss the precautions for people who might be at risk.
Proteins are key for many functions in the body. They act as the building blocks for our body. They help to build and repair our tissues, keep our muscle mass strong, and play numerous other important roles which are described below.
Deciding on the right amount of protein depends on many things. General instructions are there, of course. But they might not suit everyone. The factors that one should consider are as follows.
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Too much protein can cause health problems both now and later. We must know how to spot these issues. They can be mild or serious based on how much you overeat.
If you eat more protein than you burn off (without working out, for example), you might gain weight. That’s because the extra protein turns into fat.
When your diet lacks carbohydrates, your body starts using proteins and fat for energy. This state is called ketosis. This makes chemicals called ketones in your body. These can make your breath smell fruity or like nail polish .
Diets high in protein but low in fiber can cause constipation. If you eat lots of water and high-fiber foods, this could be less of a problem.
Eating too much dairy or processed meats can give some people diarrhoea. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water may help here.
To use protein for energy, our body needs more water. This increases the need to drink more water, or we could get dehydrated.
High-protein diets haven’t been tied to kidney issues in healthy people. But those with existing kidney issues should be careful. Long-term high-protein diets can make these issues worse. It can also overwhelm the kidneys.
Eating more protein can raise calcium and uric acid levels in urine. This can make you more likely to get kidney stones.
More protein means the kidneys have to work harder. This can damage normal kidney function over time. This is especially true if you already have a kidney issue.
Eating a lot of red and processed meats for protein can increase cancer risk. This includes cancers like breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
A diet high in red meat and fatty dairy items can pose an increased heart disease risk. This is thanks to the high saturated fat and cholesterol levels in these foods.
Eating too much animal protein has been linked to losing more calcium in urine. This could weaken the bones and cause osteoporosis. Although this is still being explored, and no clear decision has been made regarding it.
Being poisoned by protein and having too much protein can harm your health. But they are not the same thing. It is important to understand what they mean and how they differ.
Protein poisoning happens when someone eats a lot of protein without enough fats or carbohydrates. This leads to malnutrition even if you’re getting enough total protein. Nausea, headache, mood swings, and fatigue are some common symptoms.
Protein toxicity, on the other hand, is a buildup of harmful leftovers when our body uses protein. This happens when we eat too much protein, and our kidneys can’t remove all of the waste that’s been made. It is often seen in those with kidney disease or weak kidney function. Also, those who eat way too much protein for their body to handle are at risk.
High-protein diets have gained popularity recently as they help lose weight and feel full. But, it’s also key to weigh their pros and cons before you change your diet too much.
Atkins, keto, paleo, and the carnivore diet are some well-known high-protein diets. Although they all stress on eating more protein, their carbohydrate and fat content varies. These diets could improve muscle mass, aid in weight loss, make you feel full, and help manage blood sugar.
On the downside, excess protein could lead to higher levels of ammonia, urea, and amino acids in the blood. It can also overwork the liver and kidneys. High-protein diets that rely on animal proteins may increase heart disease risk, certain types of cancer, and calcium loss. Please check with a health professional before starting a high-protein diet. This is more important if you have a current health condition or special dietary requirements.
If you feel off due to too much protein, contact your doctor. He or she can uncover why you feel the way you do and suggest the right treatment plan for you. Sometimes, lifestyle changes or medicines are needed to control the effects of overeating protein.
People having current health issues, such as kidney disease, liver problems, or digestive disorders, should see their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before switching to a high-protein diet. These steps can help maintain the best health possible while reducing the risk of issues caused by too much protein.
While eating proteins, the quality and source matter a lot. Both animal proteins and plant proteins have their pros and cons. It is crucial to choose the most nutritious options to stay healthy.
Though both types provide ample essential amino acids, the choice should be made wisely. Skip the fat and go for lean cuts of meat, choose poultry over red meat, and eat a variety of plant-based proteins such as beans, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
Some people face greater risks when they eat too much proteins. They might have kidney problems or certain health conditions, and they would need to check their protein intake more closely to keep their best health.
For those with kidney disease, eating too much protein can worsen their kidney issues by adding more work to their already taxed kidneys. People having specific health conditions, like liver issues or digestive disorders, must also check their protein intake. This can help them avoid any further complications. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting a high-protein diet.
Getting the right amount of protein is vital for good health. Eating too much protein can cause issues, which means you need to have a balance in your daily food intake.
Knowing how to detect the signs of too much protein and asking for help when needed is key to maintaining your health. By sticking to daily protein intake rules, choosing high-quality sources, and taking care of your special needs, you can eat a diet that gives you all you need and keeps you healthy.
The right amount of protein varies based on age, weight, and how active you are. Most adults shouldn’t eat over 2 grams of protein for each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of their body weight per day.
Eating 200g of protein per day is usually too much for most people. If you eat that much in one day, it’s best to eat less protein for the next few days.
Signs you’re eating too much protein can include weight gain, fruity breath, constipation, diarrhoea, dehydration, kidney damage, higher cancer risk, and heart disease.
The best way to get rid of extra proteins in the body is to adjust your diet by limiting your protein intake and ensuring balanced nutrients. Also, drink more water and eat plenty of fiber. You might need medical help if you’re feeling very unwell due to the overeating of protein.
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