What happens if you eat too much protein?

tennisdude2004

Actually it's not rubbish. Excess protein consumption CAN cause kidney problems. Don't dismiss this just because it doesn't fit your experience. It may not happen with everyone, but it can occur, especially in people who may have other health complications (which they may or may not be aware of) - which is many people on this site.

Edited to add: I agree that most people shouldn't have to worry about it - most people don't eat over 25-35% of calories from protein unless they're really trying... which is the higher end of the recommended consumption. That said, it's just not a good idea to outright dismiss the possibility of complications when they *can* happen.

^^ This. 100% agree. Most people don't have to worry unless they go on those ridiculous "all-meat" diets. But an extreme excess in protein can cause kidney stones and liver problems such as ketosis.

Not sure ketosis is a liver problem. lol

Never said it was a problem with your liver. Ketosis is caused by the liver's reaction to the diet.

" During prolonged fasting or starvation, or as the intentional result of a ketogenic diet, acetyl-CoA in the liver is used to produce ketone bodies instead, leading to a state of ketosis."

Sorry, my mistake I read - 'liver problems such as ketosis' as ' liver problems such as ketosis'.

I see where I went wrong.

Also how does protein cause kidney stones?

Ignoring the sarcasm, I'll provide a link from the Harvard health blog.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-steps-for-preventing-kidney-stones-201310046721

"Limit animal protein: Eating too much animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, boosts the level of uric acid and could lead to kidney stones. A high-protein diet also reduces levels of citrate, the chemical in urine that helps prevent stones from forming. If you’re prone to stones, limit your daily meat intake to a quantity that is no bigger than a pack of playing cards. This is also a heart-healthy portion."

Very interesting article, but I would suggest that it is opinion rather than proven fact.

Also agreed excessive uric acid can be problematic in a diet and can certainly cause issues such as gout.

A study has shown that dietary protein actually increases uric acid excretion and it is possible that it's the liver being overloaded with fructose, which is more the cause of increased uric acid levels, as uric acid levels spike and it actually decreases uric acid excretion!

I think there is still a lot of uncertainty about the actual cause of kidney stones, but I am not sure it is excessive protein (yet to be convinced).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7424639

J72FIT

Does anything bad happen if you eat too much protein in your diet but you are under your target calories, carbs, and fat?
Thanks!

If your kidneys are fine and you are not eating in a surplus of overall calories... nothing.

Luv2eatSweets

I'm completely new to the whole protein intake. I'm pescatarian which makes it a bit tough sometimes to find sources of protein. Actually I shouldn't say that...it's a case of running out of ideas. The last week I bought a protein powder. I did invest in some bars as well. I asked a couple of folks if it is ok for me to take them without a lot of exercise, as long as I stayed within my calories. (The reason I can't exercise as well as the average person is due to a prosthetic that I am still getting used to.) They all said yes thats fine. Soo anywho I spent all day yesterday feeling like I needed to give birth to something ungodly huge. It still hasn't budged. I'm drinking tons of water hoping that it will sort it's way out. Now this is my experience with the added protein...I'm not saying it will happen to everyone, but I did want to put it out there that it can happen.

Most protein bars have whey and/or casein as the protein source. Both are milk products that may not fit in with pescatarian ideals. Vegetarian protein powders (eg. rice, soy, hemp) would work for your dietary choice. There are also vegetarian protein snacks available at health food stores. You can supplement with protein either powder, bars, or snacks anytime with or without the exercise. The bars are a somewhat healthier choice than a regular chocolate bar but pay attention to the carb:protein ratio otherwise you are just eating a glorified candy bar. You could try adding 2 to 4 prunes daily to your diet to help with the extra protein.

Thank you for the prunes idea...I will incorporate that into my day. I did buy vegetarian powder. I'm guessing that my body just hasn't adjusted as well as I was hoping. Once I have expelled the demon I will lower/monitor my intake closely.

SKME2013

My protein goal per day was 158g yesterday and I ate 156g. I try and get as much protein as possible as I do tons of sports including weight lifting.
Stef.

Confuzzled4ever

My goals is 160. 40% of my intake. I love it. I feel amazing when I hit it. I'm not hungry.

The only time I change it up is on a hiking day. Even then I just do 30p/40c/30f instead of 40p/30c/30f