Such thing as too much protein?

Yes there are risks to eating too much protein:
1. The body will take excess protein that it does not need and store it as fat.
2. Too much protein has been proven to cause cancer, especially animal based protein. (Source: "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell)
3. Too much protein may damage the kidneys.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/434329-the-dangers-of-too-much-protein/

The World Health Organization recommends a daily requirement of 0.8 mg of protein per kg of body weight. For those who are overweight, their ideal weight may be used. This requirement is a target rather than an upper or lower limit.

There are two very good resources to compare different diets, including high protein diets such as Paleo, Dukan, and Medifast.
1. "The Diet Selector" by Judith Rodriguez.
2. U.S. News and World Reports:
http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets

Please explain how the body stores excess protein in a caloric deficit?

Also, are you serious using The China Study, one of the most ripped apart and debunked studies ever, as a source of info?? lol

Between that and Livestrong and other books and article, you may want to consider getting your info from more credible sources.

The exact metabolic processes of converting protein into stored fat is complex, but my understanding is that your body first has to discard the excess nitrogen in your urine and then stores the carbon just like any other carbo or fat.

In real world scenarios where we're not talking about a diet consisting of 100% protein, excess protein intake will increase protein oxidation and blunt the oxidation of fat carbs and you get fat indirectly.

Should have added in my original post... what about if one was to get a high amount of protein from protein shakes? I don't eat much meat, so if I was to up my protein intake, this would be how I'd do it. I just want to make sure I'm not going to damage my liver/kidney.

Can you quantify this and state how many grams of protein you are going to consume?

Should have added in my original post... what about if one was to get a high amount of protein from protein shakes? I don't eat much meat, so if I was to up my protein intake, this would be how I'd do it. I just want to make sure I'm not going to damage my liver/kidney.

Can you quantify this and state how many grams of protein you are going to consume?

150-200g? I think, anyway. I've never done it before.

That's quite a bit but not dangerously so. Why so much? What rationale or formula are you using to determine you protein and overall macronutrient mix?

Should have added in my original post... what about if one was to get a high amount of protein from protein shakes? I don't eat much meat, so if I was to up my protein intake, this would be how I'd do it. I just want to make sure I'm not going to damage my liver/kidney.

Can you quantify this and state how many grams of protein you are going to consume?

150-200g? I think, anyway. I've never done it before.

That's quite a bit but not dangerously so. Why so much? What rationale or formula are you using to determine you protein and overall macronutrient mix?

Mainly because my diet is mostly all carbs and I'm tired of it, and I don't get to eat much meat anyway. It was just a rough idea... Would you recommend less?

I agree with SideSteel's post above. Probably more than you need. I am 5'9" and 200 and I intake 162 grams per day as a target to maintian LBM. There is some great info for setting your macro targets here:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

A general rule of thumb for an actively exercising person is minimum of 1 gram per lb of lean body mass for protein.

What if you added protein powder/ate protein for every meal? What are the side effects of consuming too much?

Or...
Are there any negative consequences from eating a very high protein diet?

too much of anything is not good. Your body will have to convert the excess proteins to energy and discard the nitrogen. I'm no expert, but I think this puts an extra load on your kidneys and liver.

I thought this too. Surely too much protein can't be good.

Again, not an expert either, but I know that protein can come out in your urine if you eat a lot of it, that doesn't sound good to me?

If I remember rightly, you are eating 1200 calories a day.

You will not be eating too much protein on just 1200 calories a day.

Do you think it's impossible to eat too much protein on only 1200 calories per day?

If they consume 100% protein, no, But it would pretty difficult for someone to naturally consume just protein, and no fats or carbs.

In a balanced diet - yes.
Even if they had 1 third of calories in Protein, fats and carbs, that would only be 100g of protein.

Well, yeah. But, wouldn't by definition a "balanced diet" mean you weren't getting too much or too little of anything?

What if you added protein powder/ate protein for every meal? What are the side effects of consuming too much?

Or...
Are there any negative consequences from eating a very high protein diet?

too much of anything is not good. Your body will have to convert the excess proteins to energy and discard the nitrogen. I'm no expert, but I think this puts an extra load on your kidneys and liver.

I thought this too. Surely too much protein can't be good.

Again, not an expert either, but I know that protein can come out in your urine if you eat a lot of it, that doesn't sound good to me?

If I remember rightly, you are eating 1200 calories a day.

You will not be eating too much protein on just 1200 calories a day.

Do you think it's impossible to eat too much protein on only 1200 calories per day?

If they consume 100% protein, no, But it would pretty difficult for someone to naturally consume just protein, and no fats or carbs.

In a balanced diet - yes.
Even if they had 1 third of calories in Protein, fats and carbs, that would only be 100g of protein.

Well, yeah. But, wouldn't by definition a "balanced diet" mean you weren't getting too much or too little of anything?

Yes, but my assumption was, that someone eating a 1200 diet would be trying to make it as nutirtionally balanced as possible, not trying to make it 100% protein, with no fats and carbs.

You just have to make sure you're not consuming too many calories with the protein as excess protein will be stored as fat in your body.

What if you added protein powder/ate protein for every meal? What are the side effects of consuming too much?

Or...
Are there any negative consequences from eating a very high protein diet?

too much of anything is not good. Your body will have to convert the excess proteins to energy and discard the nitrogen. I'm no expert, but I think this puts an extra load on your kidneys and liver.

I thought this too. Surely too much protein can't be good.

Again, not an expert either, but I know that protein can come out in your urine if you eat a lot of it, that doesn't sound good to me?

If I remember rightly, you are eating 1200 calories a day.

You will not be eating too much protein on just 1200 calories a day.

Do you think it's impossible to eat too much protein on only 1200 calories per day?

If they consume 100% protein, no, But it would pretty difficult for someone to naturally consume just protein, and no fats or carbs.

In a balanced diet - yes.
Even if they had 1 third of calories in Protein, fats and carbs, that would only be 100g of protein.

Well, yeah. But, wouldn't by definition a "balanced diet" mean you weren't getting too much or too little of anything?

Yes, but my assumption was, that someone eating a 1200 diet would be trying to make it as nutirtionally balanced as possible, not trying to make it 100% protein, with no fats and carbs.

I see. Not exactly what the OP asked, but I understand.

From Men's Fitness Magazine -- hardly a vegan journal

Protein: A Guide to Maximum Muscle
Confused? Let us separate the gristle from the meat.

By Samantha Heller, R.D.

If you want to build muscle or lose weight, there's nothing more important you can add to your diet than protein. But the concept of "protein" can be confusing, even to me, and I'm a nutritionist. Between all those pro and con news reports, the protein-boosting supplements, and the myths you hear at the gym, it's tough to figure out the truth. That's why we're stepping into the ring: to help you separate protein fact from protein fiction, once and for all.
How much protein does the average guy need?
Depends on whether you work out or not and how strenuous your workouts actually are. Your average desk-bound male requires just 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
But exercise can nearly double those requirements. For endurance athletes, Peter Lemon, a professor of exercise nutrition at the University of Western Ontario, recommends getting between 0.5 and 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight. "For strength athletes, those numbers are even higher--generally between 0.7 and 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight," he says. If you've been shooting for a gram of protein per pound of body weight--or more--you're overdoing it. Your body won't be able to process those extra calories, and they'll ultimately end up as just one thing: fat.
Will cutting carbs help my muscles grow faster?
Short answer: no. As effective as high-protein diets are for losing weight, you still need carbs and fat for maximum muscle growth. Your body uses carbs for energy during exercise. If your cache of carbs is low, your body will use protein as an alternate fuel source, and your muscles won't grow as much as they would if you were feeding them a cocktail of protein and carbs. As for the fat, it's vital for the production of muscle-building testosterone. (Studies show that guys who eat higher-fat diets also have higher testosterone levels.)
Could eating too much protein be dangerous?
There's research suggesting that too much protein can leave you dehydrated and may increase your risk for gout, kidney stones, and osteoporosis, as well as some forms of cancer. But studies have also shown that too much of anything, from vitamins to water, can be bad for your health. The bottom line? Excess carbs and fat are still associated with health risks, but the success of high-protein diets is no excuse to scarf down a whole pig or an entire side of beef. Keep your appetite in check, though, and a high-protein diet should not negatively impact your health.
Should I consider taking a protein supplement?
Yes--if you aren't getting the amount of protein your body requires based on your activity level. You can check nutrition labels and add up grams of protein on your own, or just remember the numbers 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 to roughly estimate protein intake. (That's 1 gram of protein for every serving of fruit and vegetables, 5 for every egg or handful of nuts you eat, 10 for every cup of milk or yogurt, 15 for every cup of beans or half-cup of cottage cheese, and 25 for every 3-4 ounce serving of meat.)
When's the best time to drink a protein shake?
Although it can vary by brand, most experts recommend taking protein in two servings: one an hour or so before your workout to tank off your body's energy reserves, and another dose immediately after you work out to help repair muscle damage and fuel the growth of new muscles.
Which is the better protein supplement: whey or casein?
Surprisingly, blending both types of protein together and taking them as a mixture may provide better benefits than taking either one alone. French researchers recently discovered that casein supplies a much steadier stream of amino acids to the body--much like a complex carbohydrate, which breaks down slowly in the body. Whey, on the other hand, is absorbed more quickly and provides a more immediate supply of amino acids to the body (much like a simple carbohydrate). It makes sense then that a combination of whey and casein would supply the body with the maximum dose of amino acids needed for both immediate and long-term muscle growth. (Can't find a blend you like? Buy your favorite whey and casein supplements and mix 'em together.)
Is there any benefit to getting protein from bars or shakes instead of whole foods?
No. Shakes and protein bars might make it easier to meet your daily protein requirements, but in the end, high-protein foods like meat, eggs, peanut butter, and nuts may actually be more satisfying because they have higher fat content and take longer to digest than shakes or bars.
What happens if I don't get all the protein I need? Will my muscles shrink?
Absolutely not. If you're eating an appropriate amount of protein in general, an occasional low-protein day will not affect muscle growth. The only reasons muscles would get smaller are from lack of use, injury, or severe calorie restriction.
TOPICSWHAT TO EAT NUTRITION PLAN
- See more at: http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/protein-guide-maximum-muscle#sthash.mBul9opu.dpuf

Too much protein can harm the kidneys, especially true in the diabetic patient!

Because they have a pre-existing medical condition. In 'reasonable' context (e.g. not getting 400g of protein), there is no evidence to show that it harms an otherwise healthy kidney. There is actually no evidence to show that it does above these levels, but on the flip side, that level has also not been tested as far as I am aware.

Yes there are risks to eating too much protein:
1. The body will take excess protein that it does not need and store it as fat.
2. Too much protein has been proven to cause cancer, especially animal based protein. (Source: "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell)
3. Too much protein may damage the kidneys.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/434329-the-dangers-of-too-much-protein/

The World Health Organization recommends a daily requirement of 0.8 mg of protein per kg of body weight. For those who are overweight, their ideal weight may be used. This requirement is a target rather than an upper or lower limit.

There are two very good resources to compare different diets, including high protein diets such as Paleo, Dukan, and Medifast.
1. "The Diet Selector" by Judith Rodriguez.
2. U.S. News and World Reports:
http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets

Please explain how the body stores excess protein in a caloric deficit?

Also, are you serious using The China Study, one of the most ripped apart and debunked studies ever, as a source of info?? lol

Between that and Livestrong and other books and article, you may want to consider getting your info from more credible sources.

The exact metabolic processes of converting protein into stored fat is complex, but my understanding is that your body first has to discard the excess nitrogen in your urine and then stores the carbon just like any other carbo or fat.

Close enough. If someone is in a calorie deficit, what would the net fat storage be in 24 hours? From all macronutrients including protein?

I misread at the top where it said in caloric deficit. In that case your body would not store excess protein as fat. It would be metabolized as energy.

Yes there are risks to eating too much protein:
1. The body will take excess protein that it does not need and store it as fat.
2. Too much protein has been proven to cause cancer, especially animal based protein. (Source: "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell)
3. Too much protein may damage the kidneys.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/434329-the-dangers-of-too-much-protein/

The World Health Organization recommends a daily requirement of 0.8 mg of protein per kg of body weight. For those who are overweight, their ideal weight may be used. This requirement is a target rather than an upper or lower limit.

There are two very good resources to compare different diets, including high protein diets such as Paleo, Dukan, and Medifast.
1. "The Diet Selector" by Judith Rodriguez.
2. U.S. News and World Reports:
http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets

Please explain how the body stores excess protein in a caloric deficit?

Also, are you serious using The China Study, one of the most ripped apart and debunked studies ever, as a source of info?? lol

Between that and Livestrong and other books and article, you may want to consider getting your info from more credible sources.

The exact metabolic processes of converting protein into stored fat is complex, but my understanding is that your body first has to discard the excess nitrogen in your urine and then stores the carbon just like any other carbo or fat.

Close enough. If someone is in a calorie deficit, what would the net fat storage be in 24 hours? From all macronutrients including protein?

I misread at the top where it said in caloric deficit. In that case your body would not store excess protein as fat. It would be metabolized as energy.

Agreed. As SideSteel pointed out, in surplus, the body would tend to partition metabolism of protein and store fat and carbs. Bottom line= a calorie surplus makes you fat.

A few days back my doctor told me to lower my protein because my cholesterol was up. Not sure that's going to help but I'll try since I don't want to go on medication. It's borderline now but since I am probably close to menopause she is concerned as apparently it can go up more then.

There may be some medical history that prompted that recommendation, but for most people that would be an odd instruction. I can see saying eat less beef and more fish and beans, or switch from ribeye to a leaner cut, or something like that. What did she suggest you replace the protein with?

She didn't say, she only said that sometimes too much protein can cause it and asked if I wanted to see a nutritionist but because it's not very serious I thought I'd just try it out first. She said was I having too much protein shakes/bars but I hardly ever have them. I do eat quite a bit of red meat though. I am a bit confused.

Edited to say that I did have fatty liver before and high blood pressure but all fine now, not sure if that has anything to do with this at all or not.

Nutrition 101. Most US citizens get way too much protein. That's why there is no reason for shakes and what not. Unless you are an extreme vegetarian.

Most US citizens are in a caloric surplus and getting fatter by the minute.

People who are fitness minded and those trying to lose weight need to be concerned about LBM status (due to energy deficit), and consequently "most" would benefit from additional protein. Whether or not that comes in the form of a shake or whole foods is a different story.