How much protein is too much?

hey Jeremiah, great question. Usually eat between 1-1.2 g of protein per lb of body weight you have. That's a good range!

Well I'm a lap band patient that was told you can never have too much protein. The problem with a lot of diets comes when people start taking out the proteins because they don't want the added calories. But they need to realize that a lot of people start having hair loss and brittle/fragile nails because they're lacking in protein. I try to ALWAYS go over by at least 10 on my protein intake, just because I don't want hair loss. (Plus, I also take a B complex supplement, and Biotin along with my multivitamins)

The only big side effect if you're not used to a high protein diet is ... well.... very raunchy bodily emissions. Once your body gets used to the protein intake, that starts to go away.

hey Jeremiah, great question. Usually eat between 1-1.2 g of protein per lb of body weight you have. That's a good range!

how many ounces would that be per lb? sorry I suck at math unfortunately!

I'm 6.1 feet, weigh about 165lbs and try workout everyday as well as weight training every other. Iv been taking whey protein and I try to keep my meals as high in protein as possible. But I'm beginning to wonder, how much protein is too much? Iv heard that over loading your body with exess protein can lead to kidney problems. Appreciate any feedback!

I have no idea, but if you are 6'1" and weigh 165 and are trying to lose 20 lbs...that's REALLY thin. For a medium frame, you are right smack in the middle of the range. Just make sure your goals are healthy. I'm also 6'1", and female, and I would need to be on IV fluids if I were 145. I know everyone is different and you may have a very slight frame, but just keep it healthy. :flowerforyou:

Respectfully,
KJP

First of all, the kidney thing is a myth. IF you already have bad kidneys for some other reason, then eating more protein may strain them. But saying protein causes kidney problems is like saying that strenuous exercise causes heart failure. Well, yes, it can, but only if the organ is weak & damaged to start with.

Second, I don't know how much is too much, or whether there even is such a thing as too much. But I do know that my doctor's instructions to me are: eat at least 50g protein every 3 hours (I have a metabolism that doesn't process carbs well so I have to get most of my energy from fat & protein). That adds up to at least 350g a day, and it hasn't hurt me a bit. My doctor introduced me to several patients with similar problems who have sustained this high level of protein for a dozen or more years with no negative side effects. So I certainly wouldn't worry about it being unsafe. Just worry about whether it's right for YOU. Everyone's body is different, there is no "one-size-fits-all" recommendation. If the protein at current levels is helping you, go with it.

hey Jeremiah, great question. Usually eat between 1-1.2 g of protein per lb of body weight you have. That's a good range!

how many ounces would that be per lb? sorry I suck at math unfortunately!

Nutrients are always given in g or mg because an oz is just too large a unit.
1 - 1.2 mg of protein is about .03 to .04 oz but you'll have a hard time finding any food that lists protein in oz.

most restaurants note the portions of meat by ounces. I read constantly ppl mention they eat a 4 oz steak or chicken.

Most Americans eat more than enough protein. One side effect of excessive protein intake is Ketosis, leading to ketoacidosis. This can be very serious. You may notice a change in the smell of your breath...more of an acetone smell. This is one sign of ketosis. Please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you want the real science behind high protein diets.