too much protein?

jennajava
jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
edited October 2 in Food and Nutrition
i went over my goal for protein, so it has a neg number, just like calories would if i went over. is there a such thing as too much protein??

Replies

  • ruststar
    ruststar Posts: 489 Member
    Not really - the basic setup through MFP is pretty low, only 15%, when in reality you should probably eat more. I have mine set at 30% protein and struggle to meet that, but others have much higher.
  • MikeSEA
    MikeSEA Posts: 1,074 Member
    Not to be too graphic about it, but excess protein that isn't absorbed by your body will essentially rot in your digestive tract (much like fermentation, except for proteins). So, if you're not gassy and you're coming around your caloric goal? No you're probably fine.
  • Jc_1324
    Jc_1324 Posts: 29
    There is no such thing, look at any bodybuilder or athlete they take mass amounts of protein, through meals shakes and more, having more then the set number they give you is actually a great thing if your planning on doing any sort of weights or work out in general, i go over my protein every day for the most part, since i take actual products for that. ( whey isolate powder )
  • Deathwithab
    Deathwithab Posts: 462 Member
    I try to eat over mine , so I hope not lol as far as I know it's fine and helps gain muscle
  • iamlegion714
    iamlegion714 Posts: 50 Member
    as long as your kidneys are healthy, i wouldn't worry about it. Protein is harder for the body to assimilate, and somewhat taxes the kidneys, but if your caloric intake is on, i wouldn't sweat the protein, especially just once or in a small amount. MFP has the ratio set too low, imo.
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    no, i have my settings so that i get at least 45% (130-150 grams) of protein per day. My nutritionist and trainer at the gym told me i needed that much so i wouldnt lose muscle mass due to the amount of workouts i do
  • iamlegion714
    iamlegion714 Posts: 50 Member
    Not really - the basic setup through MFP is pretty low, only 15%, when in reality you should probably eat more. I have mine set at 30% protein and struggle to meet that, but others have much higher.

    Is there a way to change the way it tracks ratios in MFP? If so, i cant figure it out, so let me know. thx
  • MikeSEA
    MikeSEA Posts: 1,074 Member
    I think under the My Home main nav item, there's a Goals sub nav item with a Change Goals button.
  • BattyMama
    BattyMama Posts: 136 Member
    Not really - the basic setup through MFP is pretty low, only 15%, when in reality you should probably eat more. I have mine set at 30% protein and struggle to meet that, but others have much higher.

    How did you change your %'s? I would like to adjust mine a bit but dont know how
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    You can eat too much of anything. But if you are staying within your calorie goals and not experiencing any kidney problems then are likely not getting too much. How much you actually need would depend on how much and what type of exercise you do each day.
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
    Protine turns to acid in your body fact!! To much protein in your body is not good for you... Heart attact??

    If you do eat a lot of protein, then make sure at the same meal you also balance it out with a salad!! But just protein, not good... Remember to mix it up with other foods... xx
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    I was wondering the same thing and was told it depends on what kind of exercise you do. Glad you asked so I can get this answered, too!
  • aj_rock
    aj_rock Posts: 390 Member
    Not really - the basic setup through MFP is pretty low, only 15%, when in reality you should probably eat more. I have mine set at 30% protein and struggle to meet that, but others have much higher.

    How did you change your %'s? I would like to adjust mine a bit but dont know how

    Go to set your weight goal, and you have the option to set custom goals. You can play with % there.

    On topic though, MFP does have it set low, but you should really set protein intake based on your body weight. Rule of thumb is 1 gram of protein / pound of ideal body weight. So if you want to weigh 120, eat 120 grams a day. I know, much higher than what MFP suggests.
  • Mirror_Image
    Mirror_Image Posts: 32
    It's true it can tax your kidneys, but if you're healthy then they should clear the protein fine. It can make your blood acidic, but this can be balanced by involving alkaline vegetables like spinach. The acidity itself doesn't cause heart attacks - arteriosclerosis (fatty plaques clogging up your vascular system) are what lead to heart attacks. Just ensure you choose lean protein and avoid fatty meats etc. Protein's really really good for keeping your metabolism up. Hope this is helpful :)

    x
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I know there are a lot of heavy lifters on MFP that recommend more than MFP does, though they rarely qualify it. The MFP recommendations are based on current medical recommendations. If you are not doing a lot of strength training you really don't need more than the recommendation. That does not mean that more will necessarily hurt you, but if you are consistently over you may want to check with a healthcare professional for what would be the right amount for you.
  • jennajava
    jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
    Thanks everyone!
  • shheinz
    shheinz Posts: 1
    Great Job on your 5k run time :) My daughter & I just ran in our first 10k on Sunday, we ran the You Go Girl 10k & Half Marathon! It was a blast & I was amazed at some of the times! The fastest 10k time was like 45 min (crazy) You should check out the 5k Santa run in Tacoma in Dec. I cant wait to run again ;)
  • ruststar
    ruststar Posts: 489 Member
    Great Job on your 5k run time :) My daughter & I just ran in our first 10k on Sunday, we ran the You Go Girl 10k & Half Marathon! It was a blast & I was amazed at some of the times! The fastest 10k time was like 45 min (crazy) You should check out the 5k Santa run in Tacoma in Dec. I cant wait to run again ;)

    I will have to look into that - I was so disappointed when they cancelled the Bank to Bay run.
  • mountainfairy
    mountainfairy Posts: 2 Member
    unless you're doing major weight training you shouldn't go overboard on protein -- it can be an overload on your kidneys.
    stick to 20-30% of your total kilocarlorie intake.
    if you are eating a lot of protein, make sure you eat papaya enzyme which help you metabolize the protein.
  • Deathwithab
    Deathwithab Posts: 462 Member
    Great Job on your 5k run time :) My daughter & I just ran in our first 10k on Sunday, we ran the You Go Girl 10k & Half Marathon! It was a blast & I was amazed at some of the times! The fastest 10k time was like 45 min (crazy) You should check out the 5k Santa run in Tacoma in Dec. I cant wait to run again ;)

    I ran a 10k on Sunday as well and there was one lady who I talked to before it started who's best time the year before was 36. Something min lol
  • hpsnickers1
    hpsnickers1 Posts: 2,783 Member
    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/protein-kidneys/
  • Darkness2120
    Darkness2120 Posts: 38
    nothing to worry about, if you don't have any pre-existing or current kidney related issues then it won't cause any harm. The body absorbs excess just fine, the end result will most likely be what wasn't used being excreted. MFP as me listed at 119g/day, grossly under what I require and see the best results with (i weigh 191lbs, therefore I consume 191g/day). However don't fall for the myth that "protein can't be stored as fat" because it can, especially if it's the primary source of carbon from food. And as always, stay hydrated.
  • lemonadem
    lemonadem Posts: 398 Member
    nothing to worry about, if you don't have any pre-existing or current kidney related issues then it won't cause any harm. The body absorbs excess just fine, the end result will most likely be what wasn't used being excreted. MFP as me listed at 119g/day, grossly under what I require and see the best results with (i weigh 191lbs, therefore I consume 191g/day). However don't fall for the myth that "protein can't be stored as fat" because it can, especially if it's the primary source of carbon from food. And as always, stay hydrated.

    I had a friend say this too me... she is scared to eat too much protein because she says it will make her fat. I hadn't heard that before
  • Darkness2120
    Darkness2120 Posts: 38
    nothing to worry about, if you don't have any pre-existing or current kidney related issues then it won't cause any harm. The body absorbs excess just fine, the end result will most likely be what wasn't used being excreted. MFP as me listed at 119g/day, grossly under what I require and see the best results with (i weigh 191lbs, therefore I consume 191g/day). However don't fall for the myth that "protein can't be stored as fat" because it can, especially if it's the primary source of carbon from food. And as always, stay hydrated.

    I had a friend say this too me... she is scared to eat too much protein because she says it will make her fat. I hadn't heard that before

    Like i said, contrary to what self-proclaimed "fitness gurus" will have you believe, it's possible for ingested protein to be converted into fat just like anything else you eat. But unless she's grossly overeating protein and very little in carbs or fat, she shouldn't have to worry. The high protein intakes associated with athletes and bodybuilding are that high to assist in muscle recovery, but they aren't absolutely necessary for everyone who works out. In the end it comes down to moderation and balance like everything else.
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