Benefits of protein and signs of excess in body: Useful tips
Signs that a person is consuming a lot of protein (photo: Freepik)
Protein is needed by the body for the production and repair of cells. Overeating foods high in protein can lead to unpleasant health consequences, according to the Best Life Online website.
Benefits of protein
Protein is an essential nutrient made up of chemical building blocks known as amino acids. The body requires dietary protein to perform fundamental functions, most importantly to create and maintain every cell in the body, including muscle, bone, and tissue cells.
For optimal health, it is considered best to consume a wide variety of whole foods that combine lean protein sources with carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and an adequate amount of water.
Dr. Chris Mohr, PhD, explained that it is important to regulate protein intake according to lifestyle and other nutritional needs, ensuring that the body gets what it needs.
The amount of protein needed depends on age, sex, weight, and activity level.
The expert noted that, in general, adults need approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Athletes and very active individuals may need more, roughly 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram.
Moore adds that it is particularly important for elderly individuals to consume sufficient protein to maintain muscle strength, prevent infections, and promote overall health.
Signs of excess protein in the body
Kidney problems
If you already have kidney disease, following a high-protein diet can worsen kidney function, as the body may struggle to process it.
Consuming large amounts of animal protein (meat, eggs, and seafood) can increase uric acid levels in the body. This may lead to the development of kidney stones over time. A high-protein diet can also lower the level of urinary citrate in the body, a chemical that helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Dehydration
One way excess protein affects kidney function is by causing more frequent urination.
One component of protein is nitrogen. When you consume too much protein, the body tries to flush out the excess nitrogen, leading to increased water loss and more frequent urination. As a result, you may need to increase your water intake.
Heart disease
High-protein diets, especially those with large amounts of red and processed meats, can increase the risk of heart disease due to high fat and cholesterol content.
Gastrointestinal distress
Excess protein, particularly if it replaces other nutrients, can also cause gastrointestinal issues. This might lead to nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, and discomfort in the digestive system.
Bad breath
Consistently consuming excessive amounts of protein can also lead to bad breath.
As the body breaks down protein during digestion, it produces ammonia. If there is an excess of urea, it can result in an unpleasant odor.
We also wrote about which beans can even replace meat.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
