Proteins are long chain amino acids that are essential macronutrients for supporting our bodies. Proteins are the building blocks of muscle. Body builders, athletes and fitness enthusiasts consume large amounts of protein to help them recover, build muscle, burn fat and maximize their training results. It is not surprising that anyone looking to get the most out of their workouts would consider increasing or supplementing their protein intake. While this can increase your results, there can certainly be negative effects to consuming excess protein powder.
Kidney Problems
Excess protein powder can cause kidney stones. Kidney stones are calcium deposits inside the kidney. They are painful, harmful to the kidney and urinary system if left untreated. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, reports "that a diet high in protein may lead to kidney stones because extra protein causes calcium to be excreted from the body, raising calcium levels in the urine." NIH recommends a diet of moderate protein to people without a history of kidney stones. It is a good idea to discuss how-to prevent potential kidney problems with your doctor if you consume several scoops of protein powder every day.
Ketosis
Excess protein powder can cause "ketosis". Medcinenet reports that Dr. Gail Butterfield, director of Nutrition Studies at the Palo Alto Veterans' Administration Medical Center, claims that your body may be in a constant state of "ketosis" if protein makes up more than 30 percent of your daily diet, regardless of your overall caloric intake.
Northwestern University Health Sciences describes "ketosis" as a state of starvation that produces ketones in the blood. Ketones are very taxing on the kidneys and may cause problems with the nervous system. Ketosis also causes severe dehydration, especially if you exercise strenuously. Ketosis can also cause two main factors in coronary artery disease: insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
Bone Loss
Interestingly enough, consuming too much protein powder can lead to bone loss. A study published in the June 1998 Journal of Nutrition entitled "Excess Dietary Protein Can Adversely Affect Bone" found a high protein diet because of its high acid content can cause excessive urinary calcium loss. Excessive calcium loss can lead to fragile bones or a decline in bone density. The study notes that excessive calcium loss can be by dietary fruits and vegetables, but these are generally low in the average American diet.
References
- ACEFitness.org: Are There Any Risks Associated With Excess Protein Consumption?
- Northwestern University Health Sciences: The Dangers of Having Too Much Protein
- The Journal of Nutrition: Excess Dietary Protein Can Adversely Affect Bone
- MedicineNet: Too Much Protein Can marm Your Body
- National Institutes of Health: Kidney Stones Myths
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