Protein is a type of macronutrient that makes up an important part of the healthy diet. Composed of building blocks called amino acids, proteins make up the structure and carry out the function of every cell and tissue in your body. After ingesting a meal, the protein is broken down by your digestive system into individual amino acids, and these acids are then recycled to make human proteins in your cells. Although protein is required as part of a healthy diet, eating excessive amounts of protein can have negative health effects.
Calcium Loss
One problem with excess protein consumption is that it leads to calcium excretion from the body, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Calcium performs a number of functions in the body -- it aids in nerve signal transmission, plays a role in signaling between tissues and makes up a component of the bones and teeth. Calcium excretion due to a diet too rich in protein can lead to progressive calcium loss from the bones, and high protein diets have been linked to osteoporosis, especially if the protein is from animal sources. You can help prevent excess calcium excretion by limiting your protein intake to 0.8 grams for each kilogram of body weight.
Kidney Strain
Another possible harmful side effect of excessive protein consumption is kidney strain, which can eventually lead to kidney damage. The kidneys function as filtering units for your blood. Specialized cells within the kidney, called glomeruli, filter the blood to keep proteins, minerals and other nutrients in the bloodstream, while allowing salts, toxins and excess water to enter the urine for excretion. Consuming too much protein leads to an increase in protein components in the bloodstream, increasing the strain of the kidneys as they filter the blood. As you age, this extra work can lead to diminished kidney function.
Dehydration
In some cases, a diet too rich in protein can cause dehydration, according to The Ohio State University. This can occur especially if protein-rich foods take the place of carbohydrates in your diet. This is partially due to the level of hydration that occurs in proteins and carbohydrates on a molecular level. Carbohydrates, such as starch, tend to be heavily hydrated -- there are several water molecules in between the molecular branches that make up the chemical. Proteins, on the other hand, tend to be only mildly hydrated. As a result, following a diet rich in proteins but poor in carbohydrates means you are consuming less water from your diet. Unless the water intake is supplemented by drinking extra water, you may become dehydrated over time. You may prevent dehydration by maintaining a balanced diet containing protein and carbohydrates, and drinking fluids throughout the day.
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