Introduction
Protein is an important aspect of both the function and maintenance of the human body. Without protein, the muscles, bones and even skin would not be able to function correctly. One unique aspect of protein is that the body has no way to store it for future use, as it can store carbohydrates and fats. Many people use this as an excuse to overconsume protein through everything from protein shakes to specialized protein bars. Unfortunately, too much protein can actually do more harm to the body than good.
Calories
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the first major ways that too much protein can affect the body is causing weight gain from the additional consumption of calories. Most sources of protein contain significant levels of calories, which if not matched by additional exercise, can lead to just as much fat gain as muscle gain. Many types of proteins are also high in other harmful substances such as saturated fat and cholesterol. The overconsumption of these substances can lead to other health issues such as heart disease, heart attacks and even strokes.
Ketones
When too much protein is being used to create energy, the liver reacts by creating ketones. According to the American Fitness Professionals and Associates, ketones are toxic substances that can cause serious issues with the central nervous system when levels rise too high in the bloodstream. The body has a natural defense system in the kidneys to help filter ketones out of the bloodstream before they can do too much damage. Unfortunately, the process of filtering can overwork the kidneys, potentially causing them harm when excess proteins cause ketone levels to get too high. The process of filtering the toxic ketones out the bloodstream also requires the usage of a large amount of the body's water supply. This can lead to additional problems with dehydration.
Daily Recommendations
To prevent bodily damage from consuming too much protein, certain recommendations have been put in place for how many grams of protein you should consume each day. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average person should consume between 50 and 65 grams of protein each day, or about 0.36 grams for each pound your body weighs. You should also limit your calorie intake from proteins to about 15 percent of your total calorie intake. To help reach your protein goals without eating excess calories, look to lean proteins, such as chicken and fish, to provide the necessary grams of protein, without the excess fat and calories.
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