Protein is found in many foods you eat, including meats, eggs and milk products. Protein can also be taken as a supplement in a bar or powder form. MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that protein supplements are rarely needed if a well-balanced diet is consumed. Furthermore, two to three servings of protein per day are sufficient to meet daily protein needs. In fact, overconsuming protein may be detrimental to your health.
Dehydration
Consuming too much protein may cause your body to become dehydrated. This occurs because too much protein accumulates outside of the blood vessels, which results in the movement of water from the bloodstream to the extravascular spaces. Movement of water into these spaces may cause swelling in the legs or arms. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Digestive Problems
Eating too much protein, or taking too much protein supplement, may cause digestive problems including constipation, diarrhea or stomach discomfort. This occurs because protein is difficult to digest, and overloading your digestive tract with protein may cause abnormalities in intestinal function. Therefore, you should reduce your protein consumption to see if your digestive problems improve. If they do not, you should see your doctor.
Increased Risk for Osteoporosis
Too much protein in your diet can increase your risk for osteoporosis. This occurs because calcium in your bloodstream is mainly bound to protein molecules. If there is too much protein in your bloodstream, calcium will bind to the protein instead of accumulating in bone. Over time, this can increase your risk for fracture secondary to osteoporosis.
Kidney Problems
Overconsuming protein may also have a negative effect on your kidneys. Your kidneys are organs that filter blood and manage the fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. Because the kidneys filter blood, high levels of protein in the bloodstream may cause excessive amounts of protein to accumulate in the kidneys. Too much protein in the kidneys can alter kidney function and may cause kidney failure. Those with pre-existing kidney disease should not overconsume protein. If you begin having flank pain, or are noticing abnormalities in your urine, you may be overconsuming protein.
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