Eating a diet with enough protein is important in staying healthy and strong. Protein is a vital nutrient which is part of every cell in your body. Protein helps build and repair tissue and also produces enzymes and hormones. Yet consuming too much protein may spur health problems. Your liver can only process a certain amount of protein, and excess protein will trigger liver problems. In addition, if you already have a liver condition, protein can put added stress on your liver.
Excess Protein
The Institute of Medicine advises adults consume 10 to 35 percent of their diet in the form of protein, equivalent to about 56 grams of protein a day for most men and 46 grams of protein a day for most women. High-protein diets are a popular weight loss method and are safe for healthy people for a short-term period of a few months, according to MayoClinic.com dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, but high-protein diets can cause liver damage over a long-term period.
Protein and Liver Function
Adequate amounts of protein help prevent fat buildup in healthy livers. The liver breaks down waste from your body's digestion of protein and passes the waste along to the intestines for excretion. If you consume too much protein or have liver problems, the liver will not be able to break down all the waste from protein, which will remain in your body as toxins. The buildup of toxins from protein can spur hepatic encephalopathy, or a state of mental confusion due to impaired brain functioning.
Liver Problems
Patients who have liver diseases or conditions should eat less protein then the regular recommended amount. A liver with impaired functioning will have a harder time digesting protein, and you are at an increased risk from developing brain impairments from the toxins left over from protein digestion. MedlinePlus advises people with liver disease to consume about 1 g of protein per kilogram of body weight -- one kilogram equals about 2.2 lbs. So a 154-lb. -- or 70-kg -- man with liver disease should eat about 70 g of protein per day. See your doctor for specific recommendations if you have a severe case of liver disease.
Warning
Restricting your protein intake by too much can result in other health problems as well as malnutrition. Protein deficiency can shrink muscles, cause brain impairment and organ problems, as well as organ failure. Get your doctor's approval before limiting your protein intake to less than the recommended daily amount.
