Protein is a macronutrient that the body needs for basic function. It is the sole source of essential amino acids. These amino acids are used by the body as the building blocks for muscle and bone as well as to create enzymes. Without them, the body cannot function. Protein intake is important for health, but eating too much protein can be unhealthy and sometimes even dangerous.
Dietary Protein Needs
For the average healthy person, 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight are needed a day. This amount can vary based on whether a person is severely ill or has a chronic disease. It also increases based on physical activity. When someone begins an extensive weight-training regimen, for the first week, 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight are needed. After that first week, if strenuous activity is continued, 1.0grams of protein per kilogram of body weight are needed each day.
Weight Gain
Rarely does anyone need more protein than these amounts in their daily diet, but many people still consume the nutrient in excess of the recommended daily amounts. It is important to remember that even a good thing can be bad in excess. When a person consumes more calories than needed from any source these calories are stored as fat. Eating too much protein can having the unwanted consequence of weight gain.
Balance
Protein is only supposed to make up 15 percent of your daily caloric intake. The rest should consist of other macronutrients — carbohydrates and fats. These bring useful vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are important parts of the diet. When a diet shifts to mostly protein, these other important parts can be lost, causing nutrient imbalance or deficiency. For instance, reduction in fiber can cause constipation and diverticulitis.
Ketogenic Effects of Excess Protein
When protein is consumed in excess of 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, and fat and carbohydrate intake are decreased, the body is said to go into a ketogenic state. This occurs when people follow the Atkins or South Beach diets. Ketones start to build up in the blood. This build up can be toxic, but the body is able to get rid of ketones through the kidneys and by breathing. The kidneys work hard to remove ketones from the body. From this process, people can become dehydrated quickly. Over time, this causes a strain on the kidneys and can cause considerable harm. Ketones can also impact other organ systems, including the brain and nervous system, when they build up.
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