Early signals that the body is overloaded with protein
Protein is an important nutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue and maintain many vital functions. However, in the trend of dieting, exercising at high intensity or using supplements, many people are consuming protein beyond the actual needs of the body. Prolonged excess is not only useless but also poses potential health risks.
Prolonged bad breath is one of the common signs. According to studies, this condition is related to ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy, often occurring when the diet is rich in protein and low in starch. Acetone bypass products can make your breath smell fruit or nail paint.
In addition, water shortage is also an important warning. When you eat a lot of protein, the kidneys have to increase the excretion of metabolites, causing urine levels to increase. If you do not drink enough water, people who eat a lot of protein can easily fall into a state of thirst, fatigue, dry skin and constipation.
Many people are surprised when gaining weight despite eating a lot of protein to stay in shape. In fact, excess protein still provides energy and can be converted into fat, especially when protein comes with a lot of saturated fat or total calories exceed demand.
In addition, digestive disorders such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea or constipation are quite common, especially in people on a diet rich in protein but lacking fiber from vegetables, tubers, and fruits.
When protein puts pressure on the heart, kidneys and liver
Not all protein sources are the same. "Protein from fish, beans and nuts is often beneficial for the heart," says Leah Groppo, a clinical nutritionist at Stanford Health Care (USA). Conversely, consuming too much red meat and processed meat can increase the risk of heart disease.
Eating too much protein, especially animal protein, can also put pressure on the kidneys and liver. For people with underlying diseases, it becomes more difficult to classify excess protein. Am Am Amoniac, a by-product of protein metabolism, if not effectively excreted, can accumulate and cause harm.
According to experts, increasing protein intake is only really necessary for people who are gaining muscle, recovering from injuries, the elderly need to maintain muscle mass or people doing high-intensity exercise. For the majority of healthy adults, the recommended daily protein intake is enough to meet their needs.
Instead of being fixated on protein grams, pay attention to the overall balance of your portion sizes, Leah Groppo emphasized. A varied diet with enough starch, fiber and healthy fats is still the foundation for sustainable health.
