All protein all the time isn’t as good as you thought
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Not too long ago, a high-protein and low-carb diet was popular, which was no surprise considering the importance of the nutrient. It helps with weight loss and builds muscle. However, just like all things, too much of it can be harmful. So what are the effects of eating too much protein?
1. Weight gain
While there are people who say they’ve lost weight (based on their personal life choices) from increasing their protein intake, eating too much protein can have the opposite effect. Many high-protein foods are high in calories. If you consume more than you need or burn, the excess protein is converted and stored as fat.
2. Kidney problems
Protein processed in digestion turns into amino acids, which are absorbed by the small intestines. Since the body cannot contain excess amounts, these amino acids are sent to the liver. The kidney then converts it into ketone. While the brain needs ketones, processing too much of them overworks the kidney, which can cause dehydration. And for those with diabetes, too much ketone with not enough insulin can cause the life-threatening ketoacidosis.
3. High cholesterol
In addition to calories, some foods, mainly those from animal meat, are high in cholesterol. Too much of these can cause arteries to harden and lead to heart diseases.
While there is a scientific and logical basis behind diets such as these, you should always remember that one nutrient cannot completely replace another. Protein provides us with many benefits, but an entire diet can’t be simply based on one macronutrient. Nutritional balance is still the key when maintaining a healthy diet.