Protein is an essential nutrient in losing weight and building an attractive body. A high protein intake increases metabolism, reduces appetite, and changes (in a positive way) the hormonal balance that affects body weight.
But what happens when you overeat protein? Does a highly high-protein diet also pose any dangers? What are the consequences of overeating protein?
There are plenty of stories about the dangers of a protein diet. I did some research for you, which is true:
Danger #1: High Protein Intake Causes Kidney Failure Or Kidney Damage
There is a rumor that too much protein would affect the kidneys and could even lead to kidney failure. It all started when doctors recommended that people with poorly functioning kidneys follow a low-protein diet. But there is a big difference between people with kidney disease and healthy kidneys. Research has shown that an extreme protein diet has no consequences for kidney function unless you have kidney disease.
However, I recommend that you do not cover more than 50% of your protein diet with animal proteins. This is because the kidneys have to break down organic acids from animal protein, which is not the case with vegetable protein sources.
Conclusion: There is no evidence that an excessive protein diet (up to 2.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight) causes kidney damage in healthy adults.
Danger #2: Protein From Eggs Is Unhealthy
Eggs are full of protein, essential amino acids, and a high nutritional value with no less than 13 different vitamins and minerals, healthy unsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants.
However, certain health authorities discourage the daily consumption of eggs and recommend eating no more than 2 to 3 eggs per week. Eggs contain a lot of cholesterol and are therefore said to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has long been thought that eating eggs is not suitable for your health.
But just because eggs contain cholesterol doesn’t mean they increase bad cholesterol in the blood. Recent studies have shown that the cholesterol in eggs does not increase bad cholesterol in the blood. Several studies have examined the influence of eggs on the risk of cardiovascular disease and have not been able to find any connection.
That leaves you with just one of the most nutritious foods you can safely eat daily. Eggs are high in various nutrients and unique antioxidants that help protect our eyes.
Danger #3: A High Protein Diet Increases The Risk Of Bone Decalcification
Osteoporosis, or bone decalcification, is a disease characterized by poor bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Bone decalcification leads to porous bones and increases the risk of fractures considerably.
Some nutritionists claim that a high protein diet leads to calcium depletion in bone tissue, which can lead to osteoporosis. Don’t worry; your bones are perfectly safe, even on an extreme protein diet.
A 2011 study examined various epidemiological and clinical tests. It concluded that increased protein intake does not have any adverse effects on bone strength or an increased risk of fractures. The scientists even concluded that not eating enough protein could be dangerous for your bones.
Danger #4: Too Much Protein Ages You
Some nutrition experts believe that too much protein would stimulate the aging process through growth hormones (including IGF-1). However, larger test groups would have to be examined to substantiate this.
Indeed, eating burnt meat is often associated with accelerating the aging process. The nutritional theory of aging showed that this reduced the absorption of specific amino acids due to reduced absorption in the intestine.
Danger #5: You Get Bad Breath
It’s widespread to hear that people on a low-carb or protein diet suffer from bad breath. This is because the human body then mainly taps into body fat as the first source of energy. This releases many waste products (including ketones) that cause bad breath.
Luckily, bad breath is not harmful to your health, but it is very uncomfortable. After all, you don’t want to scare everyone off when you enthusiastically report on your protein diet.
Simple Tips To Avoid Bad Breath:
- Drink more water; this will eliminate waste faster.
- Swallow Enova tablets; these tablets neutralize sulfur-containing compounds and freshen your breath.
- Add a little more carbs to your protein diet.
Is A Protein Diet Dangerous?
Despite persistent myths, a high-protein diet is not harmful to healthy adults.
There is no scientific evidence to support these vague claims about overeating protein.
For most people, following a high-protein diet is generally not harmful.
A protein diet increases metabolism and has a more satiating effect than other macronutrients. Protein is your best friend when it comes to losing weight.
ALSO READ: WHAT IS A PROTEIN DIET?