If you eat too much protein, you may experience uncomfortable digestive side effects. Eating certain sources of protein in excess may cause other health issues, including increasing your cancer risk. Diets such as the Caveman or Paleo diet can vary in terms of macronutrient ratios, but are typically high in protein.

Even mostly or entirely plant-based diets can be high in protein. Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps to build and repair muscle, organs, and bones. High-protein diets have also been shown to be helpful with reducing fat, losing weight, increasing satiety, or a feeling of fullness, and retaining muscle.

However, high-protein diets have also been associated with several risks that are important to be aware of and understand. When calculating how much total protein you currently eat or should eat, factor in protein from your diet e.

You should also factor in supplements, if the supplements you use contain substantial amounts of protein, such as protein powder. Consuming high amounts of any nutrient for a long period of time typically comes with risks, as can be the case with protein.

Overconsumption may lead to an increased risk of certain health complications , according to research. There are potential benefits to a high-protein diet for otherwise healthy people.

Excess protein consumed is usually stored as fat, while the surplus of amino acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake. A study found that weight gain was significantly associated with diets where protein replaced carbohydrates, but not when it replaced fat.

Eating large amounts of protein can lead to bad breath, especially if you restrict your carbohydrate intake. In an older registry, 40 percent of participants reported bad breath. This could be in part because your body goes into a metabolic state called ketosis , which produces chemicals that give off an unpleasant fruity smell.

You can double your water intake, brush your teeth more often, and chew gum to counter some of this effect. In the same study, 44 percent of participants reported constipation.

High-protein diets that restrict carbohydrates are typically low in fiber. Increasing your water and fiber intake can help prevent constipation. Tracking your bowel movements may be helpful. Eating too much dairy or processed food, coupled with a lack of fiber, can cause diarrhea.

Eat heart-healthy proteins instead. To avoid diarrhea, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated beverages, limit fried foods and excess fat consumption, and increase your fiber intake. Your body flushes out excess nitrogen with fluids and water.

This can leave you dehydrated even though you may not feel more thirsty than usual. A small study involving athletes found that as protein intake increased, hydration levels decreased.

However, a study concluded that consuming more protein had a minimal impact on hydration. While no major studies link high protein intake to kidney damage in healthy individuals, excess protein can cause damage in people with preexisting kidney disease.

This is because of the excess nitrogen found in the amino acids that make up proteins. Damaged kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the extra nitrogen and waste products of protein metabolism.

Separately a study looked at the effects of low-carbohydrate, high-protein versus low-fat diets on the kidneys. The study found that in healthy obese adults, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein weight-loss diet over two years was not associated with noticeably harmful effects on renal filtration, albuminuria, or fluid and electrolyte balance compared with a low-fat diet.

Studies have shown that certain high-protein diets that are particularly high in red meat-based protein are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including cancer. Too many people use low carb diets, not as a diet but a change in lifestyle.

All our organs requires energy to function, not all organs are meant to, or possess the ability to convert fatty cells to be used as fuel. The Brain needs carbohydrates to function, we all know that.

Now the heart is about to be added to that list. A low carb diet doesn´t necessarily mean total elimination of carbs and an abusive protein intake. Any diet should be done in a conscious and responsible way. It's nice to see a study done with a large sample size and long term follow up.

Thanks for sharing. I therefore conclude that before we go on ANY diet, we must consult our doctor first. Yeah, its true that low carbohydrate diet implies low consumption of whole-grain foods, fruits, and starchy vegetables wherein we get much vitamins and minerals while high protein diet means high intake of cholesterol which causes hypertension and heart attacks.

Still, nothing beats a balanced diet. A Low Carb diet is great, but of course don't overdo it! Just use your common sense.. Links Oncofertility Consortium Blog Women's Health Research Institute WHSP Teen Health Blog.

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Show references Protein and heart health. American Heart Association. Accessed July 1, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Perreault L, et al. Obesity in adults: Dietary therapy. Accessed July 5, Department of Health and Human Services and U.

Department of Agriculture. Duyff RL. Protein power. In: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Moon J, et al. Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein-diet-induced weight loss.

Freire R. Scientific evidence of diets for weight loss: Different macronutrient composition, intermittent fasting, and popular diets. Ko GJ, et al. The effects of high-protein diets on kidney health and longevity.

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Especially when the diet is considered popular for weight loss. It would be interesting to see what the long term effects of this type of diet would be.

Thanks for sharing the results. I so agree with this article. Balance and moderation are the key to great results with any weight loss plan.

I remember reading about the dangers associated with Low carb diets a while back. Too many people use low carb diets, not as a diet but a change in lifestyle. All our organs requires energy to function, not all organs are meant to, or possess the ability to convert fatty cells to be used as fuel.

The Brain needs carbohydrates to function, we all know that. Now the heart is about to be added to that list. A low carb diet doesn´t necessarily mean total elimination of carbs and an abusive protein intake.

Any diet should be done in a conscious and responsible way. It's nice to see a study done with a large sample size and long term follow up. Thanks for sharing. I therefore conclude that before we go on ANY diet, we must consult our doctor first. Yeah, its true that low carbohydrate diet implies low consumption of whole-grain foods, fruits, and starchy vegetables wherein we get much vitamins and minerals while high protein diet means high intake of cholesterol which causes hypertension and heart attacks.

Still, nothing beats a balanced diet. A Low Carb diet is great, but of course don't overdo it! Just use your common sense.. Links Oncofertility Consortium Blog Women's Health Research Institute WHSP Teen Health Blog.

Tags in Tags breast cancer contraception heart disease menopause mental health obesity pregnancy research sex differences weight loss weight management women's health More. Authors Alison Kim 7. Alexandra Rashedi 1.

Christina Arroyo 5. Charlotte Cleveland Cathryn Lauren Smeyers 2. Candace Tingen Studies suggest that eating proteins like fish, beans, poultry, nuts and low-fat dairy, rather than high-fat meats, helps prevent heart disease.

When choosing protein, variety is important. Try to eat at least two servings of fish each week and include beans, lentils and tofu as a regular component of your diet.

Choose lean meats and keep your portion sizes to about 4 oz the size of the palm of your hand. When buying hummus at the grocery store, look for plain hummus, which will have less salt then flavoured varieties. Check out our healthy meal planning toolkit.

More healthy eating basics. Donate now. Home Healthy living Healthy eating Protein. Health seekers. Types of protein and the importance of variety You can get protein from many different sources, like: legumes nuts seeds tofu fortified soy beverage fish shellfish eggs poultry lean red meat including wild game lower fat milk lower fat yogurts lower fat kefir lower fat, lower sodium cheeses some grains.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Moon J, et al. Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein-diet-induced weight loss. Freire R. Scientific evidence of diets for weight loss: Different macronutrient composition, intermittent fasting, and popular diets.

Ko GJ, et al. The effects of high-protein diets on kidney health and longevity. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Products and Services Available Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store A Book: Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition The Mayo Clinic Diet Online A Book: Live Younger Longer A Book: The Mayo Clinic Diet Bundle A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies A Book: Cook Smart, Eat Well Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition A Book: Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health.

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This can leave you dehydrated even though you may not feel more thirsty than usual. A small study involving athletes found that as protein intake increased, hydration levels decreased. However, a study concluded that consuming more protein had a minimal impact on hydration.

While no major studies link high protein intake to kidney damage in healthy individuals, excess protein can cause damage in people with preexisting kidney disease. This is because of the excess nitrogen found in the amino acids that make up proteins.

Damaged kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the extra nitrogen and waste products of protein metabolism. Separately a study looked at the effects of low-carbohydrate, high-protein versus low-fat diets on the kidneys.

The study found that in healthy obese adults, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein weight-loss diet over two years was not associated with noticeably harmful effects on renal filtration, albuminuria, or fluid and electrolyte balance compared with a low-fat diet.

Studies have shown that certain high-protein diets that are particularly high in red meat-based protein are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including cancer. Conversely, eating protein from other sources has been associated with a decreased risk of cancer.

Scientists believe this could be due, in part, to hormones, carcinogenic compounds, and fats found in meat. Eating lots of red meat and full-fat dairy foods as part of a high-protein diet may lead to heart disease. This could be related to higher intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol.

According to a study , eating large amounts of red meat and high-fat dairy was shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease in women. Eating poultry, fish, and nuts lowered the risk.

A study also showed that long-term consumption of red meat can increase trimethylamine N-oxide TMAO , a gut-generated chemical that is linked to heart disease. Findings also showed that reducing or eliminating dietary red meat reversed the effects.

Diets that are high in protein and meat may cause calcium loss. This is sometimes associated with osteoporosis and poor bone health. A review of studies found an association between high levels of protein consumption and poor bone health.

However, another review found that the effect of protein on bone health is inconclusive. Further research is needed to expand and conclude upon these findings. The ideal amount of daily protein that you should consume varies depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, activity, health, total diet and other variables.

However, in most cases, the recommended daily amount of protein for adults can be calculated based on your body weight. For most adults with minimal physical activity, experts recommend consuming a minimum daily average of 0.

If you exercise primarily with weights or body weight for more than one hour most days of the week, you may do well eating up to 1.

However, some people, including elite athletes, may be able to eat as much as 3. In general, experts also believe that most healthy adults can tolerate eating 2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day over the long term.

This can help lower your risk for some of the negative effects of a high-protein diet. Healthy sources of protein include:. Try to avoid high-fat meats and dairy products as well as fried or processed protein sources.

Always speak to your doctor before beginning any new diet, especially if you have any health conditions. Your doctor and dietitian can help you weigh the pros and cons of a high-protein diet based on your individual needs.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Protein is incredibly important for your health, weight loss, and body composition. This article explains exactly how much protein you should eat.

Protein poisoning is rare. Here's what you need to know about eating too much protein, especially without also consuming fat or carbs. Protein powder can be part of a healthy diet, but you might wonder whether too much can be bad for you.

Whether you want to lose weight or gain it, a diet with an adequate amount of protein is key. Looking to boost muscle growth? Here are 13 lean protein foods…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —….

Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge! Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food…. While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern.

Let's look deeper:. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Are There Risks Associated with Eating Too Much Protein? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Risks Recommended daily protein Quality protein See a doctor If you eat too much protein, you may experience uncomfortable digestive side effects.

Razani and his team found that excess amino acids from a high-protein diet activate a protein in macrophages called mTOR, which tells the cell to grow rather than go about its housecleaning tasks. The researchers found that certain amino acids, especially leucine and arginine, were more potent in activating mTOR—and derailing macrophages from their cleanup duties, leading to cell death—than other amino acids.

Cell death is the key feature of plaque instability. If you could stop these cells from dying, you might not make the plaque smaller, but you would reduce its instability. Support for the work came from the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association, the Washington University Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease Center and Diabetes Research Center, the Washington University Mass Spectrometry Core, and the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

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Stakeholders Academia Employers Health System Payers Providers. However, some people, including elite athletes, may be able to eat as much as 3. In general, experts also believe that most healthy adults can tolerate eating 2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day over the long term.

This can help lower your risk for some of the negative effects of a high-protein diet. Healthy sources of protein include:. Try to avoid high-fat meats and dairy products as well as fried or processed protein sources. Always speak to your doctor before beginning any new diet, especially if you have any health conditions.

Your doctor and dietitian can help you weigh the pros and cons of a high-protein diet based on your individual needs. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Protein is incredibly important for your health, weight loss, and body composition. This article explains exactly how much protein you should eat. Protein poisoning is rare. Here's what you need to know about eating too much protein, especially without also consuming fat or carbs.

Protein powder can be part of a healthy diet, but you might wonder whether too much can be bad for you. Whether you want to lose weight or gain it, a diet with an adequate amount of protein is key.

Looking to boost muscle growth? Here are 13 lean protein foods…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health. Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —….

Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge! Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food….

While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern. Let's look deeper:. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Are There Risks Associated with Eating Too Much Protein? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Risks Recommended daily protein Quality protein See a doctor If you eat too much protein, you may experience uncomfortable digestive side effects.

Risks of eating too much protein. Best sources of protein. When to see your doctor. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 1, Written By Emily Cronkleton. May 6, Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD.

Share this article. Read this next. Protein Intake — How Much Protein Should You Eat per Day? By Tom Rush. What Is Protein Poisoning? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Is Too Much Protein Powder Bad for You? By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT. How Protein Before Bed Can Promote Muscle Growth.

Top 13 Lean Protein Foods By Jessica DiGiacinto and Marsha McCulloch, MS, RD. How Nutritionists Can Help You Manage Your Health. Medically reviewed by Kathy W.

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