Home LivingWellness5 signs you’re eating too much protein, according to a registered dietitianDo experience any of these symptoms?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Home LivingWellness5 signs you’re eating too much protein, according to a registered dietitianDo experience any of these symptoms?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Do experience any of these symptoms?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash)

protein

(Image credit: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash)

If you’re on a health and fitness journey, the word ‘protein’ will be something you hear multiple times a day. We’re often told that we’re not eating enough protein, and thebest protein barsandbest protein powdersshould be used to fill in the gaps. However, have you ever considered whether you’re consuming toomuchprotein?

Last year, the founder ofPh Nutritionconfirmed that the recommended daily allowance for protein consumption is0.8 grams per kilogram of body weightper day. However, he did mention that this guidance is “relatively low” and “certainly not indicative of what you should be consuming for ‘optimal’ levels of function.”

This leaves room for thought. If that’s the minimum amount of protein we should consume per day, how much istoomuch? To find out more, I spoke to Kate Patton, registered dietitian atCleveland Clinic, who shared the five things you should look out for that indicate you’re eating too much protein.

1. You experience digestive issues

Eating too much protein, especially in the form of red meat, can bring on unwelcome tummy troubles like bloating, constipation and diarrhea. This is typically because loading up on one macronutrient can result in an unbalanced diet, resulting it missing out on foods with fibre or vitamin C.

If you are trying to amp up your protein intake, remember to consume other nutrients as well. It’s not all about the protein!

2. You find yourself exceeding your calorie deficit

A weight loss journey and heightened protein intake are two things that go hand in hand, but if you find yourself regularly exceeding your daily calorie deficit, it could be a sign that you’re eating too much protein.

Your body turns excess protein into fat, so it’s important to know how much you need in order to lose or maintain your weight.

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

3. You’re dehydrated

If you’re finding yourself a lot thirstier than normal and you’re still consuming therecommended water intake, take a look at how much protein you’re eating.

4. Your urine is foamy

Excessive foamy urine is a sign that you should head to the doctors as soon as possible, especially if you consume a high amount of protein. Foamy or bubbly pee is a sign of proteinuria, a high level of protein in your urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage.

5. You experience kidney issues

Consuming a high amount of protein makes your kidneys work harder, something that can result in kidney damage or making existing kidney problems worse. High-protein diets aren’t recommended for people who have kidney troubles, so if you’re experiencing issues like weight loss and swollen ankles, book a doctors appointment to double check.

If you’re interested in more, check out the5 foods that contain a surprisingly high amount of protein.

A man doing concentration bicep curls in the gym

Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!

It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite

OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up

OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up

man eating breakfast

4 reasons why your breakfast choice is giving you the afternoon slumpDo you feel tired and less motivated throughout the day? Your breakfast could be the reason why…

Do you feel tired and less motivated throughout the day? Your breakfast could be the reason why…