Protein is a nutrient that the body needs, provided the levels are in accordance with ideal requirements; when there is an excess of protein levels in the body, which can cause an imbalance, causing disturbances in metabolism.
Effects of Excess Protein
The symptoms that the body feels when there is excess protein include:
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Hunger and cravings for various foods
- Heart rate slows down
- Dehydration
The symptoms that arise can subside if protein levels are reduced, one of which is consuming foods containing fat or carbohydrates. However, it's not good if you constantly balance excess protein by adding fat and carbohydrates in the body because any excess will have a negative impact.
Weight Gain
Excess protein can lead to weight gain, especially if you eat animal protein sources high in saturated fat. In addition, the body's cholesterol levels will also increase.
Diseases Come Up with Excess Protein
Some of the following diseases are caused by excess protein levels in the body:
Damaging Kidneys
The function of the kidneys in the body is to filter out waste or toxins resulting from protein intake. The more protein that comes in, the greater the number of amino acids the kidneys must filter. This makes the kidneys work hard without stopping.
Osteoporosis
Excessive protein in the body will make it easy to lose calcium. Lack of calcium makes bones weak and brittle. This is called Osteoporosis.
Heart disease
The protein that triggers heart disease comes from animal protein. Excessive consumption of red meat gives the opportunity for coronary heart disease, stroke, or death at a young age.
The problem is not with the red meat but with the processing that the red meat has undergone. A study of 34,000 women proved that excessive consumption of red meat has a higher chance of developing heart failure.
Protein Powder Risks
Powdered protein is often found in gym athletes who want to enlarge their muscles quickly. Practical consumption, pouring in drinks. Powdered protein contains three essential amino acids: leucine, valine, and isoleucine.
The study results from the University of Sydney, Australia, show that excess protein powder consumption can interfere with mood and lead to anxiety.
The journal "Nature Metabolism," which contained research results and was written by Samantha Solon-Biet, Ph.D, states that long-chain amino acid drinks can affect the production of fertility hormones.
Disturbances in Pregnant Women
The kidneys filter the amino acids in the protein. The rest is excreted in the urine. However, excess protein in the urine is a sign of certain diseases, such as dehydration, preeclampsia, and kidney disease.
If that happens to pregnant women, pregnancy complications can arise, such as:
- Premature birth
- Fetus fails to thrive (IUGR)
- The baby is deficient in nutrition
- Baby born with defects
- Low birth weight (LBW)
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
Make sure your body's protein levels are ideal according to your body's needs!