To quickly achieve their fitness goals, many people try a variety of high-protein diets. Although protein can help you feel full longer and maintain muscle mass, consuming too much can cause health problems. Here's a guide to what can happen when you eat too much protein and how much should be included in a healthy diet.

What Can Happen If You Eat Too Much Protein?

Consistently consuming more than the recommended amount of protein can be harmful, especially for people with underlying conditions. Those with pre-existing kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to damage from too much protein. The amino acids in protein contain nitrogen, which can put stress on the kidneys since they have to filter out the excess nitrogen and remove it as waste. 

The type of protein you eat also matters. Eating an abundance of red meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry increases the amount of uric acid in urine, which can build up and form kidney stones. Red meat and processed meat, such as sausage and ham, contain carcinogenic compounds that increase the risk of developing certain cancers. High intake of red meat also increases the amount of cholesterol in the body, which contributes to your risk of heart disease.

How Much Protein Should You Consume?

A variety of factors contribute to your recommended daily protein intake, including age, activity level, and fitness goals.

According to the Dietary Reference Intake, people with a sedentary lifestyle should consume approximately 0.36 grams of protein per each pound of body weight they have. Those who want to lose weight should consider adding some more protein to their diet to increase their metabolic rate, and those who are trying to build muscle should also incorporate more into their diet as a way to build muscle mass. Keep track of your meals, though, to avoid excessive protein intake.

To keep cholesterol levels low, avoid consuming too much red meat, egg, poultry, and seafood. Instead, alternate with lean proteins, such as low-fat cottage cheese, lentils, and tofu. They offer the same nutritional value as animal protein without the harmful effects of cholesterol build-up.

To learn more about how nutrition can help you meet your fitness goals, reach out to the professionals at Anytime Fitness in Chesterfield, MO. The fitness center is conveniently open 24/7, and the personal trainers will tailor your workouts and nutritional advice to get you on the right track for success. Learn about the gym's amenities online and call (314) 485-8986 to discuss gym membership options with a friendly representative. You can also get helpful workout tips on Facebook.