The organ that is most affected by too much protein are the kidneys.
The kidneys struggle with too much protein due to extra workload, increased pressure and potential strain.
Your kidneys filter waste products, like urea, which is created when the body breaks down protein.
And eating excess protein causes your kidneys to increase filtration, creating extra pressure inside their tiny filters.
And over time, this extra stress can also harm vulnerable kidneys, especially for people with pre-existing kidney disease or high blood pressure.
Other common signs of eating too much protein are dehydration, digestive issues and unwanted weight gain.
Processing the extra protein makes your body pass more water, which can lead to mild dehydration if you don't drink enough and diets that are heavy in meat and shakes often lack fiber, which can lead to constipation and extra calories from excess protein can also turn into stored fat and lead to weight gain.
The first signs of too much protein are digestive discomfort such as bloating, constipation, bad breath and even increased thirst or frequent urination.
The early warning signs of too much protein are digestive issues, bad breath ("Keto Breath"), dehydration and frequent urination, unintended weight gain and fatigue or sluggishness.
Restrictive high protein, low carbohydrate eating patterns can sometimes leave you feeling drained or in a "funk" due to low energy or electrolyte shifts.
Consuming extra protein also means consuming extra calories, which can lead to fat gain if you're in a caloric surplus.
And your kidneys also must work harder to flush out nitrogen waste products (like urea) which is generated from breaking down excess protein, which uses more water and can also trigger frequent trips to the bathroom.
Eating very high amounts of protein, especially while cutting carbs can also force your body into ketosis, which leads to you having a fruity or metallic odor on your breath.
High protein diets also often replace fiber rich foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, leading to constipation, gas and stomach pain.
The 5 red flags that you need more protein are constant hunger, muscle weakness and loss, brittle hair and brittle nails, frequent fatigue and slow healing wounds.
Protein is essential for tissue repair and cell regeneration, which means cuts and bruises will take longer to heal without enough protein.
Low protein also destabilizes blood sugar levels, which drains your energy and causes sluggishness throughout the day.
Your body also needs protein like keratin and collagen to maintain strong, hair, skin and nails.
Inadequate protein also forces your body to break down muscle tissue for amino acids, causing a decline in strength.
And protein takes longer to digest than carbs, so lacking it also leaves you feeling unfulfilled and constantly snacking.
The 6 signs that you might not be eating enough protein are experiencing persistent fatigue, muscle loss or weakness, weak hair, skin, and nails, slow healing injuries, constant hunger or cravings and frequent illness.
Your body needs amino acids to regulate energy and repair cells.
And without enough protein, you might feel sluggish or exhausted after a full night of sleep.
Muscles also depend on protein to maintain and rebuild tissue.
And if your intake of protein is too low, your body breaks down muscle for fuel, which makes workouts harder or everyday tasks like climbing stairs feel difficult.
Hair, nails and skin also rely on structural proteins like keratin, elastin and collagen.
And a shortage of protein can lead to thinning hair, peeling nails, or dry, dull skin.
Cuts, scrapes, and bruises also take longer to mend without enough protein, because the body lacks the essential building blocks that are required for tissue regeneration and collagen production.
Without enough protein you may get sick more often as your immune system needs protein to produce antibodies that fight off bacteria and viruses.
Low intake of protein can also weaken your defenses and make you more prone to catching colds.
Protein also helps promote the feeling of fullness also known as (satiety) and stabilizes your blood sugar.
Eating too little protein can trigger sudden sugar cravings or even leave you feeling hungry shortly after a meal.
Protein levels in your body are checked using a simple blood test called a Total Serum Protein Test, which measures albumin and globulin.
How the Test Works for protein:
Blood Draw: A doctor uses a small needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
Urine Test: Sometimes, a urine protein test is also used to check if your kidneys are leaking protein.
Duration: The blood collection process takes less than five minutes.
Normal Ranges for protein include:
Total Protein: Typically 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Albumin: Typically 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL.
Globulin: Typically 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL.
Note: Specific normal ranges for protein vary slightly depending on the laboratory used for analysis.
Why the Test is Done:
Liver Health: Checks if your liver is making enough proteins.
Kidney Health: Checks for protein leaks or kidney disease.
Nutrition: Evaluates your general nutritional status.