Question:
Protein:how much is too much?

<P>Too much protein can be as bad for our health as not enough, I've heard. So, does anyone have a read on how much is too much? (Obviously, this is subject to the individual and his or her absorption capacity, but I'm looking for any general guidelines. </P>And besides heart disease and kidney problems, what are the potential health ramifications of too much?    — gamboge (posted on July 3, 2003)

July 3, 2003
I've been reading the book Protein Power by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades (a very credible source, based on science, not unproven trendy thoughts). They claim that there are no known adverse effects from a diet balanced toward protein; that a person cannot have "too much" protein. Of course, unused protein will turn to body fat just like all unused macronutrients will, so in that sense you can have too much. But there is no known upper limit to a safe intake of protein--you will not hurt yourself in any way. Of course, if you eat only protein you will develop other problems due to a lack of micronutrients from other foods, from the immediate energy boost of carbohydrates, and from the lack of fats (your body must have some fats ingested to process certain kinds of micronutrients!).
   — Vespa R.

July 3, 2003
too much proein infact can cause numerous problems. You should see A dietician to determine the amount of protein suitable for YOU and your own needs. for me a 5 foot tall female, my correct amount is 56 grams a day as calculated by height and lean body mass. too much protein can indeed cause numerous problems. It places a strain on your kidneys. It affects calcium metabolism. too much protein can cause osteoporosis. I have seen posters writing about their huge protein intakes via supplemental shakes and then being angry with their Dr. because they have osteoporosis. well, guess what friends, too much protein intake is just as likely a culprit as taking the wrong calcium supplement in causing your fragile bones. the high protein also by affecting calcium metabolism can increase your risk of kidney stones. (yikes I h ave been there pre op and it is not a place you want to go) It seems that so many of the people on here posting are still looking for the magic bullett and / or following the lastest fad diet rather than looking for the balance that this wonderful tool can give. When you look around at healthy thin people and REALLY look at what they eat you will see they are following a good balance, moderation in everything. I personally had this surgery because I was tired of the extremes and fads all around me in diet and wanted to be able to eat like a normal healthy person. this surgery has given me that ability. Good luck to you in finding YOUR happy balance.
   — **willow**

July 3, 2003
I asked my surgeon this very question and he told me that I couldn't eat enough to be too much. I usually get about 50 - 60g a day even though at my current weight, I only need about 42g. I asked him if it was ok to get more and he said the more the better; it will help keep me looking young. Remember, though, that we don't absorb more than 30g a serving (if that much), so don't go crazy with protein drinks. If you get about 60g a day, you will do great.
   — Patty_Butler

July 8, 2003
I couldn't stop myself from adding on here, Preop i atee a lot more protein and a lot more everything else too. I also had numerous Kidney stones, and an elevated uric acid level (one cause of that is too much protein in the diet) the elevated uric acid contributes to Kidney stones and GOUT. since I had surgery and have as a result moderated my eating focusing on a balance of foods in the right amounts, %^ grams of protein, lots of fruits and veggies and occasional grains My uric acid is normal and my overall health is improved.
   — **willow**