Is Too Much Protein Dangerous?

Twenty-five years ago, there was plenty of skepticism about protein.

After all, bodybuilders ate lots of it—and they experimented with all kinds of “questionable” things.

Plus, the late 1990s ushered in the rise of high-protein diets for weight loss—an approach many health experts then labeled as “unsafe.”

Over the years, much of the handwringing about protein has faded. (And some of those same experts now advise people to “eat more protein.”)

But one claim just won’t seem to die: “Protein is bad for your kidneys.”   

Spoiler: It’s a myth.

Here’s why: The concern about high protein and kidneys began because doctors tell people with poorly functioning kidneys—usually from pre-existing kidney disease—to eat a low-protein diet.

But…

There’s a big difference between avoiding protein because your kidneys are already damaged versus protein actively damaging healthy kidneys.

It’s the difference between jogging with a broken leg and jogging with a perfectly healthy leg.

Jogging with a broken leg is a bad idea.

Doctors would probably tell you not to do that. But does jogging cause legs to break? No.

Same with protein and kidneys.

Eating more protein does increase how much your kidneys must work, just like jogging increases how much your legs must work.

But protein hasn’t been shown to cause kidney damage—again, just like jogging isn’t going to suddenly snap your leg like a breadstick.

How Much Protein Do You REALLY Need?

For the average person eating a standard diet, protein deficiency isn’t a concern.

However, “not deficient” doesn’t mean optimal.

It just means getting enough protein to maintain function and prevent malnutrition.

👉🏽For sedentary, generally healthy adults, about 0.4 g per pound is enough to cover basic daily requirements. (That’s about 60 grams for a 150-pound person.)

But because protein is involved in so many essential processes, protein needs can go up if you’re:

🏋🏻‍♀️Training hard frequently or have a heavy physical job
🤒Injured, sick, or recovering from surgery
👴🏻Older (because protein digestion tends to reduce with age, so you need more to meet requirements)
💪🏽Trying to lose body fat but still maintain muscle (or you’re trying to maximize muscle)

If you fall into these groups, research shows you want to shoot for around 0.7-1.0 g per pound. (That’s about 105-150 grams for a 150-pound person.)

That’s a bit complicated. So…

Don’t worry about the numbers.

Instead, just shoot for 1-2 palm-sized portions of protein at each meal. Typically, 1 palm-sized portion for women, 2 palm-sized portions for men.

One palm-sized portion has about 20-30 grams of protein. 

Of course, if you’re not even close to that now, you’ll probably find it difficult to get there overnight.

So, start from wherever you are, and try to eat just a little bit more.

For example, if you only have 1 palm-sized portion of protein a day, try to have 2.

Or if, like many people, you typically get most of your protein at dinner, can you focus on adding a palm to your breakfast and/or lunch?

Try it for 2 weeks, and if it’s working for you—that is, you enjoy it, you’re moving you closer to your goals, and it’s not disrupting your life—build on your success.

That’s how you make lasting progress.

If reaching your goals continues to be a struggle, we need to talk. Email me today to set up a time to discover the plan that will work best for you!

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Calories from protein affect your brain, your appetite control center, so you are more satiated and satisfied.”—Mark Hyman