Weight loss: Things that can go wrong with a high-protein diet

Protein is certainly one of the healthiest nutrients of all, necessary for every bodily function. Our body needs protein for energy, to feel full, to build muscle, to process nutrients, and boost immunity. So, it seems obvious to think that the higher the protein intake, the better it is for health.

The same goes for someone trying to shed kilos. During weight loss, people are encouraged to have more protein and reduce the intake of carbohydrate and fats. This is because unlike fat and carbs, protein is not considered to have any bad reputation, which is one of the most common misconceptions related to proteins that can sabotage your weight loss goals.

There are several kinds of high-protein diets that are known to be effective when trying to shed kilos like Atkins and the Zone. But they have also been associated with several risks. Here are some common health risks of having a high protein diet that you must know before trying it.

Protein is essential for weight loss, but too much protein can lead to weight gain. When you consume an excessive amount of protein, it is stored in the body as fat and all the extra amino acids are excreted from the body. Over time this can lead to weight gain.

Restricting carb intake and increasing the amount of protein can also make you feel constipated all the time. Carbs basically come from fiber and fiber bulks up the stool and make them pass through the body easily. Increasing your water and fiber intake may help manage this problem.

If you have restricted your carb intake and are having more protein then you might have to deal with the problem of bad breath. This is because your body enters in a metabolic state and starts producing chemicals that give an unpleasant fruity smell. The worst part is that these smells won't go away by brushing and flossing.

As we know that animal-based plant products are the best and complete sources of protein. But we fail to realise that animal-based sources of protein like meat and dairy also contain a high amount of fat, which may contribute to cardiovascular issues.

Having a high-protein diet for a long time can also affect your kidneys. It is even worse for those already suffering from kidney issues. This is because of the amount of nitrogen found in amino acids, which form the protein. The extraction process of nitrogen puts a lot of pressure on our kidneys and they have to work harder. This can damage the kidneys over a period of time.

In general, women need at least 50 grams of protein a day and for men it is 60 grams per day. When trying to build muscles, a person should eat 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.