Quick Answer:
Too much protein is a real thing! Dehydration, weight gain, kidney issues, and intestinal problems are some problems that you may face when you eat too much protein. Typically overeating protein is done by over using protein supplements and bars.
Full Answer:
Protein keeps your muscles healthy and strong, maintains your metabolism, and helps to keep your body fuller, longer. With the modern fitness hype, people are following high protein diets to lose weight and gain a toned body without any professional help. There can be serious consequences to your body if you are eating too much protein. Eating too much protein is very hard to do, the average male should eat a minimum of 56 grams of protein per day and the average woman should eat 46 grams of protein per day. Some symptoms that you may see from eating too much protein include:
Dehydration:
When you eat protein, the body creates nitrogen in the kidneys during the filtering. The body has to use more water to flush this extra nitrogen out of the body causing a water shortage. Studies have shown that as protein levels increase, hydration decreased.
Weight Gain:
Studies have shown that in the long term eating too much protein will lead to consuming too many calories which could increase your weight. The body will use all the protein that it needs and the excess is stored as fat to burn later.
Kidney Issues:
The nitrogen byproduct that we talked about aiding in dehydration will also be the downfall of your kidney. That nitrogen is usually flushed out through pee however, if you have a continuous excess, the kidneys have to constantly work hard to flush the byproduct leading to kidney damage.
Intestinal Problems:
Constipation, bloating, and other GI issues can be a result of over eating protein. If you eat too much protein, chances are you are neglecting fiber that you get from carbohydrates that your gut needs to function properly. Most people that opt for a low carb, high protein diet experience these side effects. The body needs carbs to function; even on a low carb diet it is crucial to get a balanced Macro intake.
References: HuffingtonPost, Cosmopolitan, DaveyWaveyFitness, WomensHealthMag