The body has excess protein, this is the result

Protein is an important nutrient that plays a role in the process of forming and repairing cells and body tissues. However, excess protein is also not good for health. So, protein intake needs to be adjusted to the amount that has been recommended.

Most of the bone, muscle and skin tissue, as well as various organs of the body, are made of amino acids, which are substances produced by protein metabolism. In addition to composing body tissues and cells, protein also plays a role in the production of enzymes and various hormones in the body, such as growth hormone. Therefore, the body requires large amounts of protein intake

However, you are also not advised to consume protein excessively because it can be bad for your health. Protein intake that is too high is thought to affect metabolic processes and make the kidneys work harder

Recommended Daily Protein Intake Amount

If the intake of protein in the body is insufficient, a person may experience several signs and symptoms ranging from hair loss, susceptibility to infection, the body taking longer to recover from illness, to malnutrition due to protein deficiency or kwashiorkor.

Therefore, the amount of daily protein intake needs to be fulfilled so that the body remains healthy. However, the recommended daily intake of protein varies from person to person, depending on age and gender.

The following are recommendations for daily protein intake according to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019:

• Children 1–6 years: 20–25 grams
• Children 7–9 years: 35–40 grams
• Teenagers: 60–75 grams
• Adults: 50–70 grams
• Pregnant and lactating women: 70–85 grams

The recommended daily intake of protein can also be different for each person depending on the level of physical activity and health condition of the body.

People who are advised to consume more protein are athletes, the elderly, and people who are undergoing the process of recovering from injuries or illness. However, protein intake may need to be limited or reduced under certain conditions, for example when the body is damaged or impaired kidney function

To meet your protein needs, you can eat protein foods, such as lean meat, eggs, nuts, fish, cheese, milk, or protein supplements, if needed.

Effect of Excess Protein on the Body

Although protein deficiency is not good for the body, excess protein can also potentially cause health problems. The following are some of the effects of excess protein in the body:

1. Ketone buildup and bad breath

Replacing your intake of carbohydrate foods, such as rice, by consuming too many high-protein foods or going on a keto diet can cause the body to experience a condition called ketosis.

This condition can make ketone chemicals accumulate in the body, causing bad breath. In addition, the buildup of ketones can also harm the kidneys

2. Weight gain

A high-protein diet can indeed help you lose weight in a short time. However, the long-term effect of this diet can actually increase body weight because the excess protein will be stored as fat tissue

This is more likely to happen if you eat high-protein foods that are also high in fat, such as red or fatty meats. Meanwhile, for athletes or people who regularly train muscles, a high-protein diet can increase muscle mass, so weight will also increase.

3. Kidney damage

In the body, protein will be processed into amino acids. The rest of protein metabolism into amino acids will become urea which needs to be filtered and excreted by the kidneys through urine

This is the reason why high protein intake can make the kidneys work extra. Therefore, people with kidney disease are generally advised to limit or reduce protein intake to prevent kidney damage from getting worse.

4. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Intake of animal protein sourced from red meat, fatty meat, or offal, also contains a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Therefore, consuming too much high protein food from animal sources can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

5. Loss of calcium

High protein intake can cause the body to waste more calcium. Reducing the amount of calcium in the body has been shown to make bones porous and increase the risk of osteoporosis

Actually, it's not just the amount of protein, but also the source of protein consumed. Experts suggest choosing protein intake from several sources, both animal sources such as fish, and vegetable protein sources such as nuts and seeds.

Although excess protein is thought to be associated with an increased risk of several diseases, so far further research is still needed to examine the impact of excess protein in general on health.

In order for your protein intake to be sufficient, not too little or too little, follow a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. However, if you have certain diseases, consult your doctor to find out the amount of protein intake that suits your condition.

Label : Health cat_Health