A diet rich in protein is in fashion and its followers praise the positive effects on their health and performance. However It can be problematic if you overdo it with protein, especially meat. or if you neglect other nutrients. Many people who follow a high protein diet limit carbohydrates.
1. Bad breath
A diet extremely rich in protein and very low in carbohydrates It causes the body to emit unpleasant odors in various ways.
Therefore, bad breath that cannot be eliminated by brushing your teeth may be a sign of too much protein in the diet. This effect is due to a metabolic state called ketosis, which occurs when the body turns to fats to obtain the energy that carbohydrates do not provide.
Temporary ketosis during fasting may have some positive effects, but it is not proven to be beneficial in the long term.
On the other hand, excess protein can also be seen in the extraordinary bad smell of feces.
2. Constipation
If the protein-rich diet is not accompanied by enough fiber, which is found in plant foods, the digestive process can become slow and difficult.
Besides, the microbiota can be altered by excess protein, which can lead to digestive discomfort and inflammation.
3. Dehydration
Protein lovers They need more fluids so that the body can eliminate excess nitrogen. Unfortunately, the body does not always report increased need with more thirst.
Therefore, there is a risk of dehydration, followed by headaches, fatigue and dry mouth. Some tests done on athletes have found that as protein intake increased, fluid balance decreased.
Therefore, People on a high-protein diet should always drink at least two large glasses more water than they think they need.
4. loss of libido in men
Another sign of too much protein is testosterone deficiency and subsequent decreased libido. According to a recent British study, protein lovers who follow low-carbohydrate diets They have up to 37% less testosterone than men who follow a balanced diet.
And if you are planning a family at the same time, it can also be difficult, because With this diet the number of sperm decreases enormously.
A healthy level of testosterone too It is important for muscle development and sports performance. In short, a permanent overdose of protein often has the opposite effect than expected.
5. Impaired kidney function
Lots of protein means lots of amino acids, which are extremely important, but must be broken down first, causing excess nitrogen. AND To get rid of it, the kidneys have to work harder than necessary.
Therefore, one study examined the question of which diet is most harmful to the kidneys: a low-fat diet or a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. To the damage it was determined that in the protein group some people They had an alteration in the balance of fluids and electrolytes and that the filtration function of the kidneys was not working as well.
If you ignore these early warning signs, gout may develop. The resulting deposits in the joints and tendons limit mobility and are quite painful.
6. bad mood
Bad mood can also be a sign of excess protein and deficiency of carbohydrates. Although the amino acids contained in proteins are important for maintaining a stable mood, The brain also needs carbohydrates to be happy.
According to studies, excess protein They cause mood swings and even depressive moods, especially in women. Men seem to be less affected.
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