Excess protein can lead to increased production of urea in the urine, causing negative side effects such as kidney disease, gout, dehydration, and increased risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones. The liver converts excess protein into other usable molecules, and the kidneys are responsible for excreting urea. Those with kidney disease should keep their protein intake stable.
The vast majority of the negative side effects associated with too much protein have their roots in the circulatory system of the kidneys. While there are those who dispute these health complications, many argue that excess protein that cannot be absorbed by the body causes increased production of urea in the urine in the first place, and this can lead to a variety of side effects. different throughout the body. The mechanism for producing urine in the body is the kidneys, so the increased workload can increase the risk of kidney disease and worsen any existing kidney problems. More indirectly, this process can increase the risk of gout, and frequent urination, as a result, can lead to dehydration. Additionally, calcium tends to be excreted in the urine along with excess urea, and some researchers have argued that this may increase the risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.
More specifically, the reason too much protein leads to higher concentrations of urea in the urine is because the excess protein is relegated to the liver, where the amino acids will be converted into other usable molecules through a process called deanimation. During the process, the nitrogen from the amino acids is converted first to ammonia and then to urea by the liver. Excreting this through the urine is the job of the kidneys, but too much protein in the diet places a heavy workload on these organs. It is best for those who already have some form of kidney disease to keep their protein intake at a stable level.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Some argue, then, that excess protein in the body increases the risk of gout. The kidneys are normally instrumental in removing uric acid from the body, but the extra workload placed on them can affect this function.
More frequent urination is the obvious side effect of the above biological process. Every time an individual urinates to expel extra urea, water will inevitably be excreted as well. As a result, too much protein can quickly lead to dehydration, which may be indicated by symptoms such as headache, muscle cramps, or dizziness.
Also, excessive levels of urea produced during this process will normally lead to an unstable pH level. Researchers have observed higher concentrations of calcium in the urine of those with too much protein in their diet, and some believe that this calcium exists to balance pH levels. Although there is some dispute, this can present a risk of osteoporosis because the body can reabsorb calcium from the bones for this purpose. Some believe that increasing calcium intake can compensate for this. In addition, the increased concentrations of calcium circulating in the kidneys may increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
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