Protein is an important part of a well-balanced diet. We rely upon protein to feel full, build and repair muscle, and boost immunity. But, did you know that it’s possible to consume too much protein? If you’re eating more than 110-140 grams of protein per day, you may experience negative side effects, which could lead to an increased risk of kidney disease and cancer. Here are a few subtle clues that you may be consuming too much protein.
You have brain fog.
Feeling like you can’t escape that mid-day slump? Consider how much protein you’ve had lately. If you’ve been primarily eating meals with large amounts of protein and very little carbohydrates, your brain may be missing those energy-boosting carbs. This will result in a lack of concentration, as your brain struggles to keep up the pace. To remedy this, ensure that your meals and snacks include a nice balance of carbs and protein, so you feel full, without feeling foggy.
You’re in a bad mood.
A lot of things can contribute to a bad mood, like personal issues, health concerns, or even the weather. However, if you can’t kick your bad mood after several days, it might have something to do with your protein intake. As we mentioned before, your brain requires energy from carbs to work efficiently. If you rob your brain of those nutrients, you’ll likely experience a drop in your mood. To keep your mood stable, reach for complex carbohydrates such as fruits, yogurt, brown rice, and whole-grain oatmeal.
You’re very thirsty.
It’s summer, which means that you’re likely doubling down on your water intake. But, what if you still feel dehydrated? Believe it or not, too much protein can cause dehydration. When you consume a lot of protein, your kidneys must work overtime to process the proteins and eliminate waste products. Lighten the load on your kidneys by reducing your protein intake and enjoying an extra cup of water. Though easily remedied, you’ll want to pay close attention to any protein-related dehydration, as this can lead to kidney stones.
At The District Flats Apartments in Lenexa, Kansas, we believe it’s important to live life vigorously. In order to do so, you must educate yourself on a regular basis with lifestyle-enhancing tips, such as these. With this blog post, we seek to improve your way-of-life through education that promotes self-care.