Worker A often eats protein bars as a meal substitute to increase muscle mass. However, continuously replacing meals with protein bars can lead to excessive protein intake. This can, in turn, cause health problems. I looked into diseases that can be caused by excessive protein consumption.

Constipation

Excessive protein intake can cause constipation. When proteins are broken down, ammonia is produced. Ammonia is converted into urea in the liver and excreted in the urine. Eating a lot of protein increases the amount that needs to be excreted, which can draw water from other parts of the body. When water is drawn into the large intestine during this process, constipation may occur. Additionally, protein has a high satiety effect, which can lead to reduced consumption of dietary fiber that helps alleviate constipation.

◇Kidney Disease

Proteins contain nitrogen components, so excessive intake of protein produces a large amount of nitrogen waste during protein breakdown. This places a burden on the kidneys, which filter waste, and increases the risk of developing kidney disease. If kidney disease already exists, it becomes even more dangerous. When kidney function declines, nitrogen compounds, organic acids, and phosphates produced during protein metabolism cannot be excreted. These substances accumulate in the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, decreased kidney function can lead to uremia, a condition caused by the inability to excrete waste products.

Gout

Eating too much protein increases the risk of developing gout. Gout is a condition in which uric acid, the final metabolic product, is not properly excreted and accumulates as crystals in the joints, cartilage, tendons, and surrounding tissues. High-protein foods contain a lot of purines, which are nitrogen compounds that cause gout by producing uric acid. Uric acid is a substance formed when purines are broken down. Gout occurs when uric acid is not properly excreted and accumulates in the body. Increased protein intake causes uric acid to build up in the joints, and the immune system mistakenly identifies the uric acid crystals as foreign invaders and attacks, causing pain.

Meanwhile, the appropriate daily protein intake is 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. For those building muscle or elderly with low muscle mass, this can be increased to approximately 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight depending on their health condition. To prevent diseases caused by excessive protein intake, it is necessary to adjust the amount of protein consumed through protein bars by considering the recommended daily allowance.

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Excess protein causes gout, right?

For those who like meat

You should be careful of gout.

Constipation? I've never seen this before.