How Much Protein Should I Eat?

Overconsumption of Protein

WebMD recommends sticking to a 3 oz serving of protein per meal. More than that, and you run the risk of ingesting too much protein – and most meat-eating Americans do just that. While many fad diets suggest upping your protein intake to feel full longer and edge carbohydrates off your plate, consuming more than the recommended amount of protein can actually damage your health.

Because the body has no way to store protein, excess molecules are broken down into amino acids and then oxidized. This oxidation can lead to calcium excretion due to a pH imbalance in the body. Depleted calcium is, of course, related to bone loss and osteoporosis. Another issue that may arise from high levels of protein intake is the formation of kidney stones, which occurs far more often in people who eat large amounts of protein than in those who don’t.

Your Personal Protein Consumption

Clearly, how much protein you should eat depends on a whole range of factors, especially your weight and your activity levels. But it’s important to keep track of how much you’re getting. While it’s highly unlikely that someone following a traditional Western diet would have to worry about protein deficiency, it is likely that you may actually be taking in too much protein. Use this article as a guideline, but talk to a doctor or a nutritionist to find out exactly how much protein is right for you.

 Sources: