Picture this: you’ve just brought a parcel into the kitchen. You proudly unbox your new pack of Impact Whey Protein and you’re admiring it. Your mum comes in and says “I hope you’re not going to have too much of that. People on the internet say too much can be bad for your kidneys”. But is this correct? In fact, is there any truth to it at all? Or is it just a case a fake news on social media?
Well, next time one of your parents is fretting over your protein consumption, s, you can direct them to our YouTube channel. Nutritionist and PhD researcher Richie Kirwan will put them right.
Can you eat too much protein?
Simple answer: yes. It is possible to eat too much protein. But it’s possible to eat or drink too much of anything. The word for drinking too much water even has its own special name: drowning. Too much refers to the point when the amount you’re eating can be harmful. Luckily, if you’re healthy and have no pre-existing issues, it’s extremely difficult to consume necessary for this to happen.
There is one point worth mentioning though. Eating too much protein will become an issue if you start substituting other food groups for protein. In other words, if you eat protein instead of fruit, veg, fibre and carbs, then it can stop you from having a balanced diet.
Take home message
I hope puts you and worried family members at ease. A high protein diet alone has no affect on kidneys — they won’t explode, they won’t fall out, and function won’t decrease. Someone tell the people on social media.
But if you do or have previously suffered from kidney issues, it might be worth minding your protein intake or consulting your doctor first.
