Protein helps with weight loss but don't eat too much! Will eating too much damage the liver and brain? Doctors reveal 3 major signs
Does eating protein help you lose weight? Beware of excessive effects on liver and brain function
Modern people’s health concepts have improved, and the importance of protein intake has gradually received more attention. However, most people pay more attention to insufficient protein intake and tend to ignore the burden and health risks that excessive protein may cause. Dr. Li Sixian of Family Medicine pointed out that excessive intake of protein may not only cause fat gain, but also may cause burden on the liver and affect brain function for high-risk groups.
Dr. Li Sixian pointed out in a social media post that metabolizing protein is a very energy-consuming process, requiring about 25% of energy. Compared with metabolizing 7.5% of carbohydrates and 1.5% of fat, digesting protein not only produces more heat, but also Provides enough satiety. On the basis of the same caloric intake, appropriately increasing the proportion of protein can help with weight control and weight loss.
A large amount of protein “quickly clears the customs” and excess sugar turns into fat accumulation
Can Too Much Protein Cause Increased Body Fat? Dr. Li Sixian said that when excessive protein intake occurs, it will go through the lipid synthesis pathway (Lipid synthesis). When protein that is greater than the body can consume enters the body, it will preferentially go through another “quick pass” channel and be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. glucose.
Dr. Li Sixian explained that the process of converting protein into glucose involves deamination, which is the most energy-consuming step in the body’s process of metabolizing protein. The excess sugar will soon be converted into fat by the body. Storage. If things go on like this, it may accumulate into fat that cannot be consumed, increasing the burden on health.
Excessive protein can easily lead to loss of electrolytes. Eat a high-protein diet and drink more water.
In addition, excessive protein intake may also cause dehydration and electrolyte loss. Dr. Li Sixian pointed out that when the body eliminates excess protein, it needs water to help metabolize “nitrogenous waste”. When water is lost, it will also take away part of the electrolytes needed by the body. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish sufficient water and electrolytes. It is very important for people who adopt a high-protein diet.
Dr. Li Sixian reminds that excessive protein metabolism will produce toxic nitrogen-containing substance “ammonia”. This toxic ammonia must be metabolized by the liver into less toxic urea. Therefore, eating too much protein may cause a burden on the liver. Excessive accumulation of ammonia can be found in the blood of patients with end-stage liver function, which can even affect brain function.
Eat protein “frequently and in small amounts” when you are older and have a balanced intake of animal and plant foods
Dr. Li Sixian said that protein digestion requires gastric acid, so younger people are more able to tolerate digesting more protein at one time. Due to poor absorption and deterioration of chewing function, it is recommended that elderly people take protein supplements multiple times a day with a small amount of protein. If there are relevant needs, a physician should evaluate whether nutritional supplements or easier-to-absorb methods such as increasing branched-chain amino acids are needed.
How much protein is the right amount? Dr. Li Sixian pointed out that too many factors will affect the metabolic ability of protein consumption. It is currently impossible to clearly define how many grams of protein per kilogram is excessive. However, if you experience weight gain, fatigue, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function, these may be symptoms of too much protein. As for “animal protein” and “plant-based protein”, there are currently many related studies, and a balanced intake of both is recommended. It is safer not to overly favor one over the other.
Dr. Li Sixian reminded that protein is a very good nutrient and is crucial to the body’s physiological metabolism. However, just like other types of nutrients, too much or less than enough is not good for your health. In the same way, excessive intake of single nutrients such as fats and carbohydrates may cause physical problems. It is recommended that the public grasp the principle of nutritional balance and consult a specialist physician or nutritionist if they need to adjust their diet.
Further reading:
Cholesterol not up to target? 8 “blood-vessel-clearing foods” to help lower bad cholesterol
