Protein -- How Much is Too Much

Training Bodybuilding
1

I’ve heard too much protein causes liver damage. Is this true? If so, what’s the upper limit? (g protein/kg or lbs body weight)

2

There was an article written just a couple weeks ago.

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=615251

3

If I start to urinate too frequently I cut back my protein intake by 5% increments daily. When the chants from the “Porcelain God” become less frequent I lock onto whatever grams of protein I’m taking in for the day and keep it constant for that week. I then bump up my protein intake by 2.5% per day for a week. If I’m still happy with less visits to the john I bump up the next week 2.5% per day for a week.

Example:

  • 181lbs x 2.5%(0.025)
  • 185.525 for that entire week

Next Week:

  • 185.53 x 2.5%
  • 190.17 for that entire week

I then match up carb, fiber, and fat intake for that week as well.

I feel if I’m not urinating as frequently it places less strain on my liver and kidneys.

I weigh around 208lbs at 18%BF with my current daily intake of protein at around 181 grams for this week. That’s less than one gram of protein per pound. I’m hoping to get one gram of protein per body pound by the end of next month. With less trips to the john of course.

OD

4

I’ve never heard of the liver being affected… usually people suggest the kidneys.

I’ve seen research suggesting that high protein diest can mildly stress healthy kidneys causing them to adapt, but otherwise there’s no problem in healthy people.

Cheers

[quote]DiogenestheCynic wrote:
I’ve heard too much protein causes liver damage. Is this true? If so, what’s the upper limit? (g protein/kg or lbs body weight)[/quote]

5

I like protein. It tastes good.

You can always get too much of something, but realistically, you’re not going to eat too much protein unless you’re eating more than 400-500 grams per day (depending on bodyweight). A 1-2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is perfectly fine.

And as stated, the kidneys will adjust. As usual, make sure you drink plenty of water (at least half your bodyweight in ounces, i.e. 150lb person should get at least 75 ounces of water each day to function normally, then add for exercise, climate, etc.).