Things That Happen to Your Body When You Eat Too Much Protein

If you think there's no such thing as too much protein, think again.
One scan of the grocery store and it's clear: our culture is obsessed with protein. From pudding and pancake mix to milk and yogurt, nearly everything has gotten pumped with an extra dose of the nutrient.

Protein aids muscle growth, wards off hunger, and aids weight loss, so this culinary revolution may seem like a good thing. But while we love the macronutrient, consuming too much can have some serious consequences for your waistline and health.
Tragically, 25-year-old Meegan Hefford reportedly died from a protein overdose in June 2017, according to Australian site Perth Now. Doctors ultimately discovered that the combination of overdosing on protein and bodybuilding supplements alongside a diagnosis of rare genetic disorder urea cycle disorder (UCD), which prevented the bodybuilder's body from breaking down the excess protein, was the cause of death.
While only one in 8,000 people suffer from UCD, everyone can suffer negative health effects of consuming too much protein. What's too much? Well, the rule of thumb is that you should consume about 0.45 grams of protein per pound for men and 0.35 grams of protein per pound for women. So, if you're a 150-pound woman, you shouldn't be taking in more than 52.5 grams of protein in a day. Not sure what that looks like? Take a look at our list of 26 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg to get a better idea. And now read on to discover the weird and scary things that happen to your body when you eat too much protein!