How did consuming too much protein leave me unable to walk, sleep, and function due to agonizing pain? I learned the hard way that eating too much of a good thing can be bad. My high protein diet, which included 1-2 protein shakes a day, caused an inflammatory arthritis called gout to form in my big toe. This condition, though common in people over 50 with a genetic predisposition, is rare for someone in their 20s — like me.
Outpace Age with Intelligence, Strategy, Commitment, and Care.
At TrainSMART, we specialize in creating safe, customized programs designed to build muscle and bone, burn fat, increase strength, enhance balance, boost energy levels, and improve cognitive function. As experts in longevity, our intelligent strategies are crafted with your unique needs in mind. Through unwavering commitment and personalized care, we believe you can feel better and stronger than you did 20 years ago.
Take the first step toward a more vibrant, energetic you.
CALL or TEXT (716) 650 0535 today and let’s outpace age Together!
I have always had an endomorphic body type that makes it a challenge to gain weight and build muscle. Determined to pack on some muscle mass, I purchase a protein & creatine supplement called Cell Tech. Please don’t make the same mistake I did. There is no place for junk like that in a healthy diet. For me at that time, howver, nothing was off the table. My meals were all high protein meals consisting of eggs, meat, and fish. Too many of these meals included red meat, but many also were lean proteins like chicken and tuna. In between these meals, I supplemented with the protein shakes.
Why Too Much Protein Can Be Harmful
After gaining 5 pounds, I didn’t feel any better about my body composition, but I kept going. I gained another 5 pounds, looked at myself in a mirror, and felt I looked the same. After another 5 pounds, I did have some strength gains that were nice, but still didn’t feel any better about my body composition. I remember wondering if this time and money spent was worth it. On my way to the next 5-pound gain, I started having toe pain when walking. A day later, it was twice as bad and I had a significant limp. I was limited in my workouts and cut out the protein shakes, but it was too late.
My foot was beyond inflamed! The gentle bedsheet grazing my foot caused bone chilling pain. I was referred to a podiatrist and strings were pulled to get me in quick. I limped in with one sneaker and only a sock on the symptomatic side. When the doctor pulled off my sock, tears came down my face. He didn’t have to work hard to get the diagnosis. He was shocked only by my age, but all signed pointed to gout. The doctor treated it with a steroid injection and lucky for me, I had almost instant relief.
The Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Fitness
That experience taught me a lot and had an impact on my new health and fitness journey. I began to understand how feeling good and improving healthspan now motivated me. The body composition changes didn’t make me feel better as I had hoped. I was chasing the wrong goal. The thought of being able to enjoy my active hobbies and feel good was much more rewarding for me. Working with clients and patients now for over decade, I have learned how to help other discover deeper rooted goals early on. Helping others discover goals that provide more motivation to put the work in when days are tough.
Having adequate protein is important to building and maintaining muscle and strength. This is especially important to age well. I do believe most people would benefit from increasing protein in their diet. In doing this, I highly recommend doing so with mostly whole foods vs. supplements.
