Instead, you should focus on how much, how often.

Research suggests that more than that does not have much benefit and could even lead to overconsumption.

How do you know youre eating too much protein?

Active older male recovering from exercise, in kitchen holding protein shake drinks container, hand touching mouth, thirsty, recovery, refreshment

10'000 Hours / Getty Images

Heres how to identify the signs.

Ketosis is associated with a high-protein diet, including the Keto diet.

Acetoneis a byproduct of fat breaking down in the body.

Its particles are small, so its easily exhaled.

Acetone can make your breath smell fruity or like nail polish.

More protein usually means more calories, and the protein source you choose may be packed withsaturated fat.

Additionally, your body converts excess protein into sugar that gets stored as fat.

Over time, these factors can contribute to weight gain.

GI Discomfort

Gastrointestinal symptoms are pretty common if youre eating more protein.

Eating too much protein if you havekidney diseasecan even contribute to renal (kidney) failure.

Another issue isammonia, a byproduct of metabolizing protein that is excreted in urine.

When Should You Actually Increase Your Protein Intake?

And protein isnt the only nutrient you should be prioritizing.

Leah Groppo, RD, a clinical dietitian with Stanford Health, told Verywell.

We should focus more on what our plate looks like instead of focusing on a number.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Adults daily protein intake much more than recommended.

Wu G.Dietary protein intake and human health.Food Funct.

2018;10(6):710. doi:10.3390/nu10060710

American Heart Foundation.Protein and heart health.

2020;31(8):1667-1679. doi:10.1681/ASN.2020010028

University of Nottingham.Protein.