YOU’RE ESPECIALLY THIRSTY

One indicator that you might be consuming too much protein is a constant desire for water. In fact, too much protein can cause mild dehydration. “The dehydration is caused by your kidneys working overtime to remove the excess protein as well as the nitrogen waste from metabolising the protein. So you urinate too much and eventually can wreck your kidneys altogether,” Immer says.

To the rescue? More water, of course, and lightening up on the protein. It’s important to pay attention to this sign, as kidney stones can also be caused by a highprotein diet. “Depending on other factors, when you put your kidneys into overdrive, the risk of kidney stones increases for those who are already prone,” he says.