What might excessive protein intake lead to?

Excessive protein intake can lead to potential kidney stone formation due to the increase in the amount of uric acid and calcium in the urine. High levels of protein, particularly from animal sources, can raise the acidity of urine, making it more conducive to stone formation. When the body metabolizes protein, it produces various byproducts, including uric acid. If the production of uric acid exceeds the kidneys' ability to excrete it, or if it crystallizes in urine, it can lead to the development of kidney stones. Additionally, excessive protein may increase calcium excretion, which can also contribute to stone formation, particularly calcium oxalate stones.

In contrast, increased hydration would typically be recommended to help mitigate stone formation, low blood sugar is more commonly associated with insufficient carbohydrate intake rather than protein excess, and improved kidney function is not a known outcome of high protein consumption.