{
  "id": 16897516,
  "title": "Why a UK surgeon says excess protein may affect gut health: ‘You get a bacterial shift too’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/why-a-uk-surgeon-says-excess-protein-may-affect-gut-health-you-get-a",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-28T12:29:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/high-protein-diet-gut-health-dr-karan-rajan-protein-fermentation-symptoms-10598552/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent Instagram video, UK-based surgeon Dr Karan Rajan warned that excessively high protein intake, particularly when paired with a low-fibre diet, can disrupt gut health. The excess protein, which should ideally be absorbed in the small intestine, can instead reach the colon where gut bacteria ferment it. This fermentation process produces metabolites such as ammonia, p-cresols, indoles, phenols, and hydrogen sulfide, which can lead to an inflammatory gut environment and stress the gut barrier. Dr Rajan also noted that excessive protein fermentation can alter the bacterial composition of the gut, increasing the presence of species like Bacteroides and Fusobacterium, which should be present in lower amounts.\n\nDr Rajan emphasized that while protein is crucial for muscle health and fitness, the key is to maintain a balance that supports gut health. For athletes, he recommended evidence-based protein intake ranging between 1.6 and 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For an 80-kilogram athlete, this translates to 128 to 176 grams of protein daily, rather than excessive amounts like three whole chickens or a whey intravenous drip.\n\nTo support gut health, Dr Rajan advised consuming protein alongside fibre and incorporating a variety of protein sources such as yogurt, eggs, beans, tofu, and lentils. Foods like edamame, which provide both protein and fibre, are particularly beneficial. He cautioned against an exclusive focus on specific protein sources, recommending a diverse diet.\n\nSymptoms indicating that protein intake may be too high for an individual's gut to manage effectively include persistent bloating, excessive gas with a foul odor, a sense of heaviness after meals, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, increased bad breath, and other signs of gut distress. Dr Adithya V. Naragund, a senior consultant in GI and HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, Bengaluru, advised that a balanced diet with moderate protein intake, paired with fibre-rich foods, can prevent such issues. He suggested distributing protein evenly across meals and combining it with vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and fermented foods to support gut health and microbial diversity.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}