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10 Signs You Are Not Eating Enough Protein
Protein is essential for living organisms. It gives us energy, helps our bodies to recover
and keeps our stomachs satisfied. The protein is composed of long-chain amino acids, which
are the building blocks of muscle.
Your body produces 11 amino acids and the others, the so-called 9 essential amino acids,
you must consume from food.
How would you know if you have protein deficiency? Below are some symptoms that may be related
to an inadequate protein. Keep in mind that, as with any nutrient deficiency, the symptoms
may have other causes, so this is a general list and should not be used to self-diagnose.
Muscular weakness
Weakness or sudden muscle pain may be a sign that your diet lacks the recommended amount
of protein. Protein is the fuel for your muscles, so your muscles suffer a lot when your body
lacks proteins.
This can be a concern especially for men as they get older. Men can experience a natural
loss of muscle mass due to aging, and they can lose even more muscle if they do not eat
enough protein daily.
You feel sick often
If you have had to miss some days of gym because it is not in climatic conditions, take a look
at your diet. "Protein plays a very important role in the immune system,
adds that it builds the cells that keep it healthy. "Then, if you're not consuming enough,
you can often get sick."?
Food cravings
The constant food cravings and the need for snacks often between meals can be the consequence
of a diet high in carbohydrates / sugar and low in protein. The protein matches the maximum
and minimum blood sugar levels.
Poor hair growth
Did you know that your hair is mainly composed of a protein known as keratin, which is vital
for hair strength? Your hair strand needs an adequate dose of protein to grow.
Then, when your body does not get an adequate source of protein, it causes your body to
keep the source limited by stopping the maximum use of protein. This, in turn, results in
thinning and hair loss.
Fluid retention
Edema or fluid accumulation: the protein plays an internal role to prevent fluid from accumulating
in the tissues, especially in the feet and ankles.
You are fighting insomnia
Stress is not the only thing that can keep you awake at night. If your body thinks you
are dying of hunger, it wants you to eat, do not sleep. The protein improves the feeling
of satisfaction after the meal.
Without that feeling, your body may have trouble establishing itself in a deep, restful state
of rest, says Auslander. That is one of the reasons why you should consume protein before
sleeping.
Reduced immune functioning
The protein helps keep your immune system functioning properly, since immune cells are
made mostly of proteins.
The proteins from white blood cells, antibodies, blood proteins and a variety of immune molecules,
including interleukins and cytokines. They all work together to attack foreign invaders,
both biological and chemical.
Insufficient protein in the diet can compromise your body's ability to produce enough immune
molecules and weaken your immunity. This can lead to more frequent and serious infections
or diseases.
skin and nail problems
the feeling of the skin and nails, and the ridges of the nails are some of the first
signs that your body may not have enough protein.
Disturbed sleep
When your body does not get enough of the essential protein to keep your brain in shape,
it can trigger a hormonal imbalance that will eventually affect your sleep.
In addition, when your body and muscles shudder due to deficient protein intake, you will
definitely find it quite difficult to sleep.
You are slow to heal
The protein literally binds you back together. So, if you suffer a cut, bruise or scratch,
the injury can last longer if there is not enough tissue building material to build new
cells and tissue.