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Common signs of Protein deficiency
10.07.2017If you are not getting the right amount of proteins in your body, there signs will help you understand;
Decreased muscle content
It’s the muscle tone of our bodies that dictate exactly how strong we are and feel. And protein is the major nutrient that helps you build this muscular strength, by supporting and supplementing body tissue repairs and maintenance. If you’re not having enough protein, the body starts to break down these tissues to supplement the deficiency. The result-loss of muscle tone. If your collarbone is too prominent, you need to go and get some protein supplements right now.
Difficulty losing weight
There’s a reason why high-protein, low-carb diets are all the rage. If you’re dieting without providing enough protein to your body, no amount of cutting out butter and bread will help. Your body will just break down the necessary nutrients from areas with high muscle tone to cover this deficiency. People who boost their diet with protein actually lose weight properly, and faster.
Hair loss
In case you didn’t know, hair is primarily made of protein. This is the one macronutrient your body needs for a thick, beautiful mane of hair. If you’re suffering from chronic hair loss that no amount of herbal or ayurvedic oil/shampoo is curing, you need to increase your protein intake.
Weak immunity
Catching a cold during season change is one thing, but to get it time and again is a sign of low immunity. Good nutrition is the key to a fully-functional immune system. And protein is an integral part of the nutritional balance that you need to stay fighting fit. This nutrient helps regenerate T blood cells, which can keep diseases at bay. So you need to load up on protein.
Swelling of feet
Protein regulates sodium retention in the human body. Lack of proteins can lead to the accumulation of fluids in ankles and feet. This bloated sensation in your feet-also known as edema-is extremely discomforting, and a sure-shot sign that your body is crying out for more proteins.
Skin and Nail Alterations
A lack of protein in the diet can cause changes in your skin and nails. Protein enables cell regeneration, produces new cells and replaces dead ones. Therefore, if you do not consume adequate amounts of protein, your skin may become very light and burn easily when exposed to sunlight. You may experience cracking, flaking, dryness and rashes of the skin. Protein aids nail formation. Protein deficiency can cause white bands or brownish spots on the nails.
Sluggish Metabolism, Low Energy levels and fatigue
Low protein stores cause you to feel lethargic, fatigued and weak. You may also experience headaches, nausea, diarrhea, soreness of the stomach and even fainting. Protein helps transport nutrients within the body, delivering and releasing them where they are needed. When protein cannot perform this function, it disrupts the body’s homeostasis. This may result in a loss of appetite, irritability, insomnia, apathy, and the inability to stay warm.
Poor concentration and trouble learning or Mood swings
Amino acids are the building blocks for neurotransmitters which control your mood. Proteins help the brain synthesize hormones like dopamine and serotonin that help bring on positive feelings like calm, excitement and positivity.
Bone and joint pain
A low protein diet can raise your risk for muscle loss, falling, slow bone healing, bone weakness, fractures and even osteoporosis. Protein is needed for calcium absorption and helping with bone metabolism.
Blood sugar changes
Low-protein, high-sugar/high-carb diets can contribute to insulin resistance.
Slow wound healing
Delayed wound healing and ulcers are signs of low protein intake.
Not sleeping well
Poor sleep and insomnia can sometimes be linked to unstable blood sugar levels, a rise in cortisol and a decrease in serotonin production. Blood sugar swings during the day carry over through the night. Carbohydrates require much more insulin than fat or protein does. Eating foods with protein before bed can help with tryptophan and serotonin production, and they have a minimal effect on blood glucose levels; in fact, protein slows down the absorption of sugar during a meal.
Menstrual cycle is irregular in women
Low-protein, high-sugar/high-carb diets can contribute to insulin resistance, fatigue, inflammation and weight gain that disrupts the delicate balance of female hormones.
If you see any of these symptoms over a prolonged period, you need to increase your protein intake and take high protein foods or supplements in your diet to make up for any deficiency that you or your loved ones are facing.
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