8 Signals Your Body Could Be Sending About Low Protein Levels

Protein is a vital nutrient, crucial for muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones to work correctly. A shortage of protein is a possibility for many, potentially causing various health issues. Your body might show indicators of this deficiency; here are some compiled signals.

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT’S NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CARE. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR HEALTH CONCERNS.

Skin, nail, and hair issues

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Protein is essential for healthy skin and hair. Insufficient protein synthesis within the body can result in paler, drier, or flakier skin. Hair may become more brittle, and deep ridges may appear on fingernails.

Mood changes

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Protein delivers amino acids. These amino acids are essential to create neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters transmit data between cells. Insufficient protein intake might hinder neurotransmitter production, potentially altering brain function. Reduced dopamine and serotonin levels, for instance, could lead to feelings of depression or increased aggression.

Edema, or swelling, is a common indicator of insufficient protein intake. This swelling often occurs in the stomach, lower extremities, and extremities. This symptom can be attributed to having diminished levels of albumin. Albumin’s role is to retain fluid within blood vessels. When albumin is lacking, the body’s ability to maintain proper fluid balance in blood vessels is compromised, leading to fluid buildup in tissues. This triggers the body to retain more water and sodium, causing swelling. It’s important to remember that edema signifies a significant protein deficit, something that is usually rare in wealthy nations.

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When protein intake is insufficient, the body tries to correct this deficiency by boosting hunger, prompting a search for food. This can result in the consumption of carb- and fat-rich foods to make up for the protein deficit. However, foods with high carbs and fats don’t satisfy as well as foods loaded with protein do. As a result, calorie intake can increase excessively over time, leading to unwanted weight gain and obesity. A healthy diet should include at least one tenth of the total daily calorie intake from protein. To correct inadequate protein levels, consuming foods high in protein is the most effective strategy, including choices like oily fish, low-fat meats, eggs, lentils, beans, nuts, and reduced-fat milk products.

Weakness, loss of muscles

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Insufficient protein intake can result in muscle loss, diminishing physical power and impairing equilibrium. This also decreases metabolic rate. Furthermore, it may cause anemia due to oxygen deprivation in cells, resulting in fatigue. There’s also a greater likelihood of broken bones. 

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Proteins are vital building blocks for both muscles and skeletons. Collagen, a specific kind of protein, is the main structural material of your skeletons. Insufficient protein intake can cause skeletal fragility and a higher chance of skeletal breaks. Further, it can make you more susceptible to disease.

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A significant lack of protein weakens your body’s defense system. Protein is essential for creating antibodies, the substances that shield you from illnesses and infections. When you don’t get enough protein, you produce fewer of these antibodies, thus increasing your vulnerability to infections. Furthermore, research suggests protein impacts the quantity of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system that combat disease.

Additionally, injuries heal slowly.

A lack of protein compromises immunity by hindering the creation of both antibodies and cytokines. Because cytokines also help fix injuries, not enough protein also means wounds heal slower. Individuals with insufficient protein intake usually experience extended healing times for cuts and scrapes. This also appears to hold true for sprains and similar injuries caused by physical activity.

Fortunately, protein deficiency isn’t widespread in numerous nations. However, senior citizens, children who are abused or neglected, and people suffering from certain health conditions related to protein absorption and metabolism may be susceptible due to difficulties with acquiring enough protein or not eating enough protein-rich foods.

via. brightside