- Cardiology 84
- Dermatology 45
- Endocrinology 33
- ENT 16
- Fertility 190
- Gastroenterology 78
- General-Medicine 81
- Gynecology 80
- Hematology 19
- Infectious-Diseases 33
- Neurology 52
- Oncology 34
- Ophthalmology 23
- Orthopedics 69
- Pediatrics 31
- Procedure 23
- Public-Health 144
- Pulmonology 59
- Radiology 8
- Urology 68
- Wellness 161
- Woman-and-child 77
- 3904
- 3.9 Minute
Signs of Not Taking Enough Protein
Protein is a complex group of molecules that perform various bodily functions. They are the building blocks of your hair, nails, bones, and muscles. Protein gives tissues and organs their shape and helps them function properly.
What is Protein?
Protein is one of the three most essential macronutrients (the others being carbohydrates and fat). Macronutrients are the chemical compounds humans consume the most and provide energy. Proteins are molecules found in cells and are made up of amino acids.
The majority of amino acids needed to stay healthy are produced by our bodies, but it is incapable of producing nine amino acids, which must be obtained through diet.
Importance of Protein
- Protein should account for at least 15% of your daily calories. The protein is broken down and reused by your body in various ways to provide energy, strengthen bones, boost the immune system, build muscles, and more.
- Protein is essential for everyone, not just sportspeople and bodybuilders.
- That doesn't mean you should start drinking protein shakes daily; a well-balanced diet will give you enough protein.
- Humans cannot survive unless all nine essential amino acids are present.
- Protein is necessary for stronger bones and body tissues such as muscles, but it does much more.
- Protein is involved in metabolic actions, enhances immune responses, provides energy, aids in cellular repair, and helps form blood cells, among other things.
Signs and Symptoms of Protein Deficiency
Swelling
- Swelling (edema) is a common symptom of protein deficiency, especially in the abdomen, legs, feet, and hands.
- One possible explanation is that the proteins in the blood, mainly albumin, prevent fluid accumulation in the tissues.
- In children, kwashiorkor is seen. However, edema can also be caused by various factors, so consult your doctor if you suspect it is more serious.
Mood Swings
- Protein deficiency causes mood changes. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the brain utilizes to relay information between cells.
- Many of these neurotransmitters are amino acids, which are protein-building blocks. Less protein intake in the diet might result in the body not producing enough neurotransmitters, altering the brain's functions.
- You may feel depressed or aggressive if your dopamine and serotonin levels are low.
Hair, Nail, and Skin Issues
- These are composed of proteins such as elastin, collagen, and keratin.
- When the body fails to produce enough protein, you may experience dry and flaky skin, brittle or thinning hair, and deep ridges on your fingernails.
Fatigue
- Not taking enough protein can affect the muscles and cause body posture and movement problems, especially after age 55 or older.
- Over time, protein deficiency can result in muscle mass loss, which reduces strength, causes improper balance, and slows your metabolism.
- Lack of protein causes anemia, which occurs when your cells do not receive enough oxygen supply, thus making you tired.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentSlow Wound Healing
- People with less protein in the body often find that their cuts and wounds heal more slowly. Sprains and other exercise-related problems appear to be the same.
- It could be another side effect of your body producing insufficient collagen. Proteins are also required for blood clotting.
Getting Sick Quickly
- Amino acids in the blood help your immune system produce antibodies, which activate white blood cells to fight viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
- Protein is required to digest and absorb other nutrients that keep you healthy. Protein has also been shown to alter the levels of gut disease-fighting "good" bacteria.
Conclusion
- Include sufficient protein-rich foods in your diet to avoid protein deficiency. The good thing is that protein can be taken in many forms, such as raw or cooked.
- Make sure that you and your child eat a balanced diet that includes proteins for overall good health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein deficiency happens when your body doesn't get enough protein from food.
Protein helps build muscles, repair tissues, and make enzymes and hormones.
Signs include feeling tired, losing muscle mass, and having slow growth (in kids).
Yes, not enough protein can make hair brittle and nails weak.
Foods like meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts are good sources of protein.
It can be rare in developed countries but can happen if someone doesn't eat enough protein-rich foods.
Most people need about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Yes, protein is needed to make antibodies that help fight infections.
Yes, not enough protein can affect concentration and memory.
Yes, it can cause fluid buildup in tissues, leading to swelling.
Protein is important for skin repair and elasticity; deficiency can cause dryness and poor wound healing.
Yes, vegan or vegetarian diets without enough protein-rich plant foods can lead to deficiency.
Athletes need more protein to repair and build muscles, so deficiency can affect their performance.
Yes, it can slow growth in children and affect their learning and development.
- Cardiology 2132
- Dermatology 168
- Endocrinology 135
- ENT 97
- Fertility 217
- Gastroenterology 232
- General 478
- General-Medicine 1685
- Gynecology 169
- Hematology 85
- Infectious-Diseases 208
- Neurology 207
- Oncology 345
- Ophthalmology 65
- Orthopedics 187
- Pediatrics 83
- Procedure 72
- Public-Health 209
- Pulmonology 126
- Radiology 13
- Second Opinion 311
- Urology 294
- Wellness 600
- Woman-and-child 447
Related Blogs
If you have any questions, please fill out the enquiry form or call us, and we will get back to you promptly.
040-68334455
