Protein is an essential part of life, but it’s hard to get the right amount. There are so many factors that can affect your protein intake and lead you to become deficient in this important nutrient. If you notice any of these 5 signs, it may be time for a change!
1. Lethargy and fatigue:
If you constantly feel tired or unable to carry out your daily activities, this may be a sign of protein deficiency. Protein is required for the production of new cells in the body, so without it, your body can become weak and not able to function properly. Energy levels will decrease, and some days you just won’t be able to get out of bed.
2. Poor skin, hair, and nails:
If your skin is dry and flaky, or you have split nails or can’t grow your fingernails at all, protein deficiency may be the underlying cause. In order for our bodies to function properly, we need protein in every cell in the body.
3. Premature aging:
Protein is essential for cell regeneration. That’s how our skin heals itself when it is damaged by the sun or infections, and also why it ages more quickly if we don’t have enough protein in our diet. Your body needs protein to make new cells, so without it, your skin will age more rapidly, and you will look older than your years.
4. Weight loss:
Losing weight without trying is a sure sign that something isn’t working properly in the body and that you may be protein deficiency. When cells don’t work correctly because they lack protein, this usually means that the metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Once this happens, you’ll start to lose weight, which isn’t always good if you’re looking for that extra muscle mass.
5. Frequent sickness:
Protein is needed for the immune system to work properly. If you suffer from colds and flu more than most people or find it difficult to recover after an illness, your body may be lacking protein.
If you see one or more of these protein deficiency symptoms in yourself, it would be wise to get a blood test done to find out your protein levels and the reasons behind them. If you’re found to have low protein levels, you’ll need to take steps to increase them and prevent further deficiency. You might want to try using supplements such as whey protein powders, protein plus Horlicks to help you out in this area. They are easy to use and require no cooking skills like some other high-protein foods.
