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SIGNS YOU AREN'T CONSUMING Enough Protein 6
PROTEIN IS ONE of the essential building blocks of all living organisms -- including the human body. Protein is a crucial part of the structure of such body tissues as muscle, hair, and skin. Humans cannot flourish or even survive without protein. That's why protein deficiency is such a major problem. Here are six major signs that you might not be consuming enough protein.
1. CONSTANT LETHARGY Energy levels rise and fall, but if you always feel tired (even after a good night's sleep), you might need more protein. In contrast to most carbohydrates, protein is digested slowly, providing the body with a steady supply of energy. This helps keep exhaustion at bay throughout the day.
2. THINNING HAIR Your hair is made up mostly of protein. If the body doesn't get enough protein, it will primarily save what protein it does have for more important parts of the body (such as muscle). That's why hair that is thinning, falling out, or even simply brittle and dry is a good indicator of protein deficiency.
3. MUSCLE LOSS Protein itself is built out of amino acids, which combine together in different forms to make up the various kinds of protein. While the body can create some amino acids on its own, others (called essential amino acids) must come from food. If you don't consume enough protein, your body can't get the amino acids it needs to function properly. Eventually, your body will resort to breaking down muscle to get those amino acids.
4. SKIN PROBLEMS Skin cannot be strong and healthy without sufficient protein. A lack of protein can result in dry, flaky, or irritated skin. Since the protective barrier provided by the skin will begin to break down, skin infections are also more likely.
5. CONSTANT HUNGER Protein is more filling than quickly-digested foods like simple carbohydrates. Rather than merely providing a short spike in blood sugar levels, protein causes a longer-lasting increase in satiation. That means feeling hungry all the time (even after eating) could mean you need more protein.
6. FREQUENT SICKNESS Everyone gets sick sometimes. However, protein deficiency can make you get sick more often. That's because insufficient protein consumption leads to a reduction in T cells. T cells play a crucial role in the immune system's protection against illness, acting to fight off invading pathogens.
As already shown, protein deficiency can cause some bad health problems. Fortunately, it's not hard to consume more protein. There are many protein options that are both inexpensive and taste good. Some of the best healthy proteins include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like tuna and salmon, lean meats like chicken and turkey, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. Eat plenty of these excellent proteins and you won't have a problem with protein deficiency. HL
