Protein is essential for living organisms. It gives us energy, helps our bodies recover, and keeps our tummies satisfied. Protein is composed of long-chain amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle.
Your body produces 11 amino acids and the others—the 9 so-called essential amino acids—you must consume from food.
How would you know if you’re protein deficient? Below are some symptoms that can be related to inadequate protein. Keep in mind that as with any nutrient deficiency, symptoms can have other causes, so this is a general list and not to be used to self-diagnose.
1.You are hungry all the time
If you don’t eat enough protein with your meals, you’ll experience constant hunger, which will make you eat all the time. This can easily lead to unwanted weight gain.
2. You often feel muscle pain
Sharp and frequent pain in your muscles or muscle exhaustion is an indicator that your muscles are overworked because they lack protein.
3. Your injuries heal slowly
Protein is vital for new cells to be created in the body and skin to regenerate easily. Lack of protein will slow down the healing of wounds and injuries.
4. You have brittle hair and nails and scaly skin
Intensive hair loss, brittle nails and skin that peels off are common signs that your body lacks protein.
5. You retain liquids
Water retention can make your ankles and feet feel very uncomfortable, even painful. Protein deficiency is a common cause of this condition.
6. You often get sick
As proper immune function largely depends on protein, lack of this nutrient will seriously affect your immune response to common viruses and bacteria.
7. You lack mental energy
If you lack mental focus and clarity, it’s often a sign that you don’t get enough protein.
Protein deficiency can occur in everyone. This health issue is best addressed with proper and well-balanced nutrition. The recommended daily requirement for this nutrient is 0.36g per pound of body weight. This means a person weighing 150 pounds should eat 55g of protein a day.
The best dietary sources of protein include eggs, meat, oats, fruit, vegetables and dairy.
Although you can opt for over-the-counter supplements too, getting protein from your diet is the best and healthiest option.