Our
culture has become obsessed with consuming protein for muscle mass gain
and for loosing weight. This means few of us are skimping on the stuff
but, despite our national preoccupation with protein, some of us are
still at risk of protein deficiency–namely vegetarians or people who
tend to under-eat. The problem is, it can be tricky to identify what is
considered “not enough” protein since the recommended intake spans a
broad range, rather than one hard number. For somebody is eating a
2,000-calorie diet, enough protein could be between 50 grams to 150
grams of protein per day. Activity level and weight influence your ideal
protein intake.
Even
with a wide variety of protein sources available, some people
experience protein deficiency symptoms due to a lack of protein intake.
Severely restrictive diets, lack of knowledge about nutrients, and even
poverty can contribute to protein deficiency. Look for these signs that
your body is begging for more protein:
You Crave Sweets
One of the first clues you are low on protein: You start craving sweets and feel like you are by no
means particularly full. Would’t you think a protein shortage would
trigger an urge for steak and eggs? But among protein’s most crucial
functions is keeping your blood sugar regulated–which means if you are
lacking protein, your glucose levels will fluctuate significantly,
pushing you to reach for a quick fix like candy. The quick fix will give
you energy straight away, then your energy is going to wane as rapidly
as it peaked. That seesaw energy cycle drives your cravings. Regulate
your blood sugar and the cravings vanish.
You Feel Lost in a Fog
Balanced blood sugar is crucial for staying focused. When you are protein deficient and your glucose
levels are fluctuating constantly, you may feel a little foggy – like
you can’t totally get with the program at work or at school. Why?
Because you don’t have a constant and uniform stream of protein to fuel
your brain. If you are relying on short lived carbohydrates such as
those from bread, crackers or candy, you will experience only short
bursts of mental energy, followed by a plunge back into the fog.
Edema
Edema
is a gathering of fluid under the skin, which most frequently affects
the legs, feet, and ankles but can occur anywhere on the body. Protein
is required for maintaining a balance of water in your body; without it,
you may store water improperly.
Hair Loss
Hair
loss and thinning or brittle hair can also be caused by a protein
deficiency. Protein is the building block of all of your cells including
your hair follicles and hair. A protein deficiency may lead your hair
follicles and your hair to lack the amount of protein it hey need to
stay healthy. If you become deficient enough, your hair will begin to
fall out.
Feeling Weak
Everybody
knows that protein is essential for building muscle. Weakness and
lethargy can be caused by a lack of protein in the diet. Over time, as
your reserves of protein are depleted, your body will begin to break
down muscle tissue, which will lead to general weakness or lethargy.
Always Sick
Your
biceps aren’t the only thing that protein reinforces. Protein is needed
to build all the compounds in our immune systems. If you seem to catch
colds or infections more often than everyone else, but you are otherwise
in good health, a protein deficiency could be to blame.
Slow Healing
Our
skin is a huge immune organ because it protects us from the
environment. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are crucial
in healing wounds. When your body suffers damage such as cuts, bruises
and sunburn it needs to repair or reproduce tissues. Amino acids amino
acids are used in the repairs and reproduction of tissues and a lack of
protein can lead to slower healing.
Sleep Issues
Difficulty
in sleeping may be caused by a serotonin deficiency, which can be
caused by a lack of specific amino acids. The required amino acids are
produced when protein is broken down by the body. A diet with
insufficient protein could lead to difficulty in sleeping.
Headache
Headaches can be caused by many things including a protein deficiency. A lack of protein may lead to headaches by:
- Causing anemia
- Causing low blood sugar
Nail Ridges
Ridges
or white lines in finger and toe nails can be caused by a lack of
protein. Ridges that run the length of the nail can indicate an ongoing
protein deficiency, while a ridge that runs across the nail may indicate
a deficiency that has passed.
Pale Skin
Skin
that loses pigment and burns more easily in the sun can be caused by a
lack of iron, as well as a lack of protein. Frequently, foods that are
rich in iron also contain protein and protein is essential for the body
to utilize iron properly. Anemia, or lack of iron, may result in pale
skin.
Rashes
Skin
rashes, which may be accompanied by dry or flaking skin, are a symptom
of a protein deficiency. Rashes are caused by extreme protein deficiency
and may resemble eczema or other dry skin rashes.
Weight Loss
Severe
weight loss is one symptom of a protein deficiency. It may be
attributed to muscle wastage, as your body breaks down muscle in an
attempt to get protein from them.
Other Symptoms
Not all of the symptoms of protein deficiency are physical. Some are emotional, or mental, and include the following:
- Crankiness, moodiness
- Problems with conflict resolution
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy, no desire to do things
Need Protein?
Hydrolyzed
Collagen is the most absorbable and natural form of protein found in
the human body. Hydrolyzed Collagen has the highest Net Protein
Utilization (NPU), which measures how much protein is actually utilized
by the body. It has a higher NPU than whey, soy, or other popular
protein forms. Hydrolyzed means this protein is pre-digested using
natural fruit enzymes so that even individuals suffering from digestive
conditions can absorb it. All other forms of protein are not
pre-digested and allow only partial absorption.
About Author:
Welcome to the virtual office of Wayne and Marie where we manage our home based businesses. Our offerings include advanced training in Network Marketing and Lead Prospecting as well as the opportunity to participate in our most successful Multilevel Marketing (MLM) and Affiliate products. For more information: www.simplifiedmlm.com
Welcome to the virtual office of Wayne and Marie where we manage our home based businesses. Our offerings include advanced training in Network Marketing and Lead Prospecting as well as the opportunity to participate in our most successful Multilevel Marketing (MLM) and Affiliate products. For more information: www.simplifiedmlm.com
