- Protein and the amino acids that make up protein are the building blocks of all the cells in the human body. In order for your body to properly function there must be an adequate intake of daily protein. Protein deficiency is a serious threat to overall health and in severe cases can lead to death
- A lack of protein in the diet can be common among certain populations of people. Those who are severely economically disadvantaged or those who choose to eat a specific diet void of protein such as vegetarians
- A low protein diet is an unhealthy lifestyle which can lead to not only health problems but mental issues as well. There are several warning signs if you are protein deficient and it can be dealt with rather easily
Protein intake plays a critical role in the areas of physical growth, maintenance of all of the major bodily organs as well as healthy hair, skin, muscles, tendons and even the eyes. If you feel you may be suffering from protein deficiency it is important to know the warning signs and ways to combat them.
1. Symptoms of a protein deficient diet can take a long time to manifest as the body uses protein stored in tissue to meet its needs. One common sign is brittle nails and unhealthy hair that may fall out easily or split.
2. If your energy levels are low and you are suffering from fatigue all the time this could be a sign of a lack of protein.
3. Constipation and irregularity are signs of low protein in the diet. The body needs a balance of carbohydrates and protein to properly digest food.
4. Without sufficient protein your body cannot maintain muscle mass or strength. If you have not had a change in your activity levels and you are losing muscle and feeling flabby your body may be using stored protein in the muscles.
5. Low blood pressure is a sign of several health related problems, but it is a sign of protein deficiency. If indeed your low blood pressure is a sign of deficiency seek medical attention immediately as this is one of the later signs.
6. In severe cases growth can be stunted in children. Mental disorders, skin rashes and fluid retention are also extreme symptoms. These are not typically seen in developed countries but are common in third world areas.
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms see a doctor right away. It is best to ease your way into consuming protein so don’t go to the grocery store and buy ten pounds of hamburger. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein for adults is 0.8 grams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. So a male adult weighing 175 pounds would need to consume approximately 64 grams of protein per day. A good way to measure protein intake is to buy a quality protein powder supplement that makes it easy to measure your daily intake. If you choose to get your protein from whole food choose lean sources such as chicken, fish and go easy on the red meat and cheese.
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