The three main nutrients: carbohydrates, fats and proteins are particularly important for a functioning body. If the supply of nutrients is too low, this has massive consequences for the metabolism and the organs. Proteins in particular are often underestimated and many people unconsciously suffer from a deficiency.
Why protein is so important for the body
From an early age, we are taught how important proteins are. The word “protein” comes from the Greek “proteios,” which means “fundamental” – and that’s exactly what protein is for all of the body’s functions. Without this important nutrient, muscles, organs and blood circulation would not function.
How can protein deficiency be recognized?
Unfortunately, the body has no alarm bell that warns of a deficiency. So how do you recognize a defect? Through small signs of the body.
Food cravings
If there is a lack of protein, it is difficult for the body to keep blood sugar levels constant. There are strong fluctuations that trigger cravings.
As if that weren’t problematic enough, the desire for sweets increases because the body now wants even more sugar and protein to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Muscles disappear
If the protein intake is low, the body gets the proteins it needs from stores that are not essential for life. This includes, among other things, the muscles.
When there is a protein deficiency, the muscles shrink. The result? She becomes weaker and sluggish.
Bad mood and constant tiredness
The loss of muscle leads to feeling weak and tired. The body is so busy trying to compensate for the lack of protein that it needs more energy than usual.
In addition, the happiness hormone serotonin is formed from amino acids that normally provide proteins. In addition to tiredness, there is also a bad mood – a direct hit.
Water retention
The body needs proteins to retain water in blood vessels. If you have a protein deficiency, the water migrates from the blood vessels into the tissue. The result? Water retention, which can lead to swelling and even weight gain.
Consequences for hair, skin and nails
Protein plays an important role in hair production because hair actually consists of 90 percent protein. If there is a deficiency, the hair becomes thin and hair loss occurs.
The skin also suffers from too little protein and becomes dry and flaky. The tip of the iceberg is then brittle nails that splinter and tear.
This is what you can do to combat protein deficiency
You should pay attention to your diet in the near future. About 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended every day. For example, an egg has 15 grams of protein. So if you make a scrambled or fried egg for breakfast in the morning, you can get a lot out of it.
The absolute leader in protein sources is cheese. However, cheese contains a lot of fats and these can hinder protein absorption.