The protein is known to be the building block for the muscles and can also be found in foods the burn the fat away and boost the overall metabolism.
Actually, the protein is the fuel that supports all of the cells and the tissues and there is absolutely nothing more important than this nutrient!
The proteins are to be utilized every single day to keep the optimal function of the body, and because they are used to develop as well as maintain the parts of the body, they are repeatedly being broken down and they need to be replaced constantly.
Consuming too little protein will definitely compromise this replacement and can cause symptoms such as joint, muscle and bone pain, a sluggish metabolism, trouble losing weight, low levels of energy as well as fatigue, difficulty learning and poor concentration, issue with building muscle mass, moodiness and mood swings, slower healing of wounds, low immune system as well as blood sugar changes.
Here is how you will know that you need more protein in your body for we have revealed the nine quite unusual symptoms of being protein deficient, so keep on reading and find out!
1. Your levels of cholesterol are high – the high levels of cholesterol as well as triglycerides cannot ony be caused by the consumption of fatty foods, but can also come as a result of hormonal imbalances, increased levels of inflammation and dieting plans high in sugar.
Those people who tend to swap the protein filled foods with sugary snacks, refined carbs and packaged goods are definitely at an increased risk of having a compromised function of the liver as well as high levels of cholesterol.
2. You have an elevated feeling of anxiety and moodiness – the amino acids are considered to be the building blocks for the neurotransmitters which are usually in charge of controlling the mood.
The protein is able to help the brain synthesis of hormones such as the dopamine or the serotonin, both of which can promote the feeling of calmness, positivity, as well as excitement.
3. Your workout plan is suffering – as we have already previously mentioned, the protein is quite necessary to build up the new muscle mass as well as to maintain the levels of energy and motivation.
The dieting plan that is low in protein can often lead to fatigue, wasting of muscle and fat gaining. Actually, in these cases, you can even exercise more, but get fewer results.
4. You are not sleeping well – the insomnia, the poor sleeping pattern as well as the lack of sleep are frequently associated with unstable levels of blood sugar in the body, a decrease in the production of serotonin as well as rise in the cortisol levels.
The blood sugar swings during the entire day actually continue during the night. The carbs require a lot more insulin than the fat or the protein. Consuming foods which are filled with protein before bed can increase the serotonin and the tryptophan production, of course with a minimal effect on the blood glucose levels in the body.
5. You experience brain fog – the protein is absolutely necessary for supporting a healthy neurological function so that the issues such as brain fog, poor concentration and lack of motivation are often considered to be signs of lack of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephine.
All of these neurotransmitters when synthesized in the brain utilize amino acids. It has actually been scientifically proven that a diet which is filled with enough work can improve the motor skills, work performance and learning.
6. You cannot go to the bathroom but you’re gassy – the intake of amino acids is important for the various metabolic and digestive functions. If you happen to be feeling fatigued and worn down, it can all be explained due to protein deficiency.
If this happens to be the case, then the GI tract, muscle contractions, digestion as well as production of enzymes will suffer from it.
7. Your pants feel tighter – even though sometimes higher in calories than in carbs, those high protein dieting plans will basically create a longer feeling of fullness than carbs, which also means that they will prevent you from overeating or snacking between meals.
The protein can also help you regulate the blood sugar levels, which will allow you to reduce your cravings and retain more muscle too.
8. Your menstrual cycle is irregular – the infertility as well as the irregular cycles are one of the most common symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Obesity as well as diabetes and pre diabetes are the crucial factors for this particular condition.
Actually, the resistance of insulin is going to affect 70% of the women who are dealing with this syndrome. The dieting plan high in carbs, high in sugars and low in protein cancreate an insulin resistance, inflammation, fatigue, as well as weight gain which will affect the hormones necessary to sustain a regular cycle.
9. You can get an injury a lot easier and it heals very slowly – the dieting plan that is low in protein will increase your risk of falling down, slow healing of bones, muscle loss, bone weakness, fractures as well as osteoporosis.
The protein is required for the absorption of calcium and bone metabolism and this should not come as a surprise. Inaddition, it has been scientifically proven that the older adults with the biggest bone losses are the ones that have the lowest protein intake.
How much protein do we actually need? Well, each person is unique in terms of their protein needs, and all of this depends on the age, gender, body weight and level of activity.
According to the USDA, the average daily protein consumption is about 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. Take it into consideration that these amounts may be a bit low for pregnant women, ill people or highly active people.
Some of the top protein foods are – there are a lot of vegetarian options that include legumes as well as beans such as lentils, mung beans, nuts and seeds such as flax, chia, almonds, unprocessed grains such as quinoa, oat, buckwheat, and foods such as sprouted nuts and grains.
These veggies can help you increase your intake of protein including mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, kale and brussels sprouts. Speaking of meats, the best protein filled options for you are wild caught salmon, organic chicken and turkey, as well as grass fed beef.
In addition to all of this, the protein has been proven to be quite essential for cholesterol levels, brain function, fighting diabetes and balancing your blood sugar levels and any issue you have in terms of brain related or depression.