Lack of protein, these 8 signs in your body

Without doing tests, you can find out whether the body lacks protein or not. This is because your body naturally responds to this and signals you. What are the signs that the body is deficient in protein? Check out the reviews as follows.

Protein at a glance

Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs protein. There are proteins that are naturally produced by the body, some are obtained from food. Protein obtained from food is converted into essential amino acids which are useful for repairing and providing energy to the body.

In addition, protein also helps build muscle, produce new cells so that it speeds up wound healing, regulates hormones and enzymes, and improves immune function.

Signs when the body is deficient in protein

1. Easily hungry

Lack of protein in the body makes you hungry easily. Why is that? Protein keeps glucose (sugar) levels stable. So, if the amount of protein is insufficient, the glucose level automatically becomes unstable. This will encourage you to continue eating as if your body isn't getting enough energy.

2. Decreased brain function

Apart from being easily hungry, the lack of protein which causes the blood sugar level to fluctuate (fluctuate) will have an impact on your brain. The brain becomes difficult to focus, has difficulty thinking, and you can become dazed.

This happens because the protein that is supposed to help release carbohydrates for energy and move the brain is not properly channeled due to insufficient amounts.

3. Muscles become weak

Protein serves to support muscle growth and strength. When the body lacks protein, it's normal for muscles to become weak. Muscle that lacks protein will continue to shrink over time. Not only that, you can also feel pain and cramps as a result of this.

4. There is edema

Edema is a buildup of fluid in the tissues and cavities of the body, causing swelling. This happens because the protein that is supposed to help regulate and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body is not available. This swelling often occurs in the stomach, hands, ankles, and feet.

5. Sick easily and heal from wounds for a long time

Reporting from Women's Health, Blantner said, "Protein is needed to build all the compounds in the immune system". Therefore, if the amount of protein in the body is insufficient, the body becomes weak to fight foreign substances and is susceptible to viruses or bacteria. An example is being susceptible to flu.

Lack of protein will also decrease the number of new white blood cells. When an injury occurs, the body needs protein to heal and rebuild damaged cells, tissue and new skin. Lack of protein will make the wound take longer to heal.

6. There are changes in the skin and nails

Lack of protein in your body makes your skin more sensitive when exposed to sunlight. The skin will crack, peel, dry, appear rash, and burn easily when exposed to sunlight. Also, lack of protein can cause brown spots on the nails.

7. Hair loss easily

Reporting from Live Strong, hair contains 90 percent protein. If your hair lacks proten, your hair will be brittle and will fall out easily. In addition, your hair will become drier and discolored and the hair shaft is thinner.

8. Indigestion

Apart from feeling weak, lethargic, and tired, lack of protein in the body can make you experience headaches, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and even fainting or losing consciousness. This is because protein helps transport and release nutrients throughout the body.

If the amount of protein is insufficient, it will interfere with homeostatsis, namely the concentration of substances in the body. In addition, it can eliminate appetite, cause insomnia, and disrupt the balance of body temperature.

However, please note that the above signs can also appear in addition to low protein levels in the body. There are several diseases that can cause these signs to appear as a symptom. So to be sure, the best step you should do is consult your health with your doctor.