When we do not eat enough protein, essential macronutrients for the body, our body lets us know in different ways. Here are 5 signs that can alert you to a possible deficiency.
Edema
In particular, proteins help to stabilize the amount of water in the body. Thus, if there is a lack of it, this can promote the appearance of edema (swelling of the tissues), most often located in the lower limbs.
muscle weakness
Muscle tissue needs protein to rebuild itself. When the intake is insufficient, this causes muscle weakness and even pain. As a reminder, the recommended daily amount of protein is 0.8 g per kilo of weight.
FREQUENT SNACKING
They also help regulate blood sugar. Sugar cravings can regularly occur if you do not consume enough. Not to mention that these macronutrients are satiating and thus reduce cravings between meals.
hair loss
The hair fiber is mainly made up of keratin, a protein synthesized by the body. And when proteins are neglected, the hair tends to weaken and fall out. Same for the nails. They can become brittle.
A weakened immune system
Do you often fall ill and are you always tired? Well, that could be a sign of a deficiency. Eating poultry or eggs promotes the activity of white blood cells, which play an important role in the immune response.