7 Signs That You Are Not Eating Enough Protein

While hair loss is the most well-known sign of not eating enough protein, there are other signs you may not know about. Learn about them in this article!

Protein is essential for maintaining, growing and repairing the cells in your body. If you do not eat enough protein, your body will send you signs that are more noticeable than you might have thought.

If you think you are not eating enough protein, look for the following signs that your body can send you.

1. Cravings

What protein does is level up your blood sugar. If you do not eat enough, it does not happen, so you start getting sudden cravings for sweets.

2. Dry skin, weak nails and hair

If you do not eat the amount of protein you need, your hair will become thinner and more fragile and it will fall out more easily.

As for your skin, it is also common for it to become flaky and too dry.

If you notice cuts or elevated areas in your cuticles, this may also be due to a protein deficiency.

Problems concentrating

If you find it difficult to concentrate, it may also be due to a lack of protein.

When your body is not getting the protein it needs, you may experience brief sharpness of clarity followed by more confusion.

The reason for this is that there are fluctuations in your blood sugar level that directly affect your brain.

4. Muscle and joint pain

If you notice muscle weakness and have joint pain even though you have not exercised, your problem may be protein deficiency.

The reason is that the tissues in your body, especially your muscles, require protein in order to function optimally.

5. Slow healing

If your injuries always take a long time to heal themselves, it may be due to lack of protein.

Remember that protein is indispensable for good healing and new cell growth. In addition, it also has the responsibility to strengthen your immune system.

If you are deficient in protein, you will notice that your wounds take longer to heal.

6. Fluid retention

A poor diet containing insufficient protein can cause fluid retention, making you look bigger.

Try to avoid both alcohol and too much salt, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

7. A compromised immune system

A protein deficiency can weaken your immune system.

Protein is essential for your immune system, so lack of it leads to general vulnerability to all kinds of diseases.

Recommendations if you do not eat enough protein

If you are not eating enough protein and have noticed some of these symptoms, it is time to add protein rich foods to your diet.

Eat several of the following foods:

Lenses

Every 100 grams you eat contains 18 grams of protein. They are also high in iron.
This vegetable will help renew your body’s cells and prevent premature aging.

Spinach

Spinach is a good option for consuming more protein and it is also a good source of calcium and iron.

You can eat it raw, in salads or cook it. Eating spinach increases the protein content up to 5 times and also increases your amount of iron.

Seeds and nuts

These are high in protein and fiber and therefore prevent constipation.

All you have to do is eat a moderate amount to notice the difference.

Meat

Meat is an excellent protein-rich food.

Chicken breast is really good, low in fat and high in protein (26 grams of protein per 100 grams).
You also have fried turkey, which also contains a little fat and even a little more protein. With that you get 29 grams of protein (per 100 grams).
Steak provides 21 grams of protein per. 100 grams.
Finally, ham contains 30 grams of protein per. 100 grams.