5 Signs You're Not Getting Enough Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient required by the body. Protein is vital for improving strength, tissue repair, building lean muscle, and reducing recovery time between workouts. You need sufficient protein to live a healthy life. Failure to take enough protein in your diet can adversely affect your health. The following are five signs you're not getting enough protein.

1. You're Always Weak and Fatigued

Protein supplies your body with sufficient energy to keep you going throughout the day. Your body will experience the exact opposite if you have protein deficiency. If you're always weak and fatigued, there might be a chance that you're running low on proteins.

2. You're Losing Muscle Mass

Proteins help in building body muscles. Lack of protein will cause the breakdown of skeletal muscles, resulting in loss of muscle mass. It would be best to take a protein supplement if you notice you're losing muscle mass. Failure to address the deficiency can enfeeble you and adversely affect your quality of life.

3. You Experience Constant Hunger and Craving

Protein is the most satiating food macronutrient. When you're not consuming enough protein, your body compensates by increasing your hunger and craving. Trying to satisfy the hunger and craving with junk food may result in unhealthy weight gain, obesity, and related complications. Consuming food rich in protein or a protein supplement will help you to lower subsequent food intake by making you fuller for longer periods.

4. Slow Recovery from Injuries

Adequate protein is essential for healing and rebuilding new cells, tissue, and skin. Protein also increases immunity because it is one of the building blocks of antibodies. Consuming protein accelerates recovery from injuries. If you don't have adequate protein, your injuries could take a long time to heal because of a weakened immune system. Frequent illness could also be a sign that you're not getting enough protein.

5. Brain Fog

Brain fog is another pointer of protein deficiency. Amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, synthesize neurotransmitters. Lack of protein in your meal could disable your body from making enough neurotransmitters. This could make you experience brain fog.

Any diet should include healthy protein foods. Fortunately, protein has many sources and is available in multiple forms. Apart from natural protein, protein supplements are also rich sources of protein.