Lack of Protein Intake

We all know it’s important to get enough protein in your diet. But most people just look at it from a weight loss perspective. There are a lot of significant health ramifications from not eating enough protein. Here are some of the main issues from lack of protein intake.

Muscle weakness

Men may develop a condition known as ‘sarcopenia’ that occurs due to natural protein loss due to ageing. But everyone’s muscle mass will waste away if you don’t eat enough protein.

Oedema

Oedema is when you experience swelling in your feet and ankles, due to accumulation of fluid in cells. Protein prevents fluid accumulation in tissues.

Low proteins in the blood

Low intake of proteins means lower amounts of proteins in the blood and can mean a slower heart rate, feeling faint or light-headed: This can also cause changes in the stickiness and thickness of blood thus leading to a host of other health issues.

Malabsorption

Lack of protein intake can also cause malabsorption of other nutrients including iron, zinc and calcium.

Blood Sugar Levels

Constant food cravings may result from low protein intake because proteins help balance blood sugar in the body.

Recovery

You may experience slower recovery from injuries because proteins are responsible for repairing damaged tissues. Recovery from workouts will also be slower

Body Ageing

Ridges in the nails, thinning hair, etc may be attributed to inadequate intake of proteins.

Immunity

Frequent bouts of illness may indicate lower immunity which may be caused due to lack of proteins. The cells that provide our bodies with immunity are made up of proteins.

Conclusion – Lack of Protein Intake

As you can see there are a whole host of unwanted side effects that come from not eating enough protein. I can’t overstate its importance. Make sure you get a gram of protein per kg of bodyweight a day. So if you weigh 70kg you need 70 grams of protein a day. It’s not that hard as long as you are including the right protein rich foods.