Protein works like a fuel for your body
Foods that are packed with protein and fibre are among the best ones that promote satiety and increase feelings of fullness by regulating hunger hormones, stabilising blood sugar levels, and preventing sudden spikes and crashes that lead to cravings. But digestion isn’t a one-size-fits-all phenomenon for everyone, and more often than not, people struggle with digesting protein.
According to experts, there are many protein-related digestive issues that you may face if your body is not able to digest it properly.
A few of these include:
Swelling or edema
If you have been suffering from swelling in your legs, feet, and hands, it can be due to protein not being able to digest properly in your body. According to experts, the proteins that circulate in your blood, which include albumin, keep fluid from building up in your tissues.
However, there can be many other reasons behind edema, so be sure to check with your doctor in case it is more serious.
Always feeling hungry
Protein works like a fuel for your body. It is among the three sources of calories - along with carbs and fats. If you want to eat a lot of the time even though you have regular meals, you may need more protein.
According to studies, eating foods with protein helps you feel fuller throughout the day and if your body is not able to digest or absorb this micronutrient, you may have hunger pangs at all hours.
Slow healing injuries
Those who are low on protein often find their cuts and scrapes take longer to get better. According to experts, apart from injuries, you may even get more sprains and other workout-related mishaps when your body is protein deficient.
It could be another effect of your body not making enough collagen. Doctors say to even make blood clots, you need proteins.
Chronic fatigue and weakness
According to research, just a week of not eating enough protein can affect the muscles responsible for your posture and movement, especially if you are 55 years of age or older.
With time, lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It also causes anemia - when your red blood cells do not get enough oxygen—making you feel tired.
Mood swings
Lack of protein in your body can affect your mood as well. Your brain uses chemicals known as neurotransmitters—made of amino acids—to relay information between cells. So, a lack of protein in your diet could mean your body cannot make enough of those neurotransmitters, and that would change how your brain works.
Low levels of dopamine and serotonin can make you feel depressed or overly aggressive.
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