It likely is not a surprise that protein is a crucial nutrient that our body needs. Often when someone changes their diet, the main concern is whether or not they will be getting enough protein in their new diets. Protein is considered to be the building block of the muscle. But that is not all it is, it helps with the production of new cells, the regulation of hormones/enzymes, and the healing of wounds and bruises. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that it aids in the promotion of proper immune function.
Protein intake is often a problem for people who are limiting their calorie intake or those who are transitioning to vegan or vegetarian diets and have not replaced the protein that they were getting previously with other sources of it. Keep reading to learn about the thirteen most common indicators of a protein deficiency.
Sugar Cravings
If you are hankering for super sugary snacks, you might be doing so due to a lack of protein. Since protein is necessary to maintain normal sugar levels, if you are not getting enough of it then your glucose levels will not be consistent. Therefore, your body will likely desire more sugar and lead you to desire foods that are high in sugar. However, even after you eat said sugary snacks, since carbohydrates digest so quickly, you will likely experience a blood sugar spike and then not long after experience a crash. This can lead to a vicious cycle. So, if you think that this is what you might be experiencing try to increase your uptake of protein and monitor its effect
8. Weight Gain
This vicious cycle mentioned above can lead to weight gain, especially in the case that the individual is consuming foods high in sugar but are too tired to exercise. It might seem counterproductive to increase your intake of protein in order to decrease weight gain since foods high in protein are often high in calories. However, the fact is that it is much more important to have enough protein to level out your blood sugar levels than it is to limit calories, especially since an increase in protein intake can also lead to more muscle retention.
