The Risks Of Protein Deficiency

Failing to eat enough protein not only means you miss out on its health benefits but can also be very damaging to your health and have far reaching effects in your body. In this article I’m going to be taking a deeper look at how a lack of protein affects your health and listing five of the main risks of protein deficiency.

1.Fluid Retention

Protein helps to maintain fluid balance in the body. Not eating enough protein interferes with this process and causes fluid retention. This fluid retention leads to your hands, feet and stomach swelling up which then results in pain, discolored skin, high blood pressure, stiff joints and more.

2. Impaired Muscle Growth

As you probably know, one of the main functions of protein is to build, maintain and repair all your body’s cells. Your muscle cells are one of the main users of protein in your body and by failing to eat enough of this important nutrient you can stunt their growth. Long term protein deficiency also causes your body to turn to break down your existing muscle cells for protein which leads to muscle shrinkage and wastage.

3. Mental Health Problems

Your brain uses protein to stay healthy and maintain optimal brain function. If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, your brain struggles to develop properly and this can inhibit its development. The results of this include mental retardation, anxiety, depression, mood swings and more.

4. Organ Failure

Protein is essential for the construction, maintenance and repair of all your vital organs. Without protein, your vital organs do not have the fuel they need to stay healthy. This can lead to impair organ function in the short term and complete organ failure in the long term.

5. Weak Immune System

Your immune system creates antibodies with protein. These antibodies are used to fight diseases, viruses and infections and help your body and your immune system stay strong. If you’re not eating enough protein, your body doesn’t have the fuel it needs to produce these antibodies. This has a negative effect on your immune system and makes you much more susceptible to diseases, viruses and infections.

Summary

As you can see, neglecting protein can have serious health consequences. So make sure you’re diet contains plenty of protein rich foods (such as dairy, fish, meat, nuts and seeds) and avoid these deficiency symptoms while also enjoying all protein’s health boosting properties.

Protein Deficiency Treatments and Tips