HEALTH The body’s signal when you’re short of protein

HEALTH Protein is a must-have nutrient for health. The recommended daily intake of protein for general adults is 0.8g per kilogram of weight, and if it is difficult to take protein every time, it is also a good idea to take supplements. If protein intake is usually insufficient, “abnormal signals” may appear throughout the body, such as reduced muscle mass and reduced skin elasticity. We look at the symptoms caused by lack of protein.

It reduces muscle mass and joint pain
Protein is the main source of energy for the body. Therefore, when protein is insufficient, the body decomposes muscles and uses them as energy. This can reduce muscle mass and weaken joints. In addition, it takes a long time to recover when the body is damaged, and muscle and joint pain may continue and increase.

It reduces elasticity and makes your skin dry
There is a place called the dermis layer under the skin, and most of it is made of collagen, a type of protein. Collagen helps the skin maintain its original shape and firmness, and if it is insufficient, the dermal layer collapses and the skin shape collapses, making deep wrinkles. It can also lose elasticity as the skin becomes dry.

I keep looking for sweets
Protein is digested and absorbed slower than carbohydrates, so the satiety lasts longer. Therefore, if you eat more carbohydrates than protein, food is digested quickly in the body and blood sugar rises. Since then, if the blood sugar that rose as a large amount of insulin was secreted drops quickly, you will easily feel hungry and want to eat sweet food.

My hair gets thinner and falls out a lot
Proteins that enter our bodies are used first to produce immune cells, and are delivered late to hair that is relatively less needed. Hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein. If keratin is not made enough, the hair becomes thinner and falls out easily, increasing the risk of hair loss. Nails are also mainly composed of keratin, which can be easily cracked or broken if there is a lack of protein.