Are you protein deficient?
Protein is hugely overlooked in the diet world after Carbs and Fat taking all the headlines.
Protein is the building blocks of your body, nothing is more important than protein, it motivates and really supports your body in building healthy tissues and cells. Vital organs, muscles, tissues and even some hormones are made from protein. Additionally proteins create haemoglobin and important antibodies. Proteins are involved in just about every body function from controlling blood sugar levels to healing wounds and fighting off bacteria.
Protein comes from meat, fish, eggs and is present in most plant foods in a lesser degree. To be deficient you may just be not eating enough protein per day in place of other macronutrients such as carbs. BUT digestion of protein is also critically important, the saying goes you are what you eat, I like to say you are what you can digest. Some people will need to support their digestion with the correct enzymes and acids to fully break down the protein into the relevant amino acids for absorption. So just because you are eating lots of meat per day, you can still be deficient.
Signs and symptoms your body isn’t getting enough protein:
A sluggish metabolism
Trouble losing weight
Trouble building muscle
Low energy and fatigue
Muscle, bone and joint pain
Blood sugar issues
Slow wound healing
Low immunity
High cholesterol
Your workouts suffer
You aren’t sleeping well
Gassy, bloated and constipated
If any of the above are affecting you then you may need some more protein in your diet.
The minimum recommended amounts are 0.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight but that is the MINIMUM. Daily routines and body composition will need to be addressed to find a beneficial amount for you as an individual.
For more information or to work with one of our nutrition experts at our gym Anatomy 37 in Tonbridge get in contact.
