We all know that the body functions optimally when a diet includes exercise, plenty of water and macro-nutrients in the correct proportions to the body’s needs. But what if the body is not getting enough of a key macro-nutrient PROTEIN?
A health professional once gave this very simple analogy…”If you own a vehicle, you do whatever you can to protect and care for it. Because you know and acknowledge that the better you care for the vehicle the longer it will last. Your body is your vehicle and you need to care for it and protect it so it will last longer.”
Taking that same analogy further, a vehicle needs fuel to run appropriately and we always give our car the best possible fuel we can afford. We also give it the correct fuel – diesel to a diesel and petrol to a petrol. We take the time to make sure we know what is best for our car and do what we can to ensure we can maintain it as best. In the same way, we need to know and understand what is best for our bodies and how we can get the most out of it, for the longest possible time.
The human body’s best fuel is PROTEIN. We need protein to perform optimally and to live our longest possible life. Yet many of us (if not most of us) do not get nearly enough protein from our diets. Are you getting enough protein from your diet?
Here are 7 tell-tale signs that you may not be getting enough protein from your diet:
1. Brain fog
You struggle with “brain fog”: Brain fog or the lack of feeling like you are level-headed and in control, often causes low energy/fatigue, trouble concentrating and forgetfulness. Very often though brain fog is caused my something as simple as a poor diet, including unhealthy snacks that are high in sugar and fat. Consider adding healthy snacks or lunch options to your diet to maintain mental focus at work. These include foods that contain essential amino acids (found in meat, dairy and eggs) as this is the best known nutrient to provide enough hormones that her regulate and support brain functioning.
2. Hungry all the time!
You are hungry all the time: Protein may sometimes have a higher calorie-count that carbs, foods high in protein will leave you more satiated (feeling of fullness) than food high in carbohydrates and fatty foods. When you maintain a high-protein you are less prone to snacking and overeating. Proteins stabilize your blood sugar and as a result prevents cravings for sugary foods. If you are not accustomed to grabbing lunch at work, why not pack a protein shake.
3. Slow injury recovery rate
You are slow to heal from injuries: If you lack protein in your diet you may take longer to heal from injuries. The University of Michigan adds: “Your body needs protein to help build and repair muscle, skin, and other body tissues. Protein also helps fight infection, balance body fluids, and carry oxygen through your body.” In addition, Iron (most commonly found in high-protein, low-fat foods) help you heal faster from a bruise as well.
4. Brittle nails and hair issues
You have trouble with your hair and nails: The hair and nails are predominantly comprised of proteins and when the body is lacking in proteins, hair and nails are often the first external areas of the body to get affected. Hair and nails are dispensable to the body’s survival and therefor proteins will be depleted from them to ensure the body has enough protein. So if you struggle with hair loss (alopecia), hair density thinning, faded hair colour and brittle nails, you may have to increase your protein intake to get them healthy again.
5. Poor skin condition
You have difficulty keeping your skin healthy: If you struggle with a protein-deficiency it generally shows itself on your skin. The skin (like hair and nails) is largely made up of proteins and cannot heal or repair itself effectively with a lack of protein. Flaking, redness, pigmented patches and especially splitting are all signs of a lack of protein in your diet.
6. Water Retention
You often feel puffy and swollen: Water-Retention, and in more severe cases Edema, are directly related to a lack of a protein called serum albumin in the blood. Health.com explains it like this: “One of albumin’s main functions is to maintain oncotic pressure — a force that draws fluid into the blood circulation. In this way, albumin prevents excessive amounts of fluid from accumulating in tissues or other body compartments.” So if you are lacking this regulating protein, you may have more liquid collecting in tissue where it causes swelling and as a result puffiness.
7. A weakened immune system
You get sick frequently: If you lack protein, your body will not be able to produce enough antibodies (made of protein) to fight of diseases. It is the nutrient that takes the lead in fighting off billions of harmful bacteria and viruses – even more effective than immunity-boosting vitamins. Foods that contain Zinc, a mineral that helps with white blood cell production, is commonly found in lean beef, pork, soy, beans and seafoods (especially in crab). Magnesium, found commonly in Almonds and Cashews, boosts immunity. A lack thereof in converse, causes a lowered immunity.
And the list can go on. If you are experiencing a few of these symptoms, you may seriously need to consider your diet and protein intake to ensure that your body can function at its optimal capacity. If healthy snacks or lunch options are a struggle for you, why not opt for a high protein shake or smoothie with added protein powder. This will add the much needed protein and essential vitamins and minerals to your diet, and help boost your body’s capacity for a healthier and longer life.
While you’re here:
Did you know that our Xcell Power Protein powder and Xcell Re Build Shake are high in protein which helps you to support and maintain your body’s demand for high quality protein at a cellular level? Our Xcell Power Protein Powder is a soy protein isolate, known to the most pure form of protein, i.e. providing 90 – 97% pure protein and minimal carbohydrates and fats; whilst our Xcell Re Build is a supplement containing vitamins and minerals, high quality soy protein as well as L-Glutamine that is known to speed up recovery after strenous exercise. Click on the images below to learn more about the specific products.