What happens if your body is low in protein?
Weakness and Fatigue And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don’t get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.
What are the symptoms of low protein levels?
Signs and symptoms of protein deficiency
- Skin, hair and nail problems.
- Loss of muscle mass.
- Increased risk of bone fractures.
- Bigger appetite and increased calorie intake.
- Risk of infections.
- Fatty liver.
- May inhibit proper body growth in children.
What causes low total protein in the blood?
If your total protein level is low, you may have a liver or kidney problem, or it may be that protein isn’t being digested or absorbed properly. A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally.
How do you fix protein deficiency?
If you have a protein deficiency your doctor might recommend increasing your intake of protein-containing foods, like:
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, pistachios, cashews, and flax seeds.
- Legumes, such as lentils and beans.
- Eggs.
- Seafood, like fish or shrimp.
- Whole grains like quinoa.
- Poultry, like chicken or turkey.
How do you fix low protein levels?
A lack of enough protein can cause problems such as: muscle loss….If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can increase your protein intake by eating more plant-based sources of protein, such as:
- soy milk.
- tofu.
- tempeh.
- beans.
- legumes (lentils, peas)
- nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios)
- nut butters.
- whole-grain bread.
How can I increase my total protein levels?
14 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake
- Eat your protein first.
- Snack on cheese.
- Replace cereal with eggs.
- Top your food with chopped almonds.
- Choose Greek yogurt.
- Have a protein shake for breakfast.
- Include a high protein food with every meal.
- Choose leaner, slightly larger cuts of meat.
How long does it take to get protein levels up?
Your body breaks down protein into amino acids, which stay in your bloodstream until they’re absorbed. When a person consumes casein, levels of these amino acids stay elevated in the blood for about 4-5 hours (whereas in whey, these levels are elevated in the blood for about 90 mins).
How can I raise my total protein in my blood?
Consume Plant-Based Protein If you don’t eat animal products, there are still ways to increase your protein intake with just plant-based foods! Tofu, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are all great sources of protein.