Protein deficiency: What happens if you don’t eat enough protein

One of the most important nutrients for your body is protein. It helps your body make hormones and enzymes, build and repair muscles, and keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy. Your body will start to show signs that something is wrong if you don't get enough protein.

Protein is important for building and keeping muscle mass. If you don't eat enough protein, your body will start to break down your muscles to get the amino acids it needs. This can make you lose muscle, feel weak, and be tired. You might also have a harder time doing everyday things, lifting things, or staying active. Low muscle mass can make you weaker and more likely to fall over time, especially in older people.

Your immune system needs protein to make immune cells and antibodies that fight off bacteria and viruses. Your body can't make these defense cells right if you don't get enough protein. This means you might get sick more often and take longer to get better. You might also feel tired or run down for no reason, and wounds might take longer to heal.

Your hair, skin, and nails all need protein to stay healthy. If you're not getting enough, your hair may become thinner and fall out more, your skin may become dry or flaky, and your nails may break easily. These signs mean that your body is putting important functions like keeping your organs working ahead of less important ones like growing hair.

If you don't get enough protein, your tissues can hold on to too much fluid, which can make your feet, ankles, or legs swell. Protein helps keep the fluids in your body in check, which is why this happens. Without it, water can leak into nearby tissues, making them swollen and painful.

Not getting enough protein will affect almost every part of your body, from your muscles and immune system to your looks and energy levels. To keep your body strong, healthy, and in balance, you need to eat enough foods that are high in protein every day.

Dr. Ramkinkar Jha, Chief and Unit Head - Orthopaedics (Unit III), Orthopaedic Surgery, Artemis Hospitals