Dr. Sethi, gastroenterologist: "There are six signs that you're not getting enough protein in your diet."

Proteins are essential macronutrients for health, essential for building and repairing tissues , as well as for building muscle. But their power over the body's proper functioning goes far beyond helping us stay stronger. Proteins are found in every cell in the body, which needs them to strengthen and maintain bones , muscles, and skin.

Protein is obtained through our diet, which should include meat, dairy products, nuts, and certain grains frequently and in the necessary amounts. Vegetables also provide protein, although their profile is not usually as complete as that of meat. In this context, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, an expert in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, shares the six warning signs of protein deficiency.

1. Low blood glucose

Frequent cravings for sugary foods are one of the signs that could indicate we're not consuming the protein necessary for our body to function properly. In these cases, blood sugar levels drop . However, the doctor assures that "protein comes from many sources, not just animal sources. Tofu, nuts, and legumes are all plant-based and equally essential."

2. The relationship between sugar and weight gain

Protein deficiency can manifest itself with drops in blood sugar , as the gastroenterologist mentioned above, a circumstance that will lead to an almost direct consequence: weight gain due to the body's inability to burn calories naturally and effectively.

3. Unexplained fatigue

Inadequate dietary protein levels, and associated low blood sugar, can also trigger unexpected fatigue throughout the day and a lack of energy to perform our daily functions.

4. Do you often catch colds?

Fourth, another symptom that could alert us that we're consuming less protein than our body requires is the fact that we frequently experience cold or flu symptoms . This would indicate that our immune system is suffering , and protein could be the culprit.

5. Your nails and hair appear more fragile than normal

According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, another sure sign that our diet isn't providing the right amount and quality of protein is that our hair may feel weak, brittle, and dull . The same goes for nails, which can become damaged, break easily, and not grow long enough.

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6. Do you have mood swings that you don't even understand?

To conclude with the warnings related to a protein deficiency in the diet, the gastroenterologist asserts on social media that experiencing sudden mood swings, a mood that fluctuates without any specific trigger, going from euphoria to sadness, is also indicative of a protein deficiency.

This phenomenon occurs because this type of nutrient is essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (a hormone that affects mood, sleep, and appetite) and dopamine (which regulates brain activity).