Protein Information

 Updated information on September 6, 2022

DeepMind has predicted the structure of almost every protein known to science

And it’s giving the data away for free, which could spur new scientific discoveries.

By

• Melissa Heikkilä

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 KEEP AN EYE OUT

Eleven Signs You Might Not Be Getting Enough Protein In Your Diet

Submitted by Molly Bradley 5 days ago via wellandgood.com

As one of the three main macronutrients, protein is a vital part of your diet. Here's how to tell if you need to increase the amount of protein you eat.

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The Lede

Protein is an essential part of building and repairing parts of the body, creating enzymes that enable us to digest food and regulating our hormones. Getting enough protein also means ingesting the amino acids that make up proteins, because our bodies can't produce them. Though the amount of protein you need depends on factors like gender, weight and activity level, there are clear signs you can look out for to tell if you're not getting enough.

Additional Thoughts

• Without enough protein, which helps with collagen formation, your wounds will be slow to heal.
• Your immune system will be weaker: you may get more frequent infections than usual.
• Your may lose muscle mass — especially if you're older, since the amount of protein you need after age 70 increases.
• Your bones may also be weaker (collagen is also essential for strong bones).
• Hair loss is another symptom of protein deficiency, though it may also indicate iron deficiency.
• Your nails may become more brittle and your skin drier, especially if you're older.
• When you're not eating enough protein, you may find that you're hungrier and experience more food cravings.
• Fatigue and weakness are also signs of a lack of protein, and possibly a lack of calories overall.
• Certain amino acids are important in stabilizing your mood, so you may experience mood changes.
• In children, protein deficiency can hinder normal growth.
• You may not sleep as well if your diet doesn't contain enough tryptophan, an essential amino acid provided by certain proteins.