Does low protein make you tired?

Author: Annalise Hodkiewicz Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

1. Weakness and Fatigue. Protein is a crucial energy source, so when lacking, a person can feel weak and unusually exhausted—mentally, physically, or both. Muscle wasting (cachexia ) from low protein levels occurs in protein (and calorie) deficiency cases, like starvation or prolonged fasting.

Can lack of protein cause fatigue?

If you're constantly feeling tired even after resting, it could be a signal that your body lacks the protein needed to sustain daily energy levels. Hair, skin, and nails are primarily made of proteins, so one of the most visible signs of deficiency is the health of these structures.

How do you feel when protein is low?

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 a protein deficiency?

Signs of a protein deficiency
  • Brittle hair and nails, often the first sign of deficiency.
  • Feeling weak or hungry, since protein supplies energy and satisfies the appetite.
  • Getting sick often without protein to boost the immune system.

Will eating more protein make me less tired?

There are several foods that can help beat feelings of fatigue during the day. Look for foods that are high in protein, good fats, and fibers. Foods high in iron and other nutrients are also helpful. It is best to avoid highly processed or sugary foods when trying to boost energy levels.

Why You Get Sleepy After Eating Protein? – Dr. Berg

Why do I want to sleep all the time and have no energy?

an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby. hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause) some illnesses, like glandular fever and COVID-19.

How can I raise my protein levels quickly?

Try pre-cooked canned beans and lentils, cheese sticks and slices, nut and seed packets, and canned seafood products like tuna, salmon, and sardines. You can use these options to create high-protein meals quickly when you are short on time.

Can lack of protein affect sleep?

In terms of carbohydrates, whole grains are preferred over simple carbohydrates and highly processed grains, as they are healthier and may improve sleep. Studies have also found that consuming too much or too little protein can negatively impact sleep.

Are protein pills good for you?

While these supplements affect the body positively, caution has to be exercised while consuming them in excess, as they have been shown to cause hyperfiltration and increased urinary calcium excretion which can, in turn, lead to chronic kidney disease development.

Can low protein affect your mood?

Research shows that deficiencies in tryptophan and other amino acids can negatively affect brain function and promote the development of depression and anxiety disorders. Conversely, this means that depression causally triggered by a protein deficiency can be overcome with proper nutrition alone.

What should I eat if my protein level is low?

Other tips for a low protein diet

Bulk up soups with small amounts of rice or pasta. Increase the vegetable content while decreasing the meat content in recipes. For example, diced mushrooms can be a good meat alternative when cooking spaghetti. Add a small amount of egg to salads to make them more filling.

What is the most common cause of low protein?

Many things may cause low protein in blood. Malnutrition is a common cause. But issues like some autoimmune diseases, liver disease or kidney disease may cause hypoproteinemia. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause.

How to check protein level in body?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

How much protein is needed per day?

How much protein do I need? Most adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight per day (for the average woman, this is 45g, or 55g for men). That's about two portions of meat, fish, nuts or tofu per day. As a guide, a protein portion should fit into the palm of your hand.

What happens if you eat too little of protein?

Three of the main symptoms of protein deficiency include swelling, stunted growth, and a weak immune system. Other signs of not eating enough protein include muscle loss and weak bones.

Can lack of protein cause extreme fatigue?

1. Weakness and Fatigue. Protein is a crucial energy source, so when lacking, a person can feel weak and unusually exhausted—mentally, physically, or both. Muscle wasting (cachexia ) from low protein levels occurs in protein (and calorie) deficiency cases, like starvation or prolonged fasting.

Why am I having trouble sleeping at night all of a sudden?

Being stressed can cause short-term insomnia. Major or long-lasting stress can lead to long-term insomnia. You do not have a regular schedule. For example, changing shifts at work or traveling can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

What is the healthiest protein to eat?

The American Heart Association recommends choosing healthy sources of proteins, mostly from plant sources; regularly eating fish and seafood; substituting fat-free and low-fat dairy products in place of full-fat versions; and for people who eat meat or poultry, choosing those that are lean and unprocessed.

Is peanut butter high in protein?

Nutritional information

They're rich in protein and healthy fat, and they're calorie-dense. Two tablespoons, or 32 grams, of peanut butter gives you 7.2 grams of protein. Peanut butter also contains: fiber.

Can I suddenly increase my protein intake?

Most people can safely eat up to 2 g per kg of body weight daily. However, athletes may be able to consume up to 3.5 g per kg of body weight daily. Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause side effects and may increase the risk of certain conditions.

Why do I feel tired, lazy, and unmotivated all the time?

Many cases of tiredness are due to stress, not enough sleep, poor diet and other lifestyle factors. Try these self-help tips to restore your energy levels. If you feel you're suffering from fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that isn't relieved by rest and sleep, you may have an underlying medical condition.

What is crashing fatigue?

Sudden Crashing Fatigue in females is the rapid onset of intense exhaustion and lethargy. It's a normal biological process that can include muscle weakness, hot flashes, and mood swings. In many instances, it's linked to variations in estrogen levels that occur during menopause and perimenopause.

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