What happens when we don't get enough protein

Protein!  I was wanting to find out what happens when we don't get in enough protein, does it slow the weight loss, makes us sick, this is something that I have never asked about.  For the most part I get my protein in, I admit that there are days when the only protein I get comes from what foods I eat, and that's not much.   ** I know shame on me**   So I'm just curious!

As I understand it- your body needs protein for fuel.  If you do not consume enough your body turns to the muscle in your body as its protein source.   You will lose muscle mass and strength.  Don't forget your heart is a muscle.    You can seriously damage your heart and kidneys without enough protein in your diet. 

Not enough protein will cause slow weight loss as well as increased hair loss - here are other issues that can stem from not eating enough protien - If enough energy is not taken in through diet, the body will use protein from the muscle mass to meet its energy needs, leading to muscle wasting over time. Protein deficiency can lead to reduced intelligence or mental retardation, see deficiency in proteins, fats, carbohydrates causes lack of muscle development, and slow growth rate and maturation. In severe states tissue and blood levels fall, hypoproteinemic edema may occur, and a degree of immunosuppression could be expected. Physical findings common to most protein deficiency syndromes are loss of weight (unless masked by edema), decrease in subcutaneous fat, weakness, muscle wasting, edema and accumulation of fluid in serous cavities. Frequently, hypotension, bradycardia and pigmentary changes in the skin are observed and the basal metabolic rate may decrease. Protein deficiency may lead to fatty infiltration and cirrhosis of the liver. Anemia, which may be normocytic or macrocytic, is a frequent accompaniment of chronic protein deficiency syndromes

Ohhhh Mannn, you guys have offically scared the hell out of me, I think I know what I need to work on, and I need to do it FAST!  Whewwwww Thank you so much for your reponses. 

Donna: Have you ever tried protein bullets?   I am a big fan of them as don't think i would ever get enough in since I am only 4 weeks out and eat very little.   They are 42 g of protein and 176 calories.   They can be ordered online.    I just ordered 36 and they cost me a hundred bucks.   Figured that is still cheaper than going out to lunch like i used to and i am worth it.   Many sites sell them but the cheapest one i have found are at nutrahealthy dot com.    They are only 3 ounces and taste almost like liquid jello. Hope this helps you.    Pam

Hey Pam, I did try one of the bullets awhile back and have decided that I'm going to take that route, I'm hoping that the bullets will get me back on track and maybe give me a little energy as well.  They actually are not bad, better than all those nasty powders.   Thanks for the suggestion

The powders i tried in the past were gritty and while they may not have much taste when added to something, i couldn't get past the texture.    I have gotten to the point i enjoy my bullets.  When i looked up the website for you, i noticed they now have blue raspberry which they didn't have a few days ago when i ordered mine but the price has gone up 2 bucks for a 12 pk. Good luck! Pam

The protein bullets are great with crushed ice and water. You don't to drink them straight.... I love the orange............

My husband and I just went out and I got a box of the Bue Raspberry, so we'll see how that goes.   I have tried the grape and liked it.  The guy over at the Health Nut store was telling me that they are going to be making a variety box, that will be nice then your not stuck with just one flavor. 

I love my New Whey Protein Bullet ****tails every day! Whenever I know my workday is going to make it difficult for me to get good protein, I make 48 oz. of Crystal Lite Raspberry Lemonade and mix in one Blue Razz bullet.  Then I put about 24 oz. of this yummy concoction in a 32 oz. bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with crushed ice.  Ah.My.Gawd.  It's so yummy.   The other 24 oz. goes into another bottle, and I fill it with crushed ice at the office at mid-day; that's how I reach my fluid goal every day, by sipping, sipping, sipping my drug of choice. The bullets are quite pricey.  Sometimes bariatriceating.com has them on sale -- you can currently buy 36 vials for $89.  Occasionally I see them on eBay and snap 'em up.  Be careful, though -- New Whey Protein Bullets also come in 25g, so be sure you're buying the 42g type.