They have every reason to call protein one of the main building blocks of life. It is a macronutrient that the human body needs in relatively large amounts to make up the major component of our cells and provide essential amino acids to keep our bodies up and running. The problem is that most of us aren't getting as much proteins as we should. Here are four signs we are lacking in optimum protein supplies:

Stress fractures

Apart from just a healthy dose of calcium, our bones also require enough protein, too. When we aren’t getting right doses of protein to fuel our organs and brain, our body borrow it from other areas, including the storages in our skeletal muscle tissues. Without the support of strong skeletal muscle tissues, our bones are more susceptible to injures like fractures and breaks.

Weak hair and nails

Since proteins form an essential part of our hair and nails; our nails can become brittle and hair frizzy, over the time due to protein deficiency in the body. When the body is protein deficit, it goes into preservation mode and stops building cells for body parts like hair, nails and skin which even if protein deficit, don’t pose any major health threat.

Weight loss

In order for our body to stay lean and continue to building muscles and repair cells, it requires a certain amount of amino acids; the building blocks of protein. But if our diet lacks these amino acids, the body begins to break down muscles to get these necessary amino acids from muscle fibres. This results in loss of muscles, loss of strength and a decline in metabolism.

Weakness and lethargy

You probably won’t feel fatigued right away, but over the time, people who aren’t eating enough protein may feel more tired or sluggish than usual. The reason: protein is a component of haemoglobin, which is present in our red blood cells and transports oxygen throughout the body. Insufficient levels of oxygen can cause weakness or problems, like shortness of breath and lethargy.