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Winter Woes? Protein Deficiency Linked to Mood Swings
29 Nov
Summary
- Insufficient protein intake can cause mood swings and hormonal imbalances.
- Cold weather increases the body's need for protein to generate heat.
- Protein is vital for immune defense, hormone balance, and mood regulation.
A sports nutritionist is alerting the public to the critical role of protein, especially during the winter months. Colder temperatures cause the body to burn through energy reserves faster and increase muscular workload simply to maintain warmth. This heightened demand means the body increasingly relies on protein's building blocks for energy, making adequate intake essential.
Insufficient protein can negatively impact mood regulation, hormonal balance, and immune function. This can result in slower recovery from physical activity, increased fatigue, and a greater susceptibility to common winter illnesses. These effects can be noticed even by those who do not exercise regularly.
Experts recommend a daily intake of around 1.4-2g of protein per kilogram of body weight, adjusted for activity levels. For those struggling to meet this requirement, protein supplements are suggested as an accessible, low-calorie option to boost intake and support overall health throughout winter.
