AHA!

I just found out what's wrong with me!

(Talk about you attention-grabbing leads....)

For the longest time, I've felt like crap. Zero energy, completely exhausted, and, worst of all, my brain hasn't been working properly. And by that, I mean that I've had increasing difficulty concentrating, and I keep forgetting things and losing my train of thought. (way more than is normal for me.) I was seriously beginning to wonder if I was getting Altzheimers waaaaaay too early.

But it's not that. Or any other major disease. 

I'm malnourished.

Given my size, that seems incredible (not to mention impossible), but there it is. My daily protein intake is about 1/4 of what it should be. Protein is what the body breaks down into amino acids - which are then used to keep all the organs (including the brain) up and running properly.

When the body doesn't get enough protein, it starts to think there's a famine in the land and goes into crisis mode. This means it shuts down as many functions as it can, distributing the amino acids to those organs it considers most important (maintaining the heart definitely trumps keeping the brain working at maximum efficiency). It hoardes calories and basically "hybernates." So you end up like a zombie who can still run from whatever eats zombies if the need arises.

Or something like that. (Given my brain's current inability to focus, who knows what I was actually told. I'm sure about the remedy, though, because I had the doctor write down that bit.) 

Well!

Chop off my legs and call me Shorty! No wonder I feel like death on a cracker.  

I've been ordered to get in touch with my inner caveman and eat protein like the mastadons are overpopulating and eating all the cave woman's nuts and berries. And take protein supplements. AND increase my vitamin D intake.

If any of you are feeling puny and stupid, check with your doctor and get a blood test. You might need to be joining me on the ol' protein bandwagon.

Okay! I'm off to eat a jar of Jif!

Thanks for stopping and have a blessed day!

Deborah

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Comments

[nancyk]

Enjoy getting in touch with your inner cavewoman! I hope it helps and you'll be feeling just peachy in no time! I'm thinking maybe I should up the protein intake a bit too, been feeling a little "zombie-like" myself lately. thanks so much for sharing!

[Ann]

Hooray for protein! So glad it's a drugless fix. You'll be sharper than a tack before you know it!

[Judy Jung]

I'm taking massive doeses of Vitamin D, too!! Who knew the body quits processing things like it used to!! So glad you found out what was wrong and can fix it!!!! Sounds like you need a steak dinner!!!! And eggs for breakfast. Hugs.

[Linda C Baker]

Glad you found out the problem. I have been feeling the same way. I attribute it to lack of sleep and being over 50, but maybe it is diet too. Thanks for sharing!

[Dawn T]

glad it's an easy fix for you Deborah. Cut back on the carbs and increase the protein. Protein shakes are a great way to get added protein with out having to munch through a huge amount of red meat! Take care and I'm sure you'll feel better quickly

[Sue Speck]

Outside of an end-stage alcoholic (who drinks his meals), or a person in a third world country who is literally starving, there is virtually no way a person getting sufficient calories can be deficient in protein. God knows the importance of protein and that's why He put it into absolutely everything - including fruit. If you weigh more than you like, believe me - you're getting more than enough protein. If you are one of those extremely rare individuals who has trouble processing protein, then you'd have had issues in a variety of ways by now. I know this isn't what you'd like to hear, but I really hope you put yourself into the hands of a good nutritionist instead of a doctor who has likely received a miniscule average of 4 hours of nutrional studies during his entire medical schooling. Excess protein burdens the body and makes it highly acidic - a condition which hampers the body in dealing with whatever your real problem is. That's why I'm hoping you'll consult with an expert who has received sufficient training to be able to really help you. This is about more than "not enough protein", Deborah. I wish you well, am sending you blessings, and will keep you in my prayers.