According to Dr. Manish Itolikar, Consultant Physician at Fortis Hospital, Mulund (India), protein is very important in the body, from building muscle to maintaining overall health. Protein deficiency not only affects physical health but can also cause serious problems, such as edema. This condition is a sign of fluid accumulation in body tissue, especially due to a lack of albumin - an important protein.
The link between protein deficiency and edema
Protein deficiency, especially albumin, can cause edema. Albumin, produced by the liver, helps retain fluid in the blood vessels. When albumin levels decrease, the glue pressure in the blood vessels decreases, causing fluid to leak out and accumulate in the tissues, causing swelling, especially in the feet, ankles and abdomen (oclusion).
Albumin helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and when deficient, fluid can leak from blood vessels and build up in tissues, says Dr. Manish Itolikar.
In addition, when albumin appears abnormally in urine or in epidural areas of the body, such as the abdomen or other parts, it is a sign of disorders in the body and can be a warning sign of more serious problems.
Signs of protein deficiency
When the body lacks protein, signs of edema can appear clearly, including:
Swelling in the ankles and feet: The swelling can spread to the lower or higher legs.
accompanied by bone brittleness: In patients who lie for a long time, swelling can appear in the accompanied bone area, especially when the patient is not moving.
Spasm: This is a phenomenon that occurs when you press on an swollen area, the fossa will persist and not recover immediately.
Causes of protein deficiency and edema
Although protein deficiency can occur due to an inadequate diet, it can also arise from other diseases such as:
malnutrition: Due to the body not fully absorbing nutrients, especially protein.
Kidney disorders: Protein loss through the kidneys as in December 33 can lead to protein deficiency and edema.
liver disease: Diseases such as cirrhosis reduce the ability to produce albumin, leading to protein deficiency.
Heart attack: This condition can also reduce protein levels in the body.
Chronic lung disease: These conditions can cause reduced blood protein levels.
Lower limb varicose veins: Can cause edema and protein deficiency due to stagnant water in the blood vessels.
How to overcome and prevent edema due to protein deficiency
Increase protein: Supplement protein from animal sources (eggs, milk, meat, fish) and plants (beans, nuts, bean sprouts), can be used as a supplement if needed.
Treat underlying diseases: Adjust diseases such as malnutrition, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease to address protein deficiency causes.
Visit your doctor: If the edema persists, consult your doctor for the right treatment method.
