Eating habits are the foundation of a healthy life, providing our bodies with the energy and nutrients they require to function properly. However, the modern diets and life styles may sometimes create a gap in the nutrient requirements of the human body and thus expose the body to nutrient deficiencies. Many of these Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency in the body or in the emotions, and if these symptoms are not addressed, they can become potentially dangerous health risks. If these symptoms are recognized early enough, the root causes of the problem can be treated and the body brought back into equilibrium.
Signs of nutrient deficiency may be mild, including weakness or brittle nails, or severe, including hair loss or recurrent infections. These are the signs your body gives when it is crying for help. There are many causes of nutrient deficiencies: inadequate diet, certain diseases, or the body’s inability to absorb some vitamins and minerals. Knowledge of these symptoms enables you to make positive changes towards improving your health.
It means that you are able to avoid nutrient deficiencies by changing your diet or consulting a doctor once you notice certain symptoms. This guide provides an overview of ten early signs of nutrient deficiency, so you can identify them and learn which nutrients your body might be missing. Caring for your nutritional health is important in order to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary sicknesses.
Below, 10 signs of nutrient deficiency are explained in detail and the best ways to deal with them are also discussed.
1. Fatigue and Weakness
Lack of nutrients is another major cause of fatigue, despite a person may have slept well at night. This may be a sign of iron deficiency or anemia since it lowers the level of hemoglobin which is in charge of oxygen transport. Deficiency of vitamin B12 and magnesium can also result in low energy levels, poor energy production in the cells of the body. Some of these nutrients include; Fresh leaves, eggs, and nuts that can help to replenish the energy of the body.
2. Hair Loss
Losing hair or thinning hair can be caused by a lack of iron, zinc, or biotin in one’s diet. These nutrients are very vital in the health of the hair follicle as well as hair growth. If the hair follicles do not get enough iron, they will not receive enough oxygen to grow; zinc and biotin, the B vitamin, are also required for keratin, which is the building block of hair. These foods can be fought by including foods such as lean meats, beans, and nuts in your diet.
3. Dry Skin and Cracked Lips
Cracks at the corners of the mouth or scaly, dry skin could be a sign that you lack vitamin A or essential fatty acids or riboflavin (vitamin B2). Vitamin A is important for skin regeneration and water retention, and essential fatty acids for skin protection from water loss. Some of the foods that can be very beneficial when included in ones diet include carrots, fish and avocados for the skin.
4. Frequent Infections
If you get sick often it could be because you have a low immunity due to low vitamin C, vitamin D, or zinc. These nutrients are important for the proper functioning of immune cells and the overall protection of the body against infections. Fruits such as oranges, vitamin A enriched cereals and seafood such as oysters are good foods to strengthen your immune system.
5. Brittle Nails
Thin, fragile nails that can easily be peeled off maybe due to deficiency of biotin, a B vitamin or calcium which is important structurally in nails. Lack of these nutrients makes the nails brittle and susceptive to any form of breakage. Nail strength can be improved over time by taking foods such as those with dairy products, eggs, and spinach.
6. Vision Problems at Night
Inability to see in the dark or poorly illuminated areas is usually an indication of vitamin A deficiency. This nutrient is important in the health of the retina which is used in seeing in the dark. Vitamin A can also be obtained from carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark, leafy greens, and these foods may help with or prevent this problem.
7. Paresthesia or Dysesthesia
Numbness or a tingling sensation in your hands and feet can be attributed to a lack of B vitamins especially B6 and B12. These vitamins are involved with nerve function and their deficiency causes nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy. You should eat foods such as poultry, fish and fortified cereals to help replenish these precious nutrients.
8. Mood Changes and Irritability
Hypersensitivity, aggressiveness, or even melancholy depends on the deficiency of magnesium, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for brain function and for controlling neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood. The recommended natural sources of these nutrients include fatty fish, nuts, and sunlight.
9. Muscle Cramps and Spasms
A common sign of low magnesium, potassium or calcium levels is muscle cramps or spasms. These minerals play the role of contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Without them, muscles may contract and produce cramps or twitches that are beyond voluntary control. You can get these minerals from bananas, dairy products, and dark chocolate.
10. Slow Wound Healing
If your cuts or bruises take a longer time to heal, you may need vitamin C or zinc. These nutrients play a role in synthesizing collagen, which is used in skin and connective tissues repair. It is also recommended to consume more oranges, lemons, bell peppers and fish to enhance the rate of recovery.
Final Thoughts
It is only when you recognize these as symptoms of nutrient deficiency that you can start working towards bettering your health. If they are treated early through changes in diet or supplements recommended by a doctor, they do not progress to further complications. As always, a proper diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains will help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
These Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency may be seen early and if one takes time to make a conscious decision on what one takes then the body will be healthy as you desire.
