Everybody knows that we need a range of vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies and our mind healthy. But how do you know when you may not be quite meeting your body’s needs? Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to serious health problems if not addressed, but the good news is that there are many tell-tale signs to look out for, and when they are spotted quickly, and steps are taken to improve the deficiency, any symptoms will normally get better or disappear altogether. Here are some common signs and symptoms of a possible lack of vital nutrients.
#1. Hair Loss:
Whilst everybody will lose around one hundred strands of hair per day, and some light hair loss is completely normal, you may have cause for concern if you are suddenly waking up to find clumps of hair on your pillow, or leaving behind a larger amount of hair than usual after the shower. It’s worth mentioning it to your doctor as it could be a sign of larger issues such as low iron levels, which can affect your energy or thyroid issues which could lead to sudden unexplained weight loss or gain. If you’re suffering from low iron levels, some other symptoms you may experience include frequent headaches, dizziness, and feeling the cold more, but the good news is that you can reverse these symptoms with supplements. You can also find our some foods that cause hair loss.
#2. Slow-Healing Wounds:
If you’ve hurt yourself – even just a small cut or scratch – and it’s taking longer than you would normally expect for it to heal, this could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough vitamin C. Another sign is if you are experiencing swollen, red or bleeding gums even though you are diligent when it comes to your dental hygiene and make sure that you brush and floss on a daily basis. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reverse these symptoms; quit smoking if you are a smoker, and eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C such as oranges, red bell peppers, and kiwi.
#3. Bone Pain:
If you’re feeling pains in your bones and are tired and achy a lot of the time, then you could be experiencing a deficiency in vitamin D. In some countries, it’s recommended that everybody takes a vitamin D supplement in the winter at least, as there simply isn’t enough available from the sun during the colder months. To improve your vitamin D intake, you can take supplements or eat more foods that are rich in this nutrient such as herring, salmon, sardines, mushrooms, shrimp and milk or orange juice that are fortified with vitamin D.
#4. Burning Sensations:
If you are feeling burning sensations in your feet or tongue, this could be a sign that your vitamin B12 levels are low. If you’re experiencing this symptom, then Basik Nutrition recommends that you visit your doctor who can help you with checking your B12 levels and determining the best way to replenish them. Issues with your digestive system, dry skin, and balance problems are other common signs to look out for. Over time, B12 deficiency can cause permanent harm to your nervous system, so it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you believe you’re not getting enough. The body does not create B12 on its own, so it’s important to get it from your diet. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, take special care as many plant-based diets eliminate most foods rich in B12. You can get it, however, from almond milk or nutritional yeast.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, a trip to the doctor will help you figure out if you’re deficient in any important nutrients and what to do next.
