Signs of a Nutritional Deficiency and What You Can Do About It
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most of us like to believe that we are relatively healthy. We imagine that we are getting plenty of healthy nutrients through our regular diet and that our weight will hold at a steady level. Often times, this is true. You may very well be getting all of your required nutrients through your diet and be on the road to constant better health. But sometimes, our health is suffering without us even realizing it. Sometimes our body is giving us signals of distress that we just don’t recognize. Take a look at these common signs of a nutritional deficiency, followed by some advice on what to do about it.
Common Signs of a Nutritional Deficiency
It’s important to make note that not all of these symptoms immediately mean a problem with nutritional intake. If you are concerned or have any questions, always refer to the advice of your doctor.
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Digestive Problems - It’s easy to write these sorts of problems off as something we ate or a slight illness. The truth is that constant problems with digestion might suggest a deficiency in one or more essential nutrients.
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Loss of Appetite - You might think that a deficiency would make you feel hungrier than ever, and sometimes that’s true. But it can also have the opposite effect and cause you to lose your appetite completely. If your appetite suddenly halts and stays that way, it may be worth a trip to the doctor.
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Extreme Fatigue - It can be hard to tell whether the exhaustion you feel is normal or extreme. We’re all tired all of the time! But, fatigue that comes out of nowhere with little to no change in your normal routine may signal a mineral deficiency of one kind or another.
What to Do About a Deficiency
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Improve Your Diet - One of the best ways to boost your nutrient intake is to eat properly. Make sure your diet contains the right amounts of each food group, and balance it out as much as you can.
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Multivitamin - A good multivitamin might help fill in any gaps in your diet. If you add this to your normal daily routine, you may be able to balance out your nutrients before any particular deficiency gets too extreme.
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See Your Doctor - Don’t forget that one of your best options is to see a professional. Your doctor can get you tested, determine any problems, and then point you toward the right treatments. When in doubt, make an appointment and get help!
A nutritional deficiency is not the end of the world, but it does require attention. Look for these signs and symptoms of a mineral deficiency and take the proper steps to keep your body and mind healthier than ever.