Signs of Nutrient Deficiency
By Sara Butler
You know that mineral and vitamins are essential to your health and wellness, but do you know if you’re providing your body with enough of the good stuff? There are telltale signs that you may not be getting the minerals and vitamins your body needs to be healthy. If you know what to look for, then you can correct course and ensure that you’re meeting all of your body’s nutritional needs. Here are some red flags to be on the lookout for.
Hair Loss
Everyone loses hair each day -- somewhere around 100 strands. But if you’re suddenly losing clumps of hair in the shower or finding a lot of hair on your pillow each morning, then it may mean you have a nutritional deficiency going on.
Low iron levels can impact your thyroid function, leading to hair loss and other signs such as explained weight gain or weight loss. If you have low iron, you might also feel dizzy, have headaches, or always feel cold. It can also make your skin pale and dry, your joints achy, and your muscles weak. If you notice these signs, then get evaluated for iron deficiency by a healthcare professional as soon as you can.
Slowly Healing Wounds
Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps to keep your cells healthy. If you’re low in this vitamin, you may notice red, bleeding, swollen gums as well as bruising and wounds that are slow to heal. Vitamin C helps to bind your cells together, so if you’re not getting enough, it can cause issues.
To boost Vitamin C intake, eat more vegetables and fruits high in the vitamin such as peppers, oranges, and kiwi. As an adult, you should get about 60 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.
Irregular Heart Rhythm
Calcium helps to regulate your heart rhythm, so if you aren’t getting enough of it, then you may notice an irregular heartbeat or even chest pains. Other signs that you’re not getting enough calcium include:
- Muscle cramps
- Twitching of the muscles in your face
- Frequent fractures
An average adult should have 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day to stay healthy, so make sure to eat a diet rich in calcium to get what you need. Of course, dairy products fit the bill, but you can also find calcium in dark, leafy greens and fish.
A varied diet will help to ensure you get all you need, but if you're still concerned, then talk to a healthcare professional.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.