Lacking Vitamins? Here are 17 Signs That Tell You If You Are!
It’s not uncommon to see people take their health for granted so long as everything is working fine! Think about it, we aren’t even aware our ears exist until we experience ear pain. So as long as nothing hurts, we don’t take it seriously.
According to a survey performed in the UK on 2,093 adults, showed that 85% know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or a stroke. But more than 50-70% of them have not taken any measures towards reducing the chances of developing any of these conditions.
Time and time again, despite having someone in the family or a friend’s circle experience severe health problems, a majority of the population doesn’t seem to take it as a life lesson. So, if taking precautions of such serious health issues takes a backseat in our lives, how will the importance of eating healthy and exercising come to the forefront?
This is where multivitamin supplements are a game-changer. It doesn’t take more than just popping a pill to get the nutrients you need.
Unfortunately, with the growing health trend, there are a lot of diet fads, incorrect health advice, or overuse of health supplements that cause more problems!
So, when it comes to ensuring we get the right amount of nutrients, we can safely tell you not to follow the trend! People either take too little or way too much – because of a lot of times its self-prescribed or advice from friends and family.
When it comes to a lack of essential nutrients, many times, people experience minor symptoms for a long time and ignore it, thinking it’s just normal or it’ll pass. When you do experience these symptoms, it’s best to take a doctor’s advice. You might just need an extra dose of vitamins to replenish your body.
We’ve listed out 17 signs you may be experiencing that could point to a lack of key nutrients.
1. Hair loss
If you’re losing about 100 strands a day, there’s no cause for panic. It’s normal to shed around that much. If you see clumps of hair falling out, it’s a definite cause to see a doctor. You could be experiencing low levels of iron, zinc, Niacin (vitamin B3) and Linoleic Acid. Many supplements are marketed for hair loss, but it’s wiser to know which key ingredients would actually help.
You could also switch to a diet that’s rich in whole grains, dairy, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, legumes, meat, fish and eggs.
2. Burning sensation in the feet or tongue
Since it doesn’t cause too much discomfort, it tends to be ignored. You might think it’ll pass on its own. But if you’re experiencing this, you need to get your Vitamin B12 levels checked.
Top Reasons Why Your Tongue Can Swell and Require Medical Attention
This symptom can also be the result of the lack of meat or dairy products in the diet. Vegans, especially, should ensure that they get their dose of B12 from fortified soy and coconut milk, almond milk, and nutritional yeast.
Before taking B12 supplements on your own, it’s best to get the recommended dosage from your doctor.
3. Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are so common that we assume they are part of our day-to-day lives! But actually, this could indicate a calcium deficiency, which causes the muscles to tighten up. With enough calcium, the muscles should be able to relax.
4. Poor appetite/Anorexia
Zinc is a vital trace mineral that we absolutely need in our bodies. A well-nourished person may never have to face this deficiency. But experiencing a loss in appetite could mean low levels of zinc. In more severe cases, this could lead to anorexia.
5. Apathy and depression
This is another symptom of zinc deficiency, but apathy could also mean a lack of iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Most people who face apathy and depression make poor food choices and lack proper nutrition. Dietary supplements containing amino acids have been found to reduce symptoms.
6. Weak or brittle fingernails
Experiencing brittle fingernails could stir up some worry in anyone. This symptom could indicate that you’re deficient in biotin and/or calcium.
You could face this deficiency as a result of being pregnant, a heavy smoker or drinker, having digestive disorders, and having Crohn’s disease. Even extended use of antibiotics and anti-seizure medications could cause this.
In some cases, drinking raw egg whites causes brittle nails, because a protein called avidin in them fuses with biotin, reducing its absorption into the body.
You could include bananas, whole grains, yeast, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, dairy, and egg yolks in your diet.
7. Difficulty in swallowing
Most times, this could be linked to the flu or throat pain, so people take medication to treat the regular flu. But this symptom also points to a minor deficiency in calcium. If you find it difficult to swallow but don’t seem to be plagued by the common cold and cough, you should check your calcium levels.
Ignoring this could lead to more severe symptoms like tooth decay, mental confusion, irritability, and heart problems, to name a few.
8. Numbness or Tingling fingers
Unless it’s freezing outside, your numb fingers might be telling you that you have a calcium deficiency. This symptom indicates it’s only a minor deficiency. Taking measures early could prevent more serious problems.
9. Lethargy and fatigue
If you don’t get enough vitamins and minerals, your body shows it to you in the form of constant tiredness. It’s prompting you that you need more to function better. So, pay heed to what your body is telling you. You can experience fatigue if you lack a number of things, including Vitamin C, B12, and D, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Folic Acid.
If left unchecked, it could lead to long-term health consequences too.
10. Wounds are slow to heal
Picture Vitamin C as your line of defense, ever ready to fight and repair. Ultimately, it keeps us safe. Vitamin C has many powers – all vital to keeping us alive!
If you notice that your wounds are taking longer to heal, especially if it’s accompanied by falling ill often, you can be sure that you need more Vitamin C.
Smokers have a reduced ability to absorb Vitamin C. Eating more fruits and vegetables, along with taking your supplements, can help you boost your immunity levels.
11. Bone Pain
We hear “bone,” when we think Calcium. But bone pain can also be a lack of Vitamin D. This deficiency is on the rise, especially among the indoor working population that doesn’t get enough of the sun – the ultimate natural source of Vitamin D. Here is a complete guide to boost bone health.
A lack of this vitamin can put you at risk of heart problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, and rickets.
12. Irregular heartbeat
A deficiency in some key nutrients can be the underlying cause of an irregular heartbeat. You might need some magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Calcium as well can cause arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat that can lead to chest pains.
13. Fine tremor
If you notice that you have involuntary muscle movements or slight tremors, don’t brush it off. You don’t have to necessarily worry that it’s a serious condition. It might just be a zinc deficiency that you can easily combat with the right nutrients.
14. Impaired memory
It’s quite baffling how many symptoms can be caused by a lack of zinc. If your body doesn’t have enough zinc, a lot of things can go haywire, including your ability to remember.
There is some evidence to suggest that Vitamin B12 can boost your memory as well.
15. Poor Vision
Poor vision is usually associated with Vitamin A deficiency. This vitamin needs to be taken in prescribed doses since it’s a fat-soluble vitamin. This means the body doesn’t throw out any excess; instead, it stores it. Any excess of the vitamin can lead to toxicity that manifests itself in the form of nausea, headaches, joint and bone pain, skin irritations, etc. It could even ultimately be fatal.
This is why it’s so important to get the right dosage rather than self prescribe!
16. Loss of smell and taste
This symptom is usually associated with aging. But there are people of all ages that experience this due to a lack of zinc. Again overdose of zinc can cause more harm than good. You might just need to take a supplement or tweak your diet to ensure your body has the right amount it needs.
17. Decreased immunity
Think immunity, think Vitamin C! The ultimate firewall that goes to war for us, and plays a vital role in healing as well is undoubtedly Vitamin C.
If you’re constantly falling ill, there’s a good chance that you’re lacking enough Vitamin C. If you feel you need more medication and time to recover than usual, this is also a sign to check up on those Vitamin C levels.
The human body is not one to keep quiet about low levels of vitamins and minerals. It alerts you in the form of so many symptoms. So, if you feel a bit off, your body is definitely telling you something.
Listening to the early warning signs, as mild as they may be, can save you from severe health issues!
