If you lack specific nutrients, your body will try to warn you through strange symptoms. Here are ten signs to watch: crispy fingernails and toenails, bleeding gums, mouth sores, and dry and wrinkled skin. Any of these signs may warn the body of a lack of nutrients.
Crispy fingernails and toenails
Your fingernails and toenails can reveal a lot about your overall health. When they become flat and brittle, they could be signs of several conditions, including a deficiency in Vitamin A. Also, your fingernails may develop Beau's lines, which are depressions along the nail's surface. Other symptoms include white streaks on the nail, pitting, and crumbling.
Photo: Femina
Other symptoms of nutrient deficiency include weak nails. It's important to avoid harsh chemicals near the skin and try going natural when possible. Some people are more likely to develop this problem if they don't eat meat or eggs regularly. This is because non-meat-eating people need twice as much iron as meat-eating people do.
Mouth sores
Mouth sores are a sign that you may be deficient in nutrients. They can appear simple canker sores and may heal in a few days. Larger canker sores, which are irregularly shaped, may take weeks to heal and leave a scar. If your canker sores are more advanced, they may require medical intervention.
To prevent the occurrence of canker sores, it is essential to eat nutritious foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables. In addition to good oral hygiene, people should brush and floss regularly. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating the mouth's delicate tissue. Avoid using mouthwashes and toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate.
Bleeding gums
According to Dr. Kathryn Alderman, one of the top 10 warning signs of a nutrient deficiency is bleeding gums. While you can't cure bleeding gums, you can prevent it from becoming a problem by maintaining a healthy diet and supplementing with vitamins. Eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids can improve gum health and prevent inflammation. Also, limiting sugary foods and processed snacks can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
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Weak and soft bones
If you're feeling weak and brittle, it could signify that your bones are deficient in one of the essential nutrients, vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. This mineral keeps bones strong and protected from diseases such as rickets. Lack of vitamin D is a major cause of weak bones, and it's also associated with osteomalacia, a condition characterized by brittle bones.
In fact, weak and brittle bones are the top 10 warning signs of a lack of nutrients. Bone density reflects the health of the hands, spine, and hips. Women with weak bones tend to be frail and lack muscle strength and balance. A simple fall can cause a broken bone. While osteoporosis is more common among women, men should be mindful of the symptoms and consider taking calcium supplements.
Dry and wrinkled skin
The cutaneous manifestations of nutrient deficiency are diverse and often reoccur in different body areas. In addition to the effects on the appearance of the skin, a lack of certain nutrients can cause the skin to become more prone to external insults. Besides losing its protective ability, dry skin is more susceptible to bacterial infections. While dry skin cannot be cured entirely, it can be treated and prevented. To begin the process of improving your skin's health, you should work on your diet.
Constantly tired
The first reason you might be constantly tired is a nutrient deficiency. When your body lacks essential nutrients, it can signify more serious conditions. If you continuously feel tired despite a whole night's sleep, your body is probably not getting the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy energy levels. In this case, you cannot function at work or manage your daily affairs.
A vitamin deficiency can also lead to chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition in which you're constantly tired. You might have a sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, or diabetes, or you could not get enough vitamin D. Seeking medical attention should be your first step, as chronic fatigue is a common symptom of an underlying health problem. Your doctor will help you determine the cause of your constant tiredness and determine if your symptoms may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency.
Lots of hair loss
Usually, people lose about 100 hairs per day. However, if you continually notice bunches of hair on your pillow or in a draining shower, this could signify more significant problems, such as low iron levels. Some other signs of iron deficiency include feeling cold all the time, headaches, and frequent dizziness.
Slow wound healing
Many systemic factors can contribute to slow wound healing. Poor blood circulation is a primary culprit, but there are other factors. Insufficient nutrition can also prevent new cells from reaching the wound site, which can further delay the healing process. In the case of chronic wounds, the length of time required to heal is often doubled or tripled. People with vascular diseases and the elderly are particularly prone to this type of wound.
Increasing your intake of certain nutrients can help speed up wound healing. Zinc is an essential nutrient, especially when it comes to the regeneration of collagen. The body also needs zinc for the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc supplements are also a valuable addition to your daily diet. Besides fruits and vegetables, other foods rich in zinc and vitamin C can also help the body heal wounds faster.
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Nyctalopia
The most common symptom of a deficiency in vitamins and nutrients is night blindness. This is a condition in which you cannot see in dim light, which can be dangerous in situations where you must drive at night. Your eyes' inability to focus on light and distinguish shapes in dark conditions. See your healthcare provider right away if you are facing this condition.
Stinging sensation in fingers or toes
Photo: Mdbonedocs
If the stinging sensation is accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or depression, you're likely deficient in vitamin B12, also known as the "energy vitamin." Vitamin B12 is commonly found in meat, dairy, and eggs, so people following a vegetarian diet may be at greater risk of being deficient.
