Paying attention to what your body needs is crucial for a healthier you. Don’t let your body suffer from falling short on getting enough of necessary nutrients, so you can avoid becoming a victim of common nutrient deficiencies around people.
But what are these common nutrient deficiencies? What are their noticeable signs in our bodies? And how can we turn everything back to normal? Here’s the full answer:
Iron Deficiency
Less iron means less oxygen in your body, which is iron deficiency can cause ongoing fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and even pale looking skin. So, if you’re constantly tired or exhausted, or lacking energy all day, you must check on your body’s iron.
Getting back the needed iron levels to your body is by consuming iron-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, and other iron-rich vegetables, in addition to red meat, and lentils. If you want an enhanced iron absorption, just pair these foods with any vitamin C source, like citrus fruits or bell peppers, and you’ll see amazing results.
Optimal timing for Iron supplement intake: they’re often best absorbed on an empty stomach, but they can cause stomach upset in some individuals. Taking them with a small amount of vitamin C-rich food or juice can offer you a better absorption.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Due to our modern lifestyles that keep us indoors most of the day, we are often unable to get the sunshine we need to boost our vitamin D levels, making this deficiency quite common. People with this deficiency may experience fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes.
To solve this, increase your exposure to sunlight, and try to consume vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. However, if you’re suffering from a severe deficiency, vitamin D supplements may be necessary.
Optimal timing for Vitamin D supplement intake: Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it’s best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains healthy fats. This could be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whichever fits your routine best.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Your nerves thrive with vitamin B12. Lacking this vitamin can make you experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and neurological issues like numbness and tingling.
To boost your B12 levels, you absolutely need to intake more B12-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. Supplements of B12 injection may be necessary in cases of absorption issue or vegetarian diets.
Optimal timing for Vitamin B12 supplements intake: they can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. However, if you experience any stomach upset, taking them with a meal can help alleviate discomfort.
Calcium Deficiency
You need sufficient calcium for your bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Dealing with calcium deficiency can include signs like brittle nails, muscle cramps, dental problems, and osteoporosis.
As usual, to solve this matter you need to prioritise consuming calcium-rich foods, like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. You also need to focus on weight-bearing exercises as they can be beneficial for maintaining bone density and preventing calcium loss.
Optimal timing for calcium supplements intake: they’re typically best absorbed when taken with food. Dividing the dose throughout the day can also improve absorption, as the body can only absorb a certain amount of calcium at once.
Magnesium Deficiency
Yes, magnesium! You should focus on this mineral’s levels in your body, as it participates in most of your body’s biochemical reactions, including your energy production, and your muscle power. When you lack this mineral, you will face muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, and even irregular heartbeat.
To avoid that, you should consume magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. If you’re dealing with chronic deficiency and need a great magnesium boost, try taking supplements.
Optimal timing for magnesium supplements intake: Like calcium, magnesium supplements are generally best absorbed when taken with food. Taking magnesium in the evening may promote relaxation and help support sleep, as magnesium has calming properties.
Iodine Deficiency
Did you ever know that your metabolism and growth both need iodine? Well, yes! Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production that affects them. Signs of iodine deficiency include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and goitre.
You need to intake iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt. But however, remember to stay balanced and be mindful of excessive iodine intake as it can be harmful.
Optimal timing for Iodine supplements intake: they can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. However, it’s essential to avoid excessive intake, so follow the recommended dosage provided by your healthcare provider.
Vitamin A Deficiency
We all know that vitamin A can be our skin beauty secret! But beyond skin health, this vitamin is crucial also for vision and immune function, so you can be both healthy and good looking, isn’t that awesome? Lacking this vitamin can cause night blindness, dry eyes, poor immune function, and skin problems.
Ensure you include plenty of vitamin A-rich foods in your diet, like liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens. While obtaining vitamin A from food sources is the ideal way, it’s fine to try taking vitamin A supplements, however, be cautious as excessive intake can be toxic.
Optimal timing for Vitamin A supplements intake: they’re typically taken with a meal to enhance absorption, preferably one containing some healthy fats. However, since vitamin A is stored in the body, it’s essential not to exceed the recommended dosage to avoid toxicity.
By adopting a varied diet, smart supplementation, and seeking personalised advice, including regular mineral and vitamin check-ups, you can journey towards vibrant health. Remember, nourish your body wisely—it’s your temple for boundless energy and well-being.
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