Tag: Deficiencies

Fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitation, and pale skin are common signs of iron deficiency. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and hair loss. Increased frequency of infections, restless legs syndrome, craving for non-food substances, cracks near the mouth, and brittle nails are also possible signs.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be due to a diet lacking in B12 rich foods, like in the case of vegans and vegetarians. It can also be due to poor absorption due to alcoholism, low levels of stomach acids and a protein called gastric intrinsic factor, gastritis, celiac, Crohn's disease, pernicious anemia, aging, and a genetic variation.

A vitamin A deficiency can compromise your eyes, skin, and overall health. Night blindness, dry, scaly, itchy skin, cracked lips, rashes, and broken nails can be red flags. Dry eyes, white or gray spots (Bitot's spots) in the whites of your eyes, corneal ulcers, and frequent infections are other signs.

It's a common perception that if you eat fewer calories, you can lose weight easily. Although that sounds logically correct, the human body works...

Anemia caused by iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Some of the telltale signs of anemia are feeling tired...

Vitamins and minerals are extremely important for your body as they take part in the various physiological processes that take place in your body...

Cacao, the raw source of cocoa powder and chocolate, is a bitter food that provides a multitude of benefits. This coffee bean-like cacao, which tastes like a 99% slab of dark chocolate, improves your health, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and simply improves your mood. Experiment with the taste by using the powder/nibs in milk, smoothies, or any dessert of your choice.

Collagen gives shape and strength to various parts of the body like muscles, bones, and ligaments. In case of collagen deficiency, collagen supplements come in handy. These supplements can reduce joint pain and even visible signs of aging, like wrinkles. They may also increase muscle strength. However, always choose natural sources of collagen as much as possible.

Certain things in our lives can make us feel grumpy and snap at everything. Drinking too much coffee can trigger irritability. Not eating enough can disrupt glucose levels and cause angry outbursts. Infections and iron deficiency anemia cause grumpiness. Lack of sleep and fatigue due to overworking cause anger and hostility. Corticosteroids for allergies cause manic episodes and irritability. Slouching increases negative emotions and stress.

If your detox routine doesn't seem to be working, then a sulfur deficiency could be to blame. Sulfur, the third most abundant mineral in our body, is essential for the liver's detoxification process. If you have a sulfur deficiency, you can increase your sulfur intake by eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and drinking cow's milk. However, always consult a doctor and get a diagnosis before you opt for any supplements.

It’s common to have vitamin D levels so low that health problems develop. This nutrient is needed to make serotonin, so deficiency may lead to sadness and irritability. Vitamin D is also important for boosting immunity, preventing respiratory infections, and reducing cognitive decline. Even muscle and bone strength depend on it, but without enough, pain and injury is likely. Spend 10 to 15 minutes outside each day to help the skin make enough, and take supplements with a doctor’s guidance.

Vegetarian newbies should remember to take baby steps initially. Meat-based foods should be given up over a period of two weeks so that the body and mind can get adjusted well. It's important to keep one's family and friends informed about the decision so that chaos can be avoided at get-togethers. Be aware of what to eat and don't forget to have fun along the way.

Iodine is an essential mineral. It synthesizes hormones in the thyroid gland and is vital for the nutritional quality of breast milk. Studies link thyroid disorders with breast cancer. They are predominant in premenopausal women and have similar growth patterns. Most importantly, iodine deficiency triggers both these disorders. Researchers found that Japanese diets which are high in seafood, lower the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and eight B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folate, and cobalamin. The body doesn’t store them, so your everyday diet should have enough. All B vitamins serve as coenzymes for essential functions like metabolism, energy production, and DNA synthesis. Many are also needed for a healthy nervous system and brain health. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, supports the immune system by enhancing immune cells.

Pregnant women are at a risk of developing anemia. It can be treated naturally by including iron-rich foods like liver, lean beef, and fish. Having vitamin-C rich foods like oranges and spinach ensures better iron absorption. Vitamin B-12 rich foods ensure better red blood cell production. Getting enough vitamin D and practicing yoga can help ease anemic symptoms.