Finding balance in your diet is not an easy task. Proper nutrition and exercise are the precursors of a healthy lifestyle. This is easier said than done. No matter how seriously we take the proper diet, our bodies can suffer from nutritional deficiencies. There are several reasons for the lack of nutrients in our body; some of them include:
- Drinking Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol affects the absorption of necessary nutrients into the body. As a result, a person suffers from nutritional deficiency. Without getting rid of this addiction, it can be hard for a person to restore nutrition levels in the body. Many recovery centers such as River Oaks Treatment Center are working for the well-being of addicts. If you also suffer from such problem, contact them.
- Poor Eating Habits: Not eating healthy food and relying on junk or fast food is another major cause of the lack of nutrients in the body. Many people prefer eating fatty, salty, and foods high in carbohydrates. As a result, the body does not receive the essential nutrients necessary for its functioning. Having a balanced diet is the best solution to deal with a nutritional deficiency in the body.
Signs Of Nutritional Deficiency In The Body
Many people do not even recognize that they are deficient in necessary nutrients in the body. Due to it, the problem only grows with time. We have identified some major signs of nutritional deficiency for your help.
1. Fatigue
It is a symptom of iron deficiency. Low red blood cell counts can ultimately lead to anemia. Anemia is the most common blood disorder, especially in older people who do not eat well. However, this does not mean that you have nothing to worry about. Anemia is a disease that affects a quarter of the people on our planet.
Iron deficiency is a condition of the body in which it is not sufficiently supplied with iron to maintain the normal physiological function of blood and tissues. In addition to fatigue, iron deficiency symptoms such as irritability, apathy, and poor appetite may appear.
To balance the iron content in the body, you can use special vitamin and mineral complexes or include the following foods: beef, chicken, fish and seafood, and cereals in your diet.
2. Brittle Hair
Lack of protein in your diet can lead to brittle and dry hair or even hair loss. The minimum amount of protein an adult needs per day is 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. If you subject your body to physical exertion, the amount increases.
To compensate for the lack of protein in the body, it is best to add fish to the diet. If fish is not on the list of your favorite foods or you are a vegetarian, you can replace it by including flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts in your diet.
3. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can indicate a deficiency in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Potassium helps to regulate the acid-base balance of the blood. It transmits electrical nerve impulses and ensures the correct contraction of muscle fibers. Magnesium is responsible for the formation of bone tissue and supports the nervous system.
When the body lacks several of the above minerals at once, you may feel your lower limb muscles contract from time to time. In addition to preparations containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium, you can add almonds, hazelnuts, and apples to your diet.
4. Mood Swings
Mood swings are a sign of nutritional deficiencies, and you should take them seriously. Eat wholesome foods and supplements, and stick to a menu that’s rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Even when you’re going through a tough time, remind yourself that overeating and eating too many sweets won’t do you any good. Treat your body correctly and only eat foods that are rich in nutrients.
5. Acne
Pimples on the thighs, arms, or cheeks can signify vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency. You can supplement these vitamins deficiency by adding leafy green vegetables, potatoes, bell peppers, pumpkin, mangoes, dried apricots, and peaches to the diet.
Also, try to be outdoors more often, as vitamin D gets produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. If it is cloudy outside or there is no strength to walk, then eggs, mushrooms, dairy products, and fatty fish will help fill the deficiency of this vitamin.
By having a balanced diet, getting rid of bad habits, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, a person can get rid of most health problems. In case you still suffer from the symptoms of nutritional deficiency, contact a doctor.