Eating a diverse and healthy diet is an important part of your overall health and wellness. In fact, it can not only impact your overall health, but it also plays a part in your mental health. Getting all of the nutrients you need involves eating a nutritious diet. You don’t have to be perfect as it’s important to choose a variety of foods in moderation. However, you should be on alert if you notice any of the signs you don’t have enough nutrients.
Signs You Don’t Have Enough Nutrients
Changing your diet can address some of the following signs that you may have issues with the amount of nutrients you get. However, it’s important to seek professional help if you experience any of the following, as prolonged nutrient deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues.
Hair Loss:
Daily hair loss is normal as the average person loses about 100 strands each day. However, losing clumps of hair when you sleep or are in the shower can indicate a serious problem. Contact a medical professional right away as it can be a sign of a serious issue. In the meantime, opt for more iron-rich foods such as cashews, beans, spinach, poultry, and lean beef.
Mood Changes:
Changes in your mood can occur for a variety of reasons. However, if there isn’t a good explanation for your mood changes, nutritional issues may be the culprit. This is especially true if you are apathetic, forgetful, or weak as you may be low in folic acid. Consider adding chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, and fortified cereal to your diet. You likely need a nutritional plan in Gig Harbor to help get you back on track physically and mentally.
Fatigue:
While sleepiness is normal under a number of circumstances, unexplained fatigue may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Feeling worn out without a logical explanation may be due to a vitamin D deficiency. Talk with a medical professional about a vitamin D supplement that is right for you. In the meantime, add more tuna, salmon, and fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereal to your diet.
Dry Skin:
Dry or irritated skin can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Dry skin can be a sign of low levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for the growth and maintenance of your body’s surfaces, inside and out. Consider integrating more leafy greens, orange vegetables, and orange fruits into your diet. Because dry skin can be painful, consider visiting the community pharmacy in Gig Harbor for relief.
Cracked Skin:
Irritated, cracked skin on the sides of your lips are also an indication of a nutrient deficiency. Cracks at the corner of your mouth can become painful and bleed. While dry, scaly skin is a sign of a vitamin A deficiency, cracks at the corners of your mouth can indicate a number of deficiencies, including iron, B vitamins, or riboflavin. Consider adding more green vegetables, milk, eggs, and lean meats into your diet.
Swollen Tongue:
Issues with your tongue can be alarming. A swollen tongue can indicate deficiencies in a number of nutrients, including iron, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and B12. You may experience pain and swelling so it’s important to contact a medical professional for support. Add fish, meat, milk, eggs, and fortified cereals to your diet.
Nail Changes:
Changes to your nails can be an indication of nutrient deficiency issues. A lack of iron in your system can result in changes in your fingernails. They can become soft and bend away from your fingers. Sometimes they can look similar to spoons due to the shape. Nail changes are often a sign of a lack of iron, but they can also be an indication of absorbing too much iron. Avoid waiting and talk with a medical professional about the cause of your nail changes.