Remember the daily vitamin you used to take as a child? You were told the importance of consuming vitamins and minerals as a kid. But as we get older, many of us ditch the daily vitamin without thinking twice about it.
Vitamins and nutrients are essential for good health at any age. But 92% of Americans have at least one mineral or vitamin deficiency.
Nutrients provide us with the energy we need to survive while helping our body with many of its natural processes like breathing and repairing cells. The health experts at Selah Medi Spa in Katy, Texas, have been optimizing patients’ health through customized nutrition plans.
Most of us have a nutrient deficiency but have no idea we do. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five signs to look for when experiencing a vitamin deficiency.
1. Extreme hair loss
While it’s completely normal to lose about 100 strands of hair a day, extreme hair loss is a red flag that you have a nutrient deficiency. Fifty percent of adults experience some sort of hair loss by the time they reach the age of 50.
If you find clumps of hair on your pillow or in your drain, this may indicate there’s a health risk at hand. Consuming the following nutrients can help improve hair loss —and your health:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Linoleic acid (LA)
- Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA)
Many foods, like fish, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can help with hair loss.
2. Dry, scaly patches/dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by dry, scaly patches and dandruff, most commonly found on the scalp. This is a common skin disorder that affects the oil-producing areas on your body. This condition is common in infancy, but also affects 50% of adults at some point in life.
Many people believe it is just a condition that arises, but a nutrient deficiency is often to blame. If you’re experiencing dry patches or dandruff, try incorporating foods rich in niacin, pyridoxine, and riboflavin into your diet.
3. Bleeding gums
Vitamin C is a vital component in wound healing and immunity. If you don’t consume enough vitamin C, you may experience bleeding gums. Your body does not create vitamin C on its own, so the only way to get more is by consuming it.
5-17% of the population is estimated to be vitamin C deficient, and 13-30% have low vitamin C levels. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you get enough vitamin C to boost energy levels, stop bleeding gums, and strengthen your muscles and bones.
4. Brittle nails
Do your nails chip or break easily? Many people believe this to be genetic, but it’s often a sign of a deficiency of biotin, also known as vitamin B7.
You’ve probably heard of biotin supplements that help maintain healthy nails and hair. Taking a supplement may improve your vitamin levels, but biotin can also be consumed in many foods like egg yolks, fish, dairy, and seeds.
5. Mouth lesions
Lesions in or around your mouth can include ulcers, canker sores, or cracks.
Painful and annoying, these lesions are the root of several vitamin deficiencies. A study found that patients with mouth ulcers were twice as likely to have low iron levels. Another study found that 28% of patients with mouth ulcers had a deficiency in three nutrients:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
If you experience mouth lesions, you don’t have to just accept these painful health concerns. Try incorporating foods high in iron and B vitamins, like poultry, meat, fish, legumes, and whole grains.
Feel your best with a customized nutrition plan
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced one of these five signs of a nutrient deficiency. While it may seem easy to take supplements or buy healthy foods, eating a balanced diet is easier said than done.
Leave it to us to help create the best diet for your unique body and lifestyle. Our customized plans are created by health experts based on scientific data and proven results. We analyze your medical history and formulate a plan incorporating healthy eating, supplements, and weight loss counseling.
Whether you want to improve your nutrient levels, get your dream body, or simply feel better, our custom nutrition plans offer you a healthier and happier future. Find out more about our custom nutrition plans by calling (281) 492-6334 or Request Appointment here.