Luckily, our bodies will communicate to us whenever something is wrong. There are certain signs and symptoms associated with lacking one specific vitamin.
If you experience any of the red flags below, you should listen to what your body is telling you. And see if you need to incorporate more healthy foods in your diet.
1. Brittle hair and nails
One of the most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency is hair problems. You may blame it on the shampoo or other products you’re using, when in fact the real issue is internal.
There are multiple vitamins that can cause trouble with your hair and nails, but the main one is biotin deficiency. According to research, this is linked to consuming too much raw egg whites.
2. Cracks on the side of the mouth
This could indicate you are low on iron or vitamin B. Moreover, chapped lips that are not from cold or dry weather, tell us we need to eat more B12. Vegans are usually more susceptible to this kind of vitamin deficiency.
3. Dandruff
The cause may be more than just dry skin. Dandruff is often a sign that you are lacking in essential fatty acids. See in what ways you can adjust your diet to include more fish and seeds (like flaxseed).
4. Bleeding gums
This often happens when we brush our teeth too aggressively. However, if that’s not the case and you don’t suffer from gingivitis either, then diet could be the reason. Vitamin C is responsible for this kind of issue so make sure you incorporate it into your everyday meals.
5. Hair loss
If you suffer from more serious hair problems than hair thinning or dry hair, then you may be dealing with a serious vitamin D deficiency. This has been linked to alopecia, the autoimmune condition that causes bald patches on the scalp.
6. Restless leg syndrome
This is related to iron insufficiency. According to data, the restless leg syndrome impacts up to 10% of Americans, while women are twice more likely to experience it. The symptoms improve as soon as your body has enough iron.
7. Poor vision at night
If your body lacks vitamin A, then you may deal with poor night vision. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy eyes, as well as healthy skin and hormonal health. Great sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, berries, kale and others.
8. Gray hair at an early age
If you’re low in copper, you will find gray hairs at a young age. No, you don’t need to try chewing on pennies. Some mushrooms will do.
9. Bad skin
A healthy and balanced diet is essential for keeping your skin clear and fresh. If your skin lost its suppleness, try adjusting your diet to include foods rich in vitamin E.
10. Exhaustion
Fatigue can be a sign of many issues, starting with stress, not getting enough sleep or depression. It could also indicate vitamin deficiency, like vitamin D (due to lack of sun) or iron.
Don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor for any symptoms you may have. They will tell you what exactly needs adjusted so that you get everything you need from your diet.