What your Body is Trying to Tell You: Signs You May be Nutrient Deficient

by Dr. Nick Zyrowski February 13, 2023

Even today, with all our knowledge about proper dieting, we can come up short when it comes to nutrition. Many of us lack some essential nutrients our bodies need to function at optimal levels. So, how do we know if we aren’t getting all the vitamins and minerals we need to thrive? We are going to discuss the signs to watch for, so you’ll know if your body is showing nutrient deficiencies. Some of these signs may be subtle, but they’re all crucial to understanding what you need to be healthy. Keep reading to learn the symptoms and the steps you need to take to address these issues.

Is this a problem today?

When you think of nutrient deficiencies, you may be thinking of people in third-world countries or sailors who got scurvy in the 18th century. In fact, it’s surprising to many people that in a nation so rich in agriculture, it’s possible to have issues with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

With current farming methods, our soil isn’t as rich in vitamins as it was in previous years. Pesticides have stripped nutrients from fruits and vegetables, and the Standard American Diet has added to the problem. Most Americans don’t consume enough essential vitamins and minerals needed to be healthy. Our diets are often loaded with unhealthy processed carbs, sugar, and chemicals.

Common body symptoms

Your body is designed to let you know when something is lacking. The trouble is, we are so busy and stressed out in this modern age that we tend to overlook those signs.

Irregular heart rhythm

Have you experienced any issues with an irregular heartbeat lately? It can sometimes produce a coughing sensation and feel like your heart skips a beat. While it can seem scary at times, it’s often a sign that your body is low in potassium.

Potassium helps your heart and other muscles work properly. It also helps deliver nutrients to your cells while removing waste at the same time. (1) Potassium is also crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Some things that can cause a potassium deficiency are:

  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Laxative use Diuretics
  • Kidney disease
  • Excessive alcohol use

You may also notice symptoms of muscle weakness and cramping. Some people report tingling and numbness, along with heart palpitations. Potassium is one of the electrolytes your body needs to feel good. How do you know you have the proper levels? To get to the root cause of your health issues, you need to know your clinical biomarkers. Getting in-depth lab testing is the best way to pinpoint the real cause of your symptoms.

Fatigue or depression

One of the most important vitamins for health is vitamin D. Yet, many people are deficient in the sunshine vitamin. When this goes on for extended periods, you may get muscle or bone pain, but some of the more noticeable symptoms are fatigue and low mood. Research has shown a direct link between vitamin D and depression. (2)

Getting outside for thirty minutes per day is a great way to soak up some natural vitamin D. If you cannot get enough direct sunlight due to work or climate conditions, adding a quality vitamin D supplement can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Tingling and extreme lethargy

People who have a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience a wide range of symptoms. Some say it feels like walking through water because each step seems like work. Others complain of tingling in the hands, feet, and tongue. (3) There are other signs to look for such as:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Tinnitus
  • Lack of energy
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Feeling faint
  • Headaches
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vision problems
  • Cognitive issues

When you want more B12 in your diet, look for foods like beef liver, sardines, grass-fed beef, and eggs. If you’re deficient in this crucial vitamin, you may want to incorporate a quality B12 supplement into your daily routine. Another way to cover all your nutritional bases is to add a well-rounded Multi-Min supplement that gives you foundational support that allows your body to thrive.

Hair loss

Some people report hair loss during times of tremendous stress. A little hair loss is natural, but if you’ve suddenly noticed lots of hair falling out, you may be deficient in iron. Another often missed issue when this happens is a thyroid condition. You may feel cold, get dizzy, and have frequent headaches. (4) You may also have painful joints. If you have these symptoms, it’s vital that you get your labs checked for low iron or thyroid issues.

Bleeding or bruising easily

If you’ve been brushing your teeth and flossing your gums, but still have problems with swelling and bleeding of the gum line, you might need more vitamin C. (5) Another sign of deficiency is bruising easily. Something to note is that smoking limits the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C, so that’s another good reason to quit.

Vitamin C is like a binding agent for your cells. It pulls them together and helps wounds to heal. It can also be a powerful anti-inflammatory. Nature gives us plenty of sources of vitamin C, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, cruciferous veggies, and potatoes.

Reversing nutrient deficiencies

We live in a society that moves fast. Everyday we get bombarded with plans, work, school functions, and the list goes on. Sometimes our health gets put on the back burner, and we don’t notice what our bodies are trying to tell us.

Vitamins have different jobs to help keep everything working properly within our bodies. Some may help fight infections and keep nerves functioning, while others supply us with energy and focus. While it’s always best to get vitamins and minerals from food, it’s almost impossible to get everything we need from our diets. That’s why addressing your specific needs is so critical. With the proper tests, we can tell you the exact cause of your unique symptoms and show you the protocols that can get you feeling like yourself again.

The last thing you want to do is take handfuls of expensive supplements you don’t need. This is why it’s best to pinpoint your specific deficiencies and only take what you need so you can obtain optimal wellness. Remember, true health only comes naturally, and it’s our pleasure to give you the information to help you on your wellness journey.

References :

https://www.rush.edu/news/6-signs-nutrient-deficiency

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/guide-to-essential-nutrients/common-nutrient-deficiencies/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-truth-about-nutrient-deficiencies#:~:text=Signs%20of%20deficiency%20include%20fatigue,tuna%2C%20shrimp%2C%20and%20salmon.

https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/vitamins/is-your-body-trying-to-tell-you-something-common-nutrient-inadequacies-and-deficiencies

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970300/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/potassium-deficiency https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/symptoms/

https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/thyroid-diseases/thyroid-conditions-hair-loss-help

https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/01/31/bleeding-gums-may-be-a-sign-you-need-more-vitamin-c-in-your-diet/#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%20bleeding,C%20levels%20in%20the%20bloodstream.

https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/vitamins-in-food-why-do-we-need-vitamins

Dr. Nick Zyrowski
Dr. Nick Zyrowski



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