Have you found yourself unable to sleep well lately? Do you often get tired easily even without having done much? Are you suffering from acid reflux frequently? Are you experiencing unusual weight gain off late?
Well, if you have mentally said “yes” to one or more of these questions, then your body is definitely missing some essential nutrients.
For example, low magnesium levels can lead to poor sleep, low iron levels can make you tire easily, low calcium levels can cause acid reflux, low iodine levels can cause weight gain and the list goes on.
So, if you experience such anomalies in your health, those which you haven’t experienced before, well, maybe you aren’t sick, but just are nutrient deficient.
Check out this article on what are the symptoms, causes and solutions for common nutrient deficiencies.
8 Common Nutrient Deficiencies: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
1. Low magnesium
Symptoms:
- Poor sleep
- Pain
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heart spasms
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Causes:
Low magnesium levels can be caused by a wrong diet, type 2 diabetes, kidney issues, excessive alcohol intake, frequent diarrhea, digestive issues, certain types of medicines etc.
Treatment:
You can consume magnesium supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like avocados, bananas, leafy greens, almonds etc.
2. Low vitamin D
Symptoms:
- Low immunity
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Frequent infections
- Mood changes
- Hair loss
- Depression
Causes:
Low vitamin D levels can be caused by non-exposure to sunlight, insufficient absorption of vitamin D by the body, certain medical conditions, certain medications etc.
Treatment:
You can consume vitamin D supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like oily fish, red meats, egg yolks, fortified foods, liver etc.
3. Low Iron
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Pale skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Brittle nails
- Poor appetite
Causes:
Low iron levels can be caused by loss of blood (and heavy bleeding during periods, for women), lack of iron in your daily diet, your body’s inability to absorb iron, pregnancy etc.
Treatment:
You can consume iron supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like red meats, dark green leafy vegetables, lentils, seafood tofu etc.
4. Low Potassium
Symptoms:
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Tingling and numbness
- Muscle weakness and spasms
Causes:
Low potassium levels are caused by eating disorders, kidney conditions, poor diet, chronic diseases, diuretics, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sweating etc.
Treatment:
You can consume potassium supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like dry fruits, avocados, apples, leafy greens, tomatoes, eggplants, root vegetables etc.
5. Low Calcium
Symptoms:
- Bone loss
- Reflux
- Dry skin
- Psoriasis
- Osteoporosis
- Severe pre-menstrual syndrome
- Dental problems
- Depression
Causes:
Low calcium levels are caused by poor diet, vitamin D deficiency, low calcium absorption by the body, intestinal issues etc.
Treatment:
You can consume calcium supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like dairy products, beans, figs, broccoli, tofu, soy milk etc.
6. Low folate
Symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Irritability
- Mouth ulcers and tongue tenderness
- Memory loss
- Concentration issues
Causes:
Low folate levels are caused by digestive issues, excessive alcohol consumption, eating overcooked vegetables and fruits, blood disorders, certain medications, kidney dialysis etc.
Treatment:
You can consume folate supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits, fortified foods etc.
7. Low Iodine
Symptoms:
- Thyroid issues
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Unexpected weight gain
- Constipation
- Enlarged thyroid or goiter
- Face puffiness
Causes:
Low iodine levels can be caused by poor diet, lack of iodine in the body, vegan or vegetarian diets, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Thyroid issues or goiter, certain medications etc.
Treatment:
You can consume iodine supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like fatty fish, dairy products, seafood, eggs etc.
8. Low vitamin B6
Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Nerve pain
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Soreness and redness of the tongue
- Dermatitis (greasy and scaly rash)
Causes:
Low vitamin B6 levels are caused by malabsorption disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, use of certain medication, poor diet etc.
Treatment:
You can consume vitamin B6 supplements, upon receiving medical advice. Also, consume foods rich in magnesium like pork, poultry, fish, peanuts, soya beans, wheatgerm, oats, bananas etc.