Our bodies are wonderful organisms. Designed to keep us healthy, they even provide us with an "early warning system" of nutritional deficiency. When our bodies lack essential nutrients, visible evidence often appears before irreparable damage can occur. Many natural therapists are trained to recognise the signs of nutritional deficiency. While it's always best to get the advice of professionals, we can also learn from them and take steps to heal our bodies with better nutrition.
Nutritional deficiencies occur when our habitual diet lacks important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The recommended daily allowances (RDA) published by government health agencies are designed to cover the nutritional needs of the average person under average circumstances and are a valuable reference tool. However, none of us are "average" and nutritional deficiencies can occur even if we are trying to eat a balanced diet that includes the minimum recommended allowances. If we all have varying nutritional needs and imbalances, how can we tell if something is lacking in our diet? As a rule, our bodies react to nutritional deficiencies to the extent they become a danger. These are some of the signs many naturopaths and nutritionists tell us to look for:
- Cold hands could be a sign of essential fatty acid (EFA), vitamin B12, niacin (B3), magnesium or iron deficiency.
- Dry skin may be an indication of a lack of EFA, vitamin C or vitamin E.
- Gum diseases such as bleeding gums or pyorrheoa could be signs of coenzyme Q10 (coq10), folic acid or vitamin C deficiency.
- The fingernails can indicate mineral deficiencies. White spots, large ridges and/or inflammation around the cuticles may be indicators of a zinc deficiency while soft or brittle nails may be due to a magnesium deficiency.
- The adage, "carrots are good for the eyes" has been shown to be more than just folk wisdom. Carotene-rich carrots can help overcome a deficiency in Vitamin A, which is associated with dry eyes, poor night vision and a number of other eye problems.
- Frequent colds may be trying to tell you that your diet is lacking in vitamin C, zinc, or both.
While we tend to think many disorders are "normal" or "hereditary," studies have shown that at least some of them may be linked to our diet. Premature greying of the hair, for example, can be a sign of pantothenic acid (B5) deficiency and dandruff, dry hair or excessive hair loss may be signs of EFA deficiency or a lack of antioxidants. Inadequate supplies of vitamin B6 and/or B complex vitamins also may be the culprits.
As common as dry hair, dry skin and dandruff are, so is EFA deficiency. Essential fatty acids include Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Found primarily in cold water fish, EFAs are severely lacking in the average Western diet. Recent studies have shown that EFAs are associated with brain development and function and may be an effective treatment for dementia, depression and other mental disorders on the rise in Western societies. While a one-to-one correspondence between these serious diseases and common dandruff or dry hair has not been established, it is worth noting that the body's "early warning system" should be heeded.
If You Notice the Signs of Nutritional Deficiency
If you notice the early warning signs of nutritional deficiency, try changing your diet or taking natural supplements and see if the problem persists. Be patient, because it may take time for improvements to appear. However, if serious symptoms appear or persist, contact a medical professional rather than continue with a self-diagnosis and treatment. Some of the signs of nutritional deficiency can also be signs of a disease that requires urgent medical attention.
Originally published on Mar 03, 2014
