In order to maintain a properly balanced diet, it’s important that you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need in your system. A failure to do so could result in a vitamin deficiency that could manifest itself in a variety of unpleasant ways.
Here are just a few examples of some of the signs that could indicate you need to improve your vitamin intake in Poplar Bluff, MO:
- Brittle nails and hair: There are a variety of issues that could result in brittleness in the hair and nails, including a lack of biotin, also known as Vitamin B7. This is a vitamin that helps the body convert food into much-needed energy for various bodily processes. A deficiency of this vitamin could also result in fatigue, cramps, muscle pain and tingling in the extremities. Foods that contain hefty doses of B7 include egg yolks, fish, meat, dairy, seeds, leafy greens, cauliflower, yeast, bananas and whole grains.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums might be a sign that you’re not brushing your teeth properly (or not brushing enough), but it could also indicate a lack of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency can cause a variety of problems, including a weakened immune system and weakened muscles and bones. Foods that are high in vitamin C include citrus fruits and various green vegetables.
- Scaly skin or dandruff: Issues with dermatitis or dandruff can be a result of a vitamin deficiency, specifically low levels of vitamin B3, riboflavin, zinc and pyridoxine. Foods that are good sources of zinc include meat, seafood, dairy, nuts and whole grains.
- Hair loss: There are a lot of different factors that can cause hair loss, including genetics, stress and age, but it can also be a result of a vitamin deficiency. Some of the nutrients that can cause hair loss when there’s a deficiency include iron, zinc, linoleic acid, niacin and biotin. There are many supplements that claim to work to prevent hair loss, and most of them will contain a combination of the above nutrients to combat those deficiencies.
- Bumps on the skin: If you have red or white bumps on your skin that almost look like goosebumps, this could be a result of a vitamin deficiency. It is most frequently observed in people who have insufficient levels of vitamins A and C. Some of the foods that contain high levels of these vitamins include organ meats, dairy, eggs, fish, dark leafy greens, fruit and yellow- or orange-colored vegetables.
- Restless leg syndrome: Problems with overly restless legs can be a result of a vitamin deficiency, most frequently with low blood iron. To resolve this, eat foods that are rich in iron like dark leafy greens, poultry, meat, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds and various whole grains.
For more information about how to know if you need vitamins or not, and about some of the foods in Poplar Bluff, MO that contain high levels of certain vitamins, contact the team at The Bee Hive Natural Foods and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.