How the body tells you're nutrient deficient

When you notice a change in appearance of your nails, skin, or the way you feel, it could be because you aren't meeting your daily nutrient needs. Take a look at these clues about possible nutritional deficiencies.

Exercise & Fitness By : Himanshu Sharma , Onlymyhealth Editorial Team / Date : Sep 04, 2014

Signs that indicate Nutritional Deficiencies

Our body requires certain nutrients, even though not all of them are converted into energy. When you notice a change in appearance of your nails, skin, or the way you feel, it could be because of not meeting your daily nutrient needs. Take a look at these clues to possible nutritional deficiencies by merely taking a close look at few areas of your body. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Nails

If your nails don’t appear healthy but are riddled with white spots or ridges,you could be falling short of taking your daily requirement of iron. Moreover, the same nutrient deficiency is indicated by nail with raised ridges and inward curve. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Leg cramps

Leg cramps at night could be an indication that essential electrolytes, including potassium may be lacking in your body. However, the other reason behind leg cramps is exercising hard during the day. To prevent this, reach for potassium-rich foods such as bananas, spinach, broccoli, and grapefruit. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Acne

If you find an increase in acne-like bumps on your skin when you face the mirror in the morning, you could be vitamin A deficient. Vitamin A in diet lowers the chance of developing clogged pores that promote the growth of acne bacteria. Foods rich in this vitamin are carrots and sweet potatoes. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Numb hands

Numbness of hands is one of body’s ways of signalling deficiency of B vitamins. A deficiency of B vitamins has an influence on the peripheral nerve endings in the skin and leaves your hands numb. To prevent vitamin B deficiencies, eat a plenty of leafy greens such as spinach, lean proteins such as eggs, beans, and poultry, and fortified whole grains. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Cracks in the Corners of your Mouth

One of the signs of deficiency of iron, zinc and B vitamins is cracks in the corners of your mouth. It's common if you're a vegetarian to not get enough iron, zinc, and B12. Eat more poultry, sea food, tomatoes, peanuts, and legumes like lentils to prevent the deficiency. (Image source:Gettyimages)

A Red, Scaly Rash on Face

The deficiency of biotin (B7) can make a red, scaly rash on your face. It is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies because the body doesn't store most B vitamins. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Breast Tenderness

Are your breasts tender or do they have recurrent cysts? It could be because of low iodine. Make sure you are eating enough iodine; it also gives your thyroid a boost. (Image source:Gettyimages)

Disclaimer

All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.

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