Fatigue, thinning hair, depression, weight gain, muscle cramps… All signs of deficiency

When our bodies need something essential, they tell us in subtle ways. In other words, when there is a vitamin deficiency, our bodies will actively give us signs. These signs are important to acknowledge before severe deficiencies develop. The following is a list of symptoms that can easily go ignored. To many, these may be written off as everyday aches and pains, but usually they are signs. Signs from our body, telling us everything is not okay. To be proactive about your health means to listen to these subtle signs. Being healthy means to fix them before they are compounded by severe medical problems. Sometimes the solution can be as easy as a simple B12 injection.

Fatigue: Fatigue is excessive tiredness. Chronic fatigue is ignored too often. There are 3 mineral deficiencies and 2 vitamin deficiencies that can cause excessive tiredness. Iron, magnesium, potassium, B12 and folic acid are the most common culprits of fatigue. These deficiencies can develop overtime or acutely. For example if you’ve just started dieting and are on a very low calorie diet, you may develop a B12 deficiency. A B12 deficiency is a common reason most dieters feel tired. These can all be treated fairly easily with regular and consistent injections of B12.

Thinning Hair: This can be a sign of biotin (or vitamin B7) deficiency. Your body needs biotin for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids, but it’s most well-known for its role in strengthening your hair and nails. Read more about biotin.

Depression and Weight Gain: Most cases of depression and weight gain are due to a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D works in concert with other nutrients and hormones in your body to support healthy bone renewal, promote normal cell growth, maintain hormonal balance and support a healthy immune system.

Muscle Cramps: Muscle cramps may be a sign of deficiencies in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, especially if it happens frequently. Fix this by eating more almonds, hazelnuts, squash, kale, spinach, broccoli and apples. Regular therapies of magnesium or calcium is also an option if absorption issues are present.

Cracks at the Corner of your Mouth: This can be a sign of iron, zinc, and B-Complex (niacin, riboflavin, and B12) deficiency. Protein may also be a culprit. Good dietary sources of these nutrients include poultry, eggs, salmon, oysters and tahini. Be sure your diet also includes plenty of vitamin C, as iron absorption is enhanced by Vitamin C.