Common Signs of Vitamin Deficiency & How to Treat Them

There’s a reason you should eat a well-balanced diet. Making sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals recommended by healthcare specialists means your body is operating at its peak. If you’re not getting the nutrients you need, your body may be showing vitamin deficiency symptoms. Learn about some of the most common signs of vitamin deficiencies and discover what you can do to adjust your diet for the better.

1. Numbness & Tingling in Fingers or Toes

If you’re getting numbness or tingling in your extremities, this could be a sign of calcium deficiency. Calcium is critical for maintaining strong bones, but it also controls your nerve and muscle function. This type of vitamin deficiency symptom can even culminate in heart palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms.

Getting more calcium in your diet is easier than you think! You can do more than just drink milk. In addition to dairy, you can find calcium in peas, beans, dark leafy vegetables, and certain fish. You may even choose to add a calcium supplement into your diet to ensure you’re getting the 1,000 mg you need each day!

2. Fatigue or Mood Swings

Vitamin D deficiency is very common but can be more dangerous than people think. Scientists believe that this vitamin is essential to bone health and may prevent some cancers. If you’re feeling fatigued, having mood swings, or suffering from muscle weakness, this could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Left long term, your bones may begin to soften and you could develop cancer or autoimmune diseases.

Your goal should be to get 15 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin D every day. Add fatty fish into your diet, spend some time out in the sun, and consider fortified yogurt.

3. Muscle Weakness

The most common mineral or vitamin deficiency symptom for muscle weakness is usually a lack of potassium. Since potassium ensures that your heart and muscles are working properly and delivers nutrients to all of your cells, it’s the most important nutrient to offset sodium consumption. In addition to muscle weakness, low potassium may also cause twitching, cramping, and constipation.

If you’re looking for natural sources of potassium, try bananas, kidney beans, acorn squash, and lentils. Since you need between 2,000 and 3,500 mg of potassium each day, you’ll need a little bit of everything to meet your goal.

4. Brittle Hair & Nails

Iron is an essential mineral because it helps your body produce red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. When your iron levels get too low, you start suffering from anemia. Vitamin deficiency symptoms for anemia include brittle hair and nails along with weakness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, and an elevated heart rate.

You can boost your iron levels by eating more red meat, lima beans, lentils, and spinach. Older adults only need about 8 mg of iron per day, but those under 50 should consume at least 15 mg daily.

Getting the Nutrients You Need

At Green Gone Detox, we strive to help you maintain your health with products designed to boost your overall wellness. From exercise regimens to herbal supplements, we’re here to help you avoid vitamin deficiency symptoms. If you’re concerned you might not be getting enough nutrients, consider adding our Trace Minerals GreensPak powder blend to your morning routine. Just mix it in your water and enjoy a massive boost in energy, focus, and happiness.