United States: In the chaotic whirlwind of modern existence, self-care often takes a backseat, whether it’s maintaining a balanced exercise routine or, more critically, ensuring proper nutrition.
Sustaining optimal health hinges on the intake of adequate food and beverages, which supply both macronutrients and micronutrients essential for bodily functions. However, it’s frequently the micronutrients that are overlooked, leaving gaps in vital elements like calcium, iron, and vitamins C and D.
California-based gastroenterologist Saurabh Sethi recently highlighted five telltale signs on TikTok that your body might be silently begging for more nutrition, according to ladbible.com.
Brittle Nails
In the widely viewed video, Sethi points out that fragile nails could indicate a shortfall in protein and iron. As nails are composed of the protein keratin, maintaining sufficient protein intake is crucial. According to Harvard Medical School, an individual weighing around 68 kg should consume approximately 54 grams of protein daily to support overall health.
Women, in particular, are more susceptible to brittle nails due to factors such as the frequent use of nail polish remover, exposure to harsh climates, or even the natural aging process. To bolster nail health, focus on foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, and eggs.
Twitching Eyelids
The doctor further explained that involuntary twitching of the eyelids or limbs, a condition scientifically known as Myokymia, may signify a deficiency in magnesium, a mineral vital for transmitting nerve signals, as per ladbible.com.
While stress, fatigue, and excessive caffeine consumption can trigger this muscle spasming, staring at screens for prolonged periods has also been associated with the issue. A lack of magnesium can exacerbate this condition, making supplementation necessary. However, always consult a healthcare professional before adding supplements.
Clicking Joints
If your knees or ankles produce audible clicks, this could be another subtle warning of nutritional insufficiency, particularly related to aging. Sethi notes that such sounds may hint at deficiencies in vitamin D3 or calcium.
Since childhood, we’ve been reminded that calcium is essential for robust bones, while vitamin D aids the body in absorbing this vital nutrient from certain foods.
Premature Greying Hair
Although premature greying is not an experience anyone relishes, it is considered early if it occurs before age 20 in Caucasians or before 30 in individuals of African descent. While scientists haven’t pinpointed an exact cause, Sethi suggests that it might indicate a shortage of vitamin B12, crucial for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport to hair follicles.
Additionally, a deficiency in copper, responsible for melanin production, could rob your hair of its natural pigment, resulting in premature greying, as per ladbible.com
Easy Bruising
While thinning skin due to aging, genetics, or specific health conditions might explain frequent bruising, it can also be a red flag for vitamin deficiencies. According to Sethi, if you bruise easily, your body may lack sufficient vitamin C, which is key in collagen synthesis, or vitamin K1, which plays a role in blood clotting.
