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Identifying Nutritional Deficiencies and their Symptoms
Maintaining good health requires a balanced diet full of essential nutrients and vitamins. Unfortunately, nutritional deficiencies can occur leading to potentially serious health issues. Identifying the signs and symptoms of a deficiency early on is key to avoiding more serious problems down the road.
Common Nutritional Defiency Signs and Symptoms
Common nutritional deficiencies and their associated signs and symptoms can include:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Fatigue, dizziness, and cravings for non-nutritive substances such as ice or dirt.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Weakness and fatigue, poor memory, difficulty maintaining balance, and depression.
- Calcium Deficiency: Poor bone health, muscle cramps, and poor nerve functioning.
- Vitamin D Defeciency: Frequent bone fractures and fatigue.
Nutrition Screening and Diagnoses
If you suspect you may have a nutritional deficiency, it is important to consult with your doctor. They will be able to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and dietary habits in order to make a diagnosis. They may also recommend you take an array of tests, including blood tests and a physical exam, to get an accurate understanding of your current health and what nutritional deficiencies you may have.
Treatment for Nutritional Deficiencies
If a nutritional deficiency is identified, the doctor may recommend a course of vitamins or dietary changes to replenish the body’s deficient nutrients. Making small, healthy changes to your diet can also be beneficial. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can ensure your body gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to stay healthy.
Living with Nutritional Deficiencies
If you suffer from a severe or chronic nutritional deficiency, you may need to take supplements or injectables to supplement your diet. Consulting with a nutritionist can also help you map out a meal plan that will allow you to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins you need for good health. Living with a nutritional deficiency can also require making lifestyle changes, such as getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and limiting stress.
Maintaining good nutrition and health is essential for overall wellbeing. If you suspect you may have a nutritional deficiency, seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is the best way to improve your health and quality of life.
