How To Tell If You Have A Nutritional Deficiency
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Believe it or not, virtually everyone is deficient in at least one essential nutrient. In some cases, the signs of a nutritional deficiency are mild and may progress slowly over time, while other instances of nutrient deficiency can cause severe complications, illnesses, and even death. In fact, having cancer is often associated with being nutrient deficient. At the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, our knowledgeable team of experts is dedicated to helping patients – regardless of whether they have a cancer diagnosis – identify nutritional deficiencies and restore nutrients to their proper levels in order to improve their overall quality of life. Keep reading for a closer look at what signs and symptoms may mean you are lacking in one or more key nutrients.
What is nutritional deficiency?
There are certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that play critical roles in the way our cells function, which, in turn, helps to control and regulate a number of important processes in our body. When a person is not getting enough of one or more of these nutrients, he or she may experience uncomfortable – and sometimes dangerous – side effects. For example, a severe lack of vitamin A, which is common in many developing countries, can lead to significant vision impairment and even blindness.
Who is at risk for nutritional deficiency?
Anyone can experience nutritional deficiency, though some patients may be more likely to be lacking in one or more nutrients. These patients include:
- Children
- Elderly patients
- Vegans/vegetarians
- Patients following certain “fad” diets
- Patients with cancer
- Patients in developing countries
- Patients with certain underlying conditions
How do I know if I am nutrient deficient?
Because there are so many different vitamins and minerals needed to keep our bodies functioning properly, the symptoms of nutrition deficiency can vary significantly based on which nutrient level is low. Generally speaking, some of the most common signs of nutrition deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of bone density
- Bruise easily
- Slow healing
- Hair loss
- Headaches/migraines
- Skin problems
- Irregular heart rate
- Feeling cold
- Cold hands and feet
- Dry mouth/cracked mouth/mouth sores
- GI symptoms
If you suspect that your vitamin and minerals levels are low, a series of lab tests and blood work can be performed to assess your nutritional status.
What should I do if I have a nutritional deficiency?
The first step in treating nutritional deficiency is to identify which nutrient is low. Your provider will also carefully evaluate the potential cause of your nutritional deficiency, which may be related to an underlying condition rather than diet and lifestyle alone. Armed with these findings, your provider will then recommend the most appropriate treatment course to restore your nutrients to the normal physiologic range. This may include:
- Dietary changes
- Behavioral modifications
- Nutritional supplementation
- Prescription medications
When your key nutrients are restored to the proper levels, you can boost your immune system, experience relief from frustrating symptoms, and improve your overall health and quality of life.
Tune up your body and feel better than ever with nutritional supplementation in Grapevine, TX
Whether you are facing chemotherapy for cancer or simply haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, you may be a candidate for a nutritional evaluation and supplementation in Grapevine, TX. To learn more about the compelling and potentially life-changing benefits of nutritional supplementation, call the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine to schedule your private consultation with one of our renowned health and wellness experts today.