Important nutrients are normally absorbed by your body through healthy foods and vitamins, but there are many people who don’t eat nutritious foods, or even regular meals. If you’re daily diet is lacking in essential nutrients, natural health supplements can help your body replace what it needs.

A poor diet without adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats can cause nutritional deficiencies. Over time, these deficiencies can result in a variety of health problems that affect your bones, heart, digestion, skin and mental health. Because your body stores nutrients to use them as needed, nutritional deficiencies can go undetected for a long period of time. If you’re not eating a well-balanced diet, it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of nutritional deficiencies can vary based on the specific nutrients that are lacking in your diet. Since general symptoms mimic the symptoms of many illnesses, it may be necessary to visit your doctor for a blood test that includes a complete blood count. This is the only way a nutritional deficiency can be diagnosed. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

* Weakness
* Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Sleepiness or insomnia
* Constipation
* Irregular heart rhythms
* Poor concentration
* Memory loss
* Depression
* Hair thinning or loss
* Palor or pale skin

Most health problems caused by nutritional deficiencies can be reversed with proper eating habits, a healthy diet and supplements, but severe or long-term deficiencies may contribute to permanent health problems.

Common Nutritional Deficiencies

Iron – Iron deficiency can cause anemia, since iron helps to produce healthy red blood cells. Red meat, egg yolks and dark green, leafy vegetables are all high in iron.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A is important to good eye health. Vitamin A deficiencies and eye problems can be prevented with a diet that includes green and yellow fruits and vegetables and daily vitamin supplements.

Vitamins B1 and B3 – Vitamin B1 (thiamine) builds healthy nerves and muscles. A deficiency can lead to heart problems. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is important for healthy skin and good digestion. A deficiency can lead to pellagra and gastrointestinal problems. Green vegetables, fish and whole grains are high in B vitamins.

Calcium – Calcium is essential for strong bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. Calcium deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, tooth loss and heart problems. Green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified grains and dairy products are excellent sources of calcium.