Detecting Nutritional Deficiencies

A healthy diet can provide all nutrients that a body needs, but the reality of our busy lifestyles and sometimes finicky eating patterns can lead to vitamin deficiency. Knowing what to look for is part of the battle. We want to help you in detecting these nutritional deficiencies!

HANDS

• Cold hands: Magnesium deficiency, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue with low cardiac output.

SKIN

• Stretch marks: zinc deficiency
• Spontaneous bleeds: vitamins C or K or platelet deficiency
• Dry scaly skin: Vitamin C deficiency
• Yellow palms: excessive beta carotene intake

LEGS

• Tender calf muscles: magnesium deficiency
• Brisk knee reflexes: magnesium deficiency

HEART

• Irregular beat, high blood pressure, cardiomegaly: magnesium and Co Q10 deficiencies or sensitivity to caffeine

THROAT

• Thyroid swelling: iodine deficiency, hypothyroidis

NAILS

• White spots: Mineral deficiency, but often low zinc
• Ridges: Zinc deficiency
• Soft or brittle nails: Magnesium deficiency

EYES

• Bags or dark circles: allergies or food intolerances
• Cataracts: chromium deficiency or excess free radicals

MOUTH

• Pale fissured tongue: iron deficiency
• Cracked lips: vitamin B2 deficiency

[via Positive Med]