We all know eating a balanced diet is vital for good health. Food provides our bodies with energy, proteins, essential fats, vitamins and minerals to function properly. Ever wondered what kind of deficiencies you can have if you do not get the right nutrients in your diet? Read on…
Unattractive skin:
A poor diet can result in flaky skin, dark spots, acne, discoloration, cracks and itching. If your diet lacks Omega-3 fatty acids and vital vitamins, your skin will lose moisture. Fish is a vital source of Omega-3 fats. If you do not eat fish, replace it with walnuts as they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, yogurt is good for dry skin conditions. Yogurt has protein which helps in keeping the skin firm while making it resistant to wrinkles.
Sore lips:
Soft, full lips make your face look beautiful. Any defect in the lips may indicate severe health problems due to inadequate consumption of nutritious foods. Vitamins A, B, C, and riboflavin deficiencies in your diet can lead to cracking of lips, dryness around them, tenderness, bleeding, and redness. In severe cases, it is followed by swollen, dark red tongue and swollen mouth. Include more riboflavin in your diet by consuming almonds, salmon, broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Slow healing:
Missing nutrients such as proteins, zinc, and vitamins A and C in your diet can result in slow healing and even reopen old wounds. Vitamin A also helps strengthen the wound by stimulating collagen synthesis.
Premature graying:
Proper nutrition is very important to prevent gray hair. Good nutrition helps maintain hair color and retain healthy hair. The presence of copper ensures production of melatonin (one of the pigments that give your hair its color). Low copper levels prevent you from metabolizing copper properly and turn your hair gray. Low vitamin D levels also associate with premature graying.
Bleeding gums:
Good oral health is also dependent on a good diet. One of the causes of spongy and bleeding gums is the deficiency of vitamin K and C in your body. If left untreated, germs can thrive and cause tooth decay. Moreover, having a diet low in tryptophan can result in unhealthy gums. Include foods that contain vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, egg yolks, milk, yogurt, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomatoes.
Brittle and damaged nails:
Colour, texture, and strength of your nails provide evidence of your eating habits. Brittle, weak and dry nails show signs of vitamin A and calcium deficiencies. White spots on nails are symptoms of lack of iron and zinc. White lines on nails show proteins and zinc deficiencies and curved nail ends are warning signs of the absence of vitamin B12.