Nutrient Deficiency Signs

5 Signs Your Body May Be Nutrient Deficient

If you’ve noticed a mysterious health symptom that has no apparent cause, it’s worth considering whether a nutrient deficiency may be to blame. Q for Equinox recently shared 5 examples to watch for. As Dr. Susan Blum, founder of the Blum Center for Health, said:  “You may not get a disease but you can end up with impaired functioning, because vitamins are co-factors for all the bio-chemical reactions in the body. We need them in order to function properly.”

1. Cracks at the Corners of Your Mouth

This can be a sign of ironzinc, and B-vitamin (niacin, riboflavin, and B12) deficiency, or that you’re not getting enough protein.  Because iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C, be sure your diet also includes plenty of vitamin C-rich veggies like broccoli, red bell peppers, kale, and cauliflower.

2. Hair Loss and a Red, Scaly Rash (Especially on Your Face)

This can be a sign of biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency. Your body needs biotin for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids, but it’s most well-known for its role in strengthening your hair and nails. Egg yolks from organic, free-range eggs are one of the best sources of biotin.  The best way to consume eggs, provided they come from a high-quality source, is to not cook them at all – eat them raw.  However, beware of consuming raw egg whites without the yolks as raw egg whites contain avidin, which can bind to biotin and potentially lead to a deficiency.

If you cook the egg white, the avidin is not an issue. Likewise, if you consume the whole raw egg (both yolk and egg white) there is more than enough biotin in the yolk to compensate for the avidin binding. Avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, nuts, raspberries, and bananas also contain biotin.  Make sure eggs are permitted on your program.

Go to the Natural Sources: Vitamin B7 (Biotin) page for more information on where you can get your plant-based biotin.

DBM COMMENTPlease check with your DBM Practitioner if you are allowed eggs on your program.

 3. Red or White Acne-Like Bumps (on Your Cheeks, Arms, Thighs, and Buttocks)

This can be a sign of deficiency in essential fatty acids like omega-3s, as well as vitamin A or vitamin D deficiency. Increase your intake of omega-3 fats – go to our Natural Sources: Omega-3.  You can find vitamin A in foods like leafy green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers, while vitamin D is best obtained through safe sun exposure.

4. Tingling, Prickling, and Numbness in Your Hands and Feet

This can also be a sign of B-vitamin deficiency (particularly folate, B6, and B12). The symptom is related to the deficiency’s effect on the peripheral nerves and may be combined with anxiety, depression, anaemia, fatigue, and hormone imbalances.  For good sources of Vitamin B – visit our Natural Sources page.

5. Muscle Cramps (in Your Toes, Calves, Backs of Legs, and Arches of Feet)

Muscle cramps may be a sign of deficiencies in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, especially if it happens frequently. Fix this by eating more almonds, hazelnuts, squash, dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, and dandelion), broccoli, Bok choy, and apples.  Magnesium deserves special mention because of wide-spread deficiency in most people today that eat less than a wholesome diet. Magnesium is a crucially important mineral for optimal health, performing a wide array of biological functions.

For more information visit: Natural Sources of Magnesium

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate that can be absorbed into your body through your skin. Magnesium oil (from magnesium chloride) can also be used for topical application and absorption. If you opt for a magnesium supplement, be aware that there are several different forms of magnesium, but the one that DBM uses is Magnesium chloride which contains 12 percent magnesium but has better absorption than most other sources of magnesium supplements.  For more information visit our Therapies: Magnesium Chloride page