About 90% of the United States population lack at least one essential micronutrient. We need a wide variety of micronutrients to fuel our cells, feel energetic, and maintain our health span.
Although Americans have easier and cheaper access to food than ever before, much of it has little to no nutritional value. Our bodies evolved to thrive on whole foods that contain a combination of micronutrients that work synergistically.
At Low Testosterone & Weight Loss Center in Allen, Texas, our medical professionals want you to attain and maintain a healthy weight and also be well-nourished. That’s why nutrition counseling is an essential part of our medically-supervised weight loss program.
Whether you’re overweight, underweight, or at a healthy weight, you could still be deficient in key vitamins or minerals. The following are a few warning signs that you might be.
Calcium is an essential mineral that keeps your bones strong, calms your brain, and regulates your heartbeat. If your diet is low in calcium, you may experience:
Get at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day from leafy greens, boned fish such as sardines, dairy, and supplements. Take calcium along with Vitamin D and Vitamin K, which help you absorb the mineral.
The “old wives’ tale” that carrots are good for your eyes is actually true. Carrots and other foods rich with beta carotene, including yams, are full of Vitamin A. Your eyes need vitamin A to keep your cornea moist and strong.
Men need 900 mcg of vitamin A daily, while women need 700 mcg. Foods rich in Vitamin A include:
Contact your ophthalmologist right away if you have blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, or other changes to your vision.
Calcium isn’t the only micronutrient your bones need to stay dense and strong. If you, like most people in the US, lack vitamin D, you may start to feel it in your bones.
Adults who feel like they’re experiencing “growing pains” in their bones may have a vitamin D deficiency. You need to get 600 IU per day or 800 IU if you’re 71 or older. In addition to safe sun exposure, eat:
To be sure you utilize vitamin D to maximize bone health, also eat calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement.
Vitamin C boosts your immune system and also helps you heal from cuts, bruises, and other injuries. It’s also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Eat:
Aim for 60 mg of vitamin C daily.
Hormonal shifts associated with menopause and andropause may lead to hair loss. But if you’re losing clumps of hair, you may be low in iron. Supplement daily with 8 mg for men or 18 mg for women.
One of the most common vitamin deficiencies is a lack of vitamin B12, which is found in red meat and eggs. Vegans are particularly susceptible to B12 deficiencies, and it can be life-threatening. Contact our team immediately if you have symptoms such as:
Take or consume at least 2.4 mg of B12 daily. Contact us immediately if you have troubling symptoms of B12 deficiency.
The sooner you address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, the sooner your body will return to optimal operation. The best way to find out if you’re missing micronutrients is with nutrition testing.
If we discover you lack nutrients, we recommend dietary changes and supplements. We may also suggest intravenous (IV) infusions of vitamins and minerals to make up for deficiencies, such as:
Are you well-nourished or vitamin deficient? Get an answer by calling us today at 214-383-7411 for nutrition testing and counseling. You can also use our online form at your convenience.
