We usually don’t think of the real reason why we eat. We feel the hunger pangs and we eat to stop the pain.
We even feel good to eat.
Eating our favorite food makes us happy.
The real reason why we eat, is to give the body nutrition that it needs to continue surviving. When we feel the hunger pangs in our stomach, it is actually the body asking for nutrition to help build more cells, repair damage, keep the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs functioning. You might say the other feelings we get from eating are added benefits. That is tasting the flavor of the foods, excitement seeing the colors of food, the smell and the happy feeling we get when we’re full.
The question we need to ask ourselves is if the nutrition we are feeding the body is sufficient? Is the food full of vitamins and minerals or just empty substance?
Here are some signs that can tell you if you are vitamin deficient.
1. Cracks or dryness around your mouth or lips
You could be lacking: Iron, zinc, and B vitamins like niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and B12.
How to remedy the problem: Eat more poultry, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Sun-dried tomatoes are good as well as: Swiss chard, peanuts, and lentils. To enhance your Iron absorption make sure you are also eating foods that contain vitamin C, like broccoli, red bell peppers, kale, and cauliflower.
2. Red scaly rash on your face, including other parts of your body and hair loss
You could be lacking: Biotin (B7), known as the hair vitamin. While your body stores fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), it doesn’t store any of the B vitamins, which are water-soluble.
How to remedy the problem: Eat more salmon, avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) , raspberries, and bananas.
3. Acne like bumps that are red or white in color, found on the cheeks, arms, thighs, and buttex
You could be lacking: Essential fatty acids, vitamins A and D
How to remedy the problem: Eat fish like salmon and sardines. Eat a handful daily of walnuts and almonds, and other seeds like ground flax. Eat more leafy greens to get sufficient vitamin A. Include colorful veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers. As for the vitamin D get plenty of sun without blocking it from penetrating your skin. If you do take a supplement, it is recommend to take one with 2000 IU a day and has vitamins A, and K which help with the absorption of the Vitamins D. As a side note: the most important of the D vitamins is D-3.
4. Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet (it can happen in other parts of the body as well)
You could be lacking: B vitamins like folate (B9), B6, and B12. The tingling and numbness are due to the nerve endings in our skin (peripheral nerves).
How to remedy the problem: eat more spinach, asparagus, beets, beans (pinto, black, kidney, lima), eggs, and poultry. A combined B-vitamin supplement can also help.
If you do suffer with this never problem, which usually comes with aging, than these are the forms of the B vitamins you may want to obtain: Alpha Lipoic Sustain 300 with Biotin and the superior form of B-12 called Methylcobalamin. It is also good to note: that peripheral nerve pain can also be combined with these symptoms: anxiety, depression, anemia, fatigue, and hormone imbalances.
5. Muscle cramps anywhere on the body
You could be lacking: Magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
How to remedy the problem: Eat more bananas, almonds, hazelnuts, squash, cherries, apples, grapefruit, broccoli, bok choy, and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach.
To remedy any of the 5 problems that are caused due to a lack of healthy nutritional intake or vitamin deficiency is eat plenty of whole fresh foods. Avoid as much as possible processed foods, packaged prepared foods, and fast food restaurants. Also avoid any beverages that are marked as soda, like Coke or Pepsi. Most sodas contain phosphorus, and with the ingestion of this mineral it will deplete your body of potassium and magnesium.
With the busy lives we live it can be difficult to eat daily plenty of good foods that will provide us with good nutrition. Just divise a good plan and stick to it. Vitamin supplements can also aid you in your quest to being healthy ( read more here: Vitamin Supplements Can be a Good Thing).
Fresh Whole Food first, then add supplements. Puritan’s Pride is offering buy 2 get 3 FREE. Start now to get healthy this Fall and Winter to combat the flu season.
Photo Credits:
Father & Daughter/Family eating together/little girl eating an apple: 123rf.com
Image of fresh fruits and Vegetables; photl.com
Tomatoes are a legitimate 
Eat and Be Healthy 