Mineral deficiency and how to protect yourself!
The human body requires a number of minerals for it to work effectively and efficiently. These minerals are required for every, from sending messages from the brain to different parts of the body to creation and repair of genetic material. However, you would be shocked to learn that a large portion of the population is deficient in these vital minerals.
What is mineral deficiency?
An individual is called to be deficient in a particular mineral if he or she does not get enough of the mineral through their diet or if their body is unable to effectively absorb them. The human body different amounts of these minerals to stay healthy and these needs are outlined as the recommended daily allowance or RDA. A mineral deficiency can occur gradually over time and can lead to several health problems like weakened bones, decreased immunity, fatigue, weight gain and more.
There are five main categories of mineral deficiency
Calcium deficiency: Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones. It is also important for the proper functioning of your blood vessels, nerves, muscles and hormones. While the short-term effects of calcium deficiency might go unnoticed as our blood carefully regulates its amount, the long-term effects can be serious as it can lead to the weakening of bone called osteopenia. If left untreated, osteopenia can turn to osteoporosis and is a leading reason for fragile and broken bones in older patients.
Calcium deficiency can also be caused by some medical problems like kidney failure or due to treatments for certain conditions like removal of the stomach, diuretic medication etc. This can lead to muscle cramps, numbness, fatigue and irregular heartbeats.
Natural sources of calcium in our diet include milk, cheese, yoghurt, small fish with bones, peas and beans. Vegetables like kale, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are great sources of calcium, and it can also be found in fortified foods like tofu, cereals and other packaged food.
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency is a big issue that affects kids and women in the developing world. It can cause anaemia in children and pregnant women, which can lead to a range of issues related to mental and physical growth. Though uncommon in the developed world, WHO estimates that almost half of the world’s cases of anaemia is caused due to a deficiency in iron.
Most of the iron in our body is present in the haemoglobin, an important protein that transports blood to organs and tissues. Anaemia caused due to iron deficiency in kids can fatigue and weakness in kids. It can also affect their performance in school and cognitive functions.
Meat and other protein-rich food items are a great source of iron in your diet. Regular consumption of meat, fish and egg can prevent your body’s iron reserves from going down. Other plant-based sources include lentils and beans, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Magnesium deficiency: Healthy levels of magnesium is extremely important for the body as it is needed in more than a hundred chemical reactions in the body. These include the reactions that control the body’s blood pressure and glucose level, proper functioning of the body and brain, protein production and energy metabolism. More than half of the body’s magnesium is found in the bones while the rest is found in muscles and soft tissue cells.
While magnesium deficiency is rare in healthy people, chronic health conditions and medications can cause your kidney to lose its ability to stop magnesium from leaving the body. Short-term effects of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, nausea, weakness and vomiting. However, long term magnesium deficiency can cause numbness, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythm.
The body can get all the magnesium in needs through food, with nuts, legumes, seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables being some of the best sources for it.
Potassium deficiency: Potassium works as the body’s electrolyte, making it extremely important in the ion pump channel reactions, proper functioning of heart, muscle contractions and transmission of nerve signals. It is also present in a few enzymes like the one that helps convert carbohydrates into energy.
The main cause of potassium deficiency is the excessive loss of fluids from the body. This can be caused by extended vomiting, chronic kidney disease or due to the use of certain medications like diuretics. While the short-term effects of potassium deficiency include cramps, bloating and weakness, a lack of treatment can lead to even muscle paralysis or even death.
Banana, avocado, plum, beets, green leafy vegetables and potatoes are a great source of potassium. It is also found in abundant quantities in orange juice and nuts.
Zinc deficiency: Zinc plays a valuable role in the proper functioning of our body. It is used protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis and the body’s immune functions. It is also extremely important for growing children and pregnant women as it plays a huge role in the development of the body.
The main symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite, smell and taste. It can also include weakened immunity and slowed growth.
Zinc is found in abundance in red meat, seafood and poultry. Other sources of the mineral include whole grain, dairy products, nuts and seeds, beans etc.
A simple solution from the sea
A large portion of the world’s minerals is found in its seabed and water. Naturally sourced from the pristine waters of Australia’s Great Barrier reefs, Qnet Nutriplus InOcean is a rich source of 96 trace minerals and more. It can help you to maintain a healthy pH of the body, fight signs of ageing, enhance skin health and immunity more. While it is important to have a balanced diet, it is also important to supplement the minerals in your diet with Nutriplus InOcean for a healthy and energetic life.
