Is your body warning you of ill health?
4 telltale signs you must look out for
Twitching eyelids
This sign, or twitching of a small muscle anywhere in the body, is a hallmark of magnesium deficiency and occurs due to magnesium’s role in muscle relaxation. Magnesium deficiency is one of the more common mineral deficiencies, possibly because it’s so readily depleted by stress, alcohol and coffee. Other obvious signs of low magnesium include leg cramps, insomnia and depression. Low levels also increase our susceptibility to conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and kidney stones.
FACT: Wheat loses 90% of its magnesium during the milling process, so it can be difficult for a typical diet to provide adequate amounts. Good sources of magnesium are whole wheat, tofu, kelp, nuts and brown rice.
Cracks in the corners of your mouth
Officially called angular cheilosis, this sign, together with mouth ulcers, and most infections of the mouth or tongue, is telltale of a vitamin B deficiency. This is due to their role in cell turnover – the mouth is susceptible as it’s an area regularly scalded and abraded. In fact, the mouth can be the first indicator of low B in the body. Other body signs may be dermatitis, fatigue (Bs have a critical role in energy production) and poor stress response.
FACT: The B group is primarily found in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and organ meats. White bread, white pasta and white rice are deficient in these vitamins. Stress, alcohol and coffee account for massive depletion of all B vitamins due to their water-soluble nature.
Bleeding gums
Vitamin C has a vital role in manufacturing connective tissue, so it’s crucial for wound healing, healthy gums and blood vessels. It’s also crucial for immunity. The classic vitamin C deficiency disease, scurvy, can occur when levels are low enough, but even marginal deficiency can present itself with bleeding gums, mostly seen when brushing teeth, or biting into hard fruit. Vitamin C deficiency signs often occur in clusters, so you may experience easy bruising at the same time, which similarly occurs due to increased fragility of blood vessels.
FACT: The key is to eat freshly prepared fruit and vegetables. The richest sources are peppers, guava, broccoli,
Goose bump skin
Skin that feels or looks like ‘goose bumps’, especially on the upper arm, indicates vitamin A deficiency. This condition, known as follicular hyperkeratosis, is basically a blockage of the hair follicles. Beyond skin, vitamin A has important roles in maintaining eye health and vision, respiratory health and immunity.
FACT: It’s important to consume good levels of dark green, yellow and orange vegetables. It’s also critical to maintain your zinc and vitamin C status, as these nutrients play a crucial role in converting the form of vitamin A you get from vegetables and fruit into the functional form for your body.
