Not feeling yourself lately? Join the club. One in eight adults in the UK feels ‘tired all the time’. And that’s not touching on the people who frequently get ill or feel sluggish (completely different to tired). There’s also the 61% of adults that are vitamin D deficient alone, not including statistics for other vitamins.
Perhaps you’re fatigued, your spirits are down, or you don’t feel like yourself – whatever it is, you’re not alone.
Most people don’t realise they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies that could be causing their daily tiredness, poor concentration, and low immunity.
Read on to learn if that’s you.
Typical Indications for Insufficient Vitamins
Vitamin insufficiency takes various forms that often imitate the symptoms of being run down. Fatigue is one of the most common indications, as B12 and iron are essential in energy generation. If you always feel exhausted, maybe it’s not only because of a hectic schedule.
Other symptoms that might be noticed include more cases of colds or infections, signifying the absence of vitamin C or zinc. Some other indicators, like poor wound healing and brittle nails or hair, could mean deficits in biotin, A vitamins, and C vitamins. Mood swings, together with depression, might even result from below-par vitamin D levels.
And there’s more to it than that. Check in with your GP for an appointment if you continuously don’t feel yourself.
Detecting Deficiencies
How do you know when you have true vitamin deficiency instead of experiencing a temporary dip in your well-being? Don’t self-diagnose. Head to your GP for a blood test or book an initial consultation. If you can’t get an appointment, you can use services like the Anytime Doctor for faster appointments. The best way to find out is through blood tests. A healthcare professional can measure the levels of various vitamins and minerals to pinpoint deficiencies.
Considering your diet patterns and ways of life before going for any tests may also help save time. Have you included a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals? Poor eating habits often lead to insufficient amounts of these essential nutrients within the body.
Supplements are beneficial, but they should be used responsibly, and you need to know which ones you need. Again…visit your GP.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Vitamin Intake
Opting for a well-balanced diet full of various nutrients is the best approach to addressing gaps naturally. Here are some tips on how to boost your intake of vitamins naturally:
- Vitamin D: Increase outdoor time with sunlight. Also eat fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli contain high amounts of this immunity-enhancing vitamin.
- Vitamin B12: Meats, dairy products, and fortified cereals have the B12 we need for energy production and normal neurological function. Vegans use plant-based milk or even B12 supplements that are available.
- Iron: Red meats, beans, lentils, spinach, etc, are excellent sources of iron. Pairing iron-rich foods with those rich in vitamin C boosts absorption rates.
- Zinc: Zinc helps fight infections in our bodies. We must try to include foodstuffs such as nuts, seeds, dairy, and whole grains.
Life doesn’t always inspire you to feel strong, healthy, and good. But knowing what the cause behind it is can quickly get you out of your funk. What do you think is the cause of your funk?
