Signs and Symptoms of Mineral Deficiency

Did you know that biting your fingernails can be a sign of mineral deficiency? Chewing your fingernails can also be an indication of anxiety, and interestingly enough, anxiety is also a common sign of various mineral deficiencies. 

The following are common signs of individual mineral deficiencies:

Magnesium 

• fatigue
• easily stressed / difficulty relaxing
• headaches
• muscular pain
• muscle cramps
• menstrual pain / cramping
• twitching
• tremors
• anxiety
• hyperactivity
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• rapid heartbeat
• numbness / tingling
• poor cognitive function

Here are some good food sources of magnesium: greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, avocado, cacao and apricots. Or if you have many signs of magnesium deficiency it may be beneficial to take a natural, highly bio-available, liquid ionic source of magnesium.

Note: alcohol, caffeine and sugar cause greater magnesium loss.

Calcium

• tooth decay
• bone disorders
• anxiety
• irritability
• nerve sensitivity
• brittle nails
• palpitations
• depression
• twitching
• insomnia
• muscle cramps
• numbness / tingling

Here are some good food sources of calcium: dairy products, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, legumes, molasses, nuts and seeds.

Note: sun light (by way of vitamin D) increases calcium absorption.

Phosphorus

• weight loss
• tooth decay
• poor health of bones
• frailness
• anxiety
• irritability
• stiff joints

Here are some good food sources of phosphorous: animal foods, nuts, seeds, whole grains and most fruits and vegetables contain some phosphorous.

Note: use of antacids and low vitamin D increases the risk of phosphorous deficiency.

Potassium

• high blood pressure
• fatigue
• depression
• muscle weakness
• dry skin
• acne
• insomnia
• decreased heart rate or irregular heartbeat

Here are some major food sources of potassium: a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, mushrooms, nuts and seeds.

Note: processing of foods reduces their potassium levels therefore a diet high in processed foods may increase the risk of potassium deficiency.

Iron

• anaemia
• fatigue
• pale skin
• poor stamina
• irritability
• depression
• pale and/or sore tongue
• lowered attention span
• learning difficulties
• hyperactivity
• dizziness
• poor immunity
• hair loss
• poor memory
• pica
• morning sickness in pregnancy

Some major food sources of iron are: animal foods, molasses, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, broccoli, raisins, prunes and apricots.

Note: over consumption of iron can have toxic effects on the body so it pays to get iron levels tested before taking iron supplementation. Some iron supplements can adversely affect the digestive system. So, if supplementation is necessary, choose a stomach-friendly iron supplement.

Zinc

• poor wound healing
• lowered immunity
• slow growth
• low appetite
• poor digestion
• acne
• hair loss
• susceptibility to infections
• white spots on the nails
• skin problems
• stretch marks
• menstrual problems
• morning sickness in pregnancy
• poor reproductive function
• prostate problems
• lowered intelligence
• erratic behaviour

Some major food sources of zinc include oysters, animal foods, fish, whole grains, Brazil nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and ginger. Or Elemental Zinc can be used to help restore depleted zinc levels. which is a totally natural liquid ionic source of zinc for better bioavailability once in the body.

Selenium

• fatigue
• high cholesterol
• infections
• poor liver function
• poor thyroid function
• high blood pressure
• eczema

Some good food sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, garlic, onions, whole grains, molasses, alfalfa, broccoli, and seafood. Or if supplementing with selenium, natural ionic selenium is recommended.

Note: if soils are low in selenium the foods grown in them may also be lacking selenium.

As you can see, there are some common signs of mineral deficiencies throughout the different minerals, so sometimes a general mineral boost can be of benefit rather than individual mineral supplementation. Power of Nature recommends a healthy, unrefined, wholefood diet, consisting of a wide variety of foods for greatest mineral content, and if necessary, a natural food-state ionic liquid form of synergistic minerals for best bioavailability, to ensure optimal mineral levels in the body are maintained.