***Mineral Deficiency Symptoms

Minerals, like vitamins, are essential to our body's healthy function. Although we only need trace amounts of minerals, any deficiency will create health issues which may range from mild symptoms to severe problems. Most minerals are consumed as part of any healthy diet, which is rich in fruit, fresh vegetables, dairy products and protein. However with our westernized fast-food diets, mineral deficiencies are becoming all too common, causing unnecessary suffering and serious long-term effects of health. Most mineral deficiencies can be successfully treated or prevented through a balanced diet and the addition of a daily supplement. Here's what to look for: We all know calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. A calcium deficiency in children will cause rickets, whereas in the elderly it is linked to osteoporosis. These serious conditions are easily prevented by eating dairy foods, cheese and dark green vegetables such as spinach. We are often told that salt is bad for us, but chloride, found in table and sea salt, is essential to keep our fluid in balance. Those who eat a highly processed diet of ham, bacon, chips, olives, cheese and foods that are high in salt will certainly be getting more than enough sodium, but keeping a balance is very important. Iodine is key to proper thyroid function and is needed to help metabolize food into energy. A mineral deficiency of iodine may lead to difficulty breathing, hair loss, anemia, dry skin and lack of energy – all things we can do without in our busy lives. Eating saltwater fish such as cod and haddock, seafood, eggs and dairy products can help prevent this trace mineral deficiency. Iron is most important to maintain our red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. This mineral deficiency is particularly likely in pregnancy so an iron supplement in the form of Folic Acid tablets is usually given to pregnant women. However, anyone who is suffering from the symptoms of iron deficiency such as lack of energy, dizziness, cold hands and feet, insomnia and lack of appetite should have their blood checked and if necessary add an iron supplement to their diet. Good natural sources to counter this mineral deficiency include liver, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks and dried beans. Similar debilitating symptoms of mineral deficiency diseases may be caused by a lack of potassium or selenium. How do we know if we are suffering from a mineral deficiency? A blood test may show any serious mineral deficiencies, but prevention is better than cure. Make sure you have a diet with those all-important five-a-day vegetables and fruits and eat a balanced amount of protein and dairy products. Taking a daily supplement is an easy way to make sure you are getting enough of each mineral. For children and the elderly, taking liquid vitamins and minerals is often the easiest way to digest a daily dose of these essentials and it is digested much more quickly than a hard tablet.