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4 Critical Signs That You’re Not Getting Enough Nutrients From Your Diet

Ten percent of the population in the U.S. suffers from some type of nutritional deficiency. This means that millions of people each year are failing to get the required nutrients and essential minerals, vitamins, and food items that they need in order to be healthy.

But how do you know whether you have unhealthy nutritional habits? Here are the telltale signs that you are not eating as well as you should:

1. You’re losing hair, and your nails are brittle

Among the biggest indicators of nutritional deficiency are hair loss or brittle hair and nails. When your body is lacking nutrients, it will concentrate on delivering sources to more essential organs, costing your hair and nails their health and strength. You might notice that your hair is falling or shedding, your nails are breaking a lot more easily, and you’re unable to restore their health.

2. You have mouth ulcers, and your lips are cracking

Canker sores, ulcers, and cracked lips are some of the biggest indicators of certain nutritional deficiencies, including iron. It’s important to focus on foods rich in minerals and iron and rectify your nutritional habits to add more of them to your diet, along with proper hydration.

3. You’ve developed dry patches and dandruff

Dry patches and dandruff may not seem alarming, but they could signal something more than a change in the weather. They’re actually signs that your body is deficient in many minerals and vitamins, like zinc, niacin, B2, and more. Beyond topical treatments and products to target dryness, you should be improving your diet and nutritional habits to get more of these vitamins.

4. Your wounds take a long time to heal

While you may not develop scurvy like seamen and pirates are depicted as doing, a lack of adequate vitamin C may lead to slow wound healing and cuts. Bleeding gums, gingivitis, cuts, and wounds that won’t heal are all signs you need to look out for.

To improve your nutritional habits, consult a gastroenterologist from our hospital for special surgery in Houston, Texas. TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital provides gastroenterology services  for patients who have poor gut health as a result of poor nutrition. Our advanced diagnostics and treatment plans address gastrointestinal conditions and include advice and recommendations for lifestyle adjustments. Find the right gastroenterologist near you at our specialty hospital in North Houston. From our website, click on the specialist’s profile to schedule an appointment and get the help you need.