Could it be a nutrient deficiency?
Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel fatigued, stressed, or just not at your best, despite seemingly following a healthy lifestyle? The answer might lie in your nutrient intake.
The production of energy and the ability to effectively manage stress is reliant on the body receiving optimal amounts of certain nutrients.
If we are not consuming enough of these specific nutrients or we are not absorbing them correctly, then it is important we address these deficiencies.
Examples of Nutrient Deficiencies:
Iron Deficiency: Iron is well-known for its role in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A simple blood test for iron levels can provide valuable insights into your energy levels. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue and decreased vitality, as well as low immune function.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and neurological health. Its deficiency can result in fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive issues.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is vital for bone health and a strong immune system. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to weakened immunity, fatigue and low mood .
Zinc and Magnesium Deficiencies: Zinc deficiency can compromise immune function, which can leave you feeling tired and prone to illness, while insufficient magnesium intake may affect stress levels and energy production.
Assessing Your Nutrient Status:
To determine if you have any nutrient deficiencies, there are a couple of tools at our disposal:
Food Diary: Keeping a detailed food diary can help you and a qualified health professional gain insight into your daily nutrient intake. This is a helpful starting point to identify areas that may need improvement.
Blood Testing: Blood tests are a crucial tool to evaluate your nutrient status. Common tests include iron studies, vitamin D levels, and folate. You can request these tests through your regular GP or directly at a pathology lab. Additionally, blood tests can provide insights into other important health markers like insulin and cholesterol levels.
Food Diaries:
This example below is of a n example of a food diary I might be presented with in clinic, which on face value doesnt look too bad ...
There is some fruit in there, avocado, sourdough which is healthier right? There is also some salmon in the sushi, some nuts.. this is healthy right?
However, it's essential to delve deeper into the quality and quantity of these nutrients to identify potential deficiencies, and this can have a major impact on some of those things we have discussed like the production of energy in the body ... or the production of sleep hormones as an example.
A Foodzone report, like the one below, can provide us with some insight into areas which need some work. As you can see this seemingly healthy diet is lacking in many key nutrients.
If you suspect you may have nutrient deficiencies, consult with a clinical nutritionist who can help you assess your nutrient status and develop a personalized plan to address any deficiencies.
