It is easy to pay attention to the minor discomforts that we encounter every day: chapped lips, dandruff, or dry skin. But behind almost all of these irritating problems lies a bigger cause – a nutrient deficiency that cannot be ignored.
Most people are deficient in some of the B vitamins, which are essential for the body’s metabolic processes. Such a deficiency may lead to cracked lips, dry skin, and dandruff. In addition, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, which can also cause dryness and paleness of the skin. The symptoms described below indicate a deficiency of these vitamins; it is important to correct it in a timely manner.
Two more nutrients that are often deficient in the modern person are iron and zinc. The first is necessary for the good functioning of the circulatory system and the transfer of oxygen to all tissues, including the skin. Its deficiency causes various dermatological problems – flaky, dry, and rough skin. Zinc is needed for tissue repair and reducing inflammation; a lack of it leads to dandruff, dermatitis, and even eczema.
If you have intermittent pains in the legs and cramps, this may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. This element is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles, and a deficiency of it leads to cramps, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. You can get rid of the unpleasant symptoms by adjusting your diet: magnesium-rich foods will help to feel better. And in general, all the indicated problems can be avoided if you eat healthy.
To restore the skin, people often resort to topical creams and lotions. But sometimes the problem is not on the outside but inside, and it is necessary to adjust the work of the whole organism. A balanced diet helps to eliminate the acute effects of the deficiency – for example, to get rid of dryness and peeling of the skin, cracked lips, and dandruff. For the best effect, it is important to include in the daily food a complete set of vitamins and minerals.
To improve the condition of the skin, you need to eat more foods rich in vitamin B. This group of vitamins includes several types, among which are especially notable B2 (riboflavin), B6, and B12. A deficiency of B2 leads to cracking of the lips and mouth ulcers. B6 and B12 are involved in the desaturation process, so a lack of these elements causes dry skin and dandruff. To replenish the amount of these vitamins, it is recommended to eat more whole grains, eggs, dairy products, and leafy vegetables.
To improve blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system, it is advisable to consume more iron. This element can be found in red meat, legumes, seafood, and egg yolks. As for zinc, it is present in most nuts and legumes; it is also beneficial to include dairy products and meat in the daily diet. Finally, to combat a deficiency of magnesium, a large number of which is found in nuts, it is recommended to eat at least a handful of them a day. A balanced ratio of these elements will allow to significantly improve health and skin appearance.
However, if there is a suspicion of a severe deficiency of certain elements, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Only a doctor can give an objective assessment of the situation and prescribe the necessary therapy, which may include both diet therapy and specific vitaminotherapy. The blood test will help determine which of the elements is lacking; after that, the doctor will prescribe specific treatments to improve the patient’s health and prescribe a vitamin-rich diet.
Of course, you cannot just put cream on your skin and solve all the problems with it. Sometimes it is necessary to look at the big picture and consider the causes of the disease in general. The skin is the outer layer of the body, so she is the first to show the slightest imbalance inside. This means that you should carefully consider the signals it sends you and try to find solutions not only on the outside but also from the inside.