Interesting Information About Vitamins
We all know that vitamins are hugely important to our health. If you suffer from the following, it may be as simple as a vitamin deficiency – and that’s really easy to solve!
Read on to find out:
- How to recognize a vitamin deficiency – and who is most at risk
- Some fascinating vitamin facts
- What these nutrients do for us
Vitamin Deficiency – Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency are:
- muscle cramps in the calves and arches of the feet
- hair loss
- oral health problems
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- irregular heartbeats
- mental fogginess
You have a higher risk of a deficiency if you are elderly, on a low income, or smoke or drink. Also, if you are an athlete who trains intensively.
A common example of vitamin deficiency is the lack of vitamin D and calcium, which can cause osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Vitamin Deficiency – Solutions
If you think you may have a deficiency, a simple blood test is all you need to know whether or not you’re deficient.
If you are deficient in a specific vitamin (or a few), you could take supplements (pills) but it’s always better to get these nutrients naturally from food. It’s more green and eco-friendly too. Simply search online for “foods rich in vitamin …” and just add the letter of the vitamin you need.
It’s easier to get enough of the water-soluble vitamins than the fat-soluble ones, because they’re easily absorbed into the bloodstream as food is digested. Present in the watery sections of the food you eat, water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished on a daily basis.
Water-soluble Vitamins
- B vitamins
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Folic acid (folate, vitamin B9)
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Thiamin (vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamins are important for energy, immunity, producing collagen and healing wounds.
Fat-soluble Vitamins
- Vitamins A, D, E and K
We’re more likely to be deficient in these vitamins – but taking them in supplement form for prolonged periods of time can be very harmful to your health. It’s definitely better to get these via your diet.
Fat-soluble vitamins protect your vision and build bones and healthy blood.
Interesting Facts About Vitamins
- Vitamins are found naturally in food
- Your body can’t make vitamins itself (except for vitamin D after sun exposure)
- Vitamins are organic, and can be broken down by air, heat or acid – for example, cooking, storage and exposure to air. This makes it more difficult for your body to absorb them.
- They are essential nutrients that we can’t live without.
Why Balance Is Important
Every one of the 13 vitamins has a certain role but each also works in unison with the other 12 to lead to best possible physical condition.
That’s why it’s so important to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, beans and lentils, lean meat, and fish to make sure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs to prevent deficiency, promote fat loss and enhance muscle gain.
Fresh juices and smoothies are a great way to get lots of great vitamins into your system, especially in foods that you don’t normally eat. (For example, I don’t like spinach or kale, but I’m happy to “eat” it in green smoothies!). Download one (or both!) of these free juicing books (above and below) now!
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Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your FREE juicing and smoothies recipe book here!
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- Why parsley is so much more than decoration
- What to drink when you’re tired of water – yummy but healthy alternatives!