This is how your body tells you which nutrients are running low

Most people know that getting enough nutrients is important to their health, but nutrition can often be confusing. And we would be lying to you and ourselves if we said that there aren’t days or sometimes even weeks when it feels impossible to follow a nutrient-rich balanced diet.

Slip-ups happen to the most diligent and health-conscious of people. And while a day or two of reckless eating is not a big deal, the body has a way of letting you know when you’re taking it too far!

If you get into the habit of shorting your body of the nutrients it needs for too long, it will send you signals to consume better. Luckily, you can reverse most of these issues by just eating a little more of the nutrient.

Here are the signals and their corresponding nutrients that you should watch out for.

HAIR FALL

If you're losing an unusually large amount of hair, that is more than 100 strands a day, this may be a signal that you are low on iron. An iron deficiency is actually very common. Get a quick test from your doctor and consume more poultry, spinach, beans and cashew to combat low iron levels.

Also Watch Tips to prevent iron deficiency

CONSTANT FATIGUE

There are many reasons behind tiredness or fatigue. But if you’re not sick, are getting enough sleep, are not stressed out and still feel drained of energy, it’s time to check your vitamin D levels. This sunshine vitamin is not available in most foods. If you don’t soak in the sun very often, you should add tuna, mushrooms and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and cereal to your diet.

BURNING MOUTH

If you feel as if your gums, lips, the inside of your cheek, or roof of your mouth are burning, it could be a deficiency of B vitamins. A lack of B vitamins like folate, thiamine, and B6 can even give you a dry mouth. To get more B6, eat beans, bananas and fortified cereals or ask your doctor for a supplement.

DRY SKIN

If you’re moisturising to your heart’s content but feel like your skin is always naturally pale and dry, chances are you need more vitamin A. This vitamin helps maintain the tissues that cover every surface of your body. If you want more vitamin A, load up on green leafy veggies, orange-coloured fruit and veg like apricots or carrots.

RANDOM BRUISES

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body's connective tissues. It’s also the most common protein in your body. So, if you are noticing more bruises than usual on your body for no reason, your collagen levels might be too low. Vitamin C is the key element in collagen, so eat more oranges, red peppers or kale to keep your collagen in check.

Watch More All you need to know about foods that help boost collagen production

Whole foods are a fantastic source of many nutrients, but if you want to go for supplements, you should consult your doctor before taking the plunge!