Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies with Diet and Supplements

Nutrition | | Sep 28, 2022 | Ally's Angels

Hey Angels and Alphas,

There are many different kinds of nutritional deficiencies, some of which can be caused by diet alone. Others might require the use of supplements to make up for lacking nutrients and vitamins in your system.

The most common kinds of nutritional deficiencies tend to be in vitamins, minerals, and other substances that the body needs to function properly, including protein and carbohydrates.

Whether you’re trying to maintain your health or recover from illness or infection, it’s important to choose the right foods and supplements that will help you overcome nutritional deficiencies as quickly as possible. Here are some tips on how to do just that!

Recognize What Is Lacking

Before you can overcome a nutritional deficiency, you need to be able to recognize what is lacking in your diet. This can be tricky, as many nutrients work together in the body and a deficiency in one may lead to deficiencies in others. For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to a lack of iron absorption.

However, there are some common signs of nutritional deficiencies, such as fatigue, anxiety, weakness, joint pain or heart problems. If you experience any of these symptoms it might be worth consulting a physician who specializes in nutrition.

Add Foods To Compensate

When it comes to nutritional deficiencies, diet is always the best place to start. By making sure you’re consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, you can help offset any deficiencies. However, sometimes even a well-rounded diet isn’t enough. In these cases, supplements can be a helpful way to make up for any shortfall.

The most common nutrients in need of supplementation are:

  • B12, which helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells;
  • Vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium levels in the body;
  • Omega 3s, which help prevent heart disease;
  • Iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body;
  • Iodine, which helps regulate thyroid hormones.

Take a Vitamin Supplement

If you are deficient in a certain vitamin, taking a supplement can help your body get back to optimal levels. Make sure to talk to your doctor first, as they can recommend the best type of supplement for you.

You may also want to consider changing your diet to include foods that are rich in the vitamins you are lacking. Adding more leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains to your diet can help increase your vitamin intake.

Take an Essential Fatty Acid Supplement

If you are deficient in essential fatty acids, taking a supplement can help increase your levels. Look for a supplement that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1.

You can also get these fatty acids from food sources such as fish, nuts, and seeds. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve mood, cognitive function, and joint health.

How Nutritional Deficiencies Are Developed

There are a few different ways that you can develop nutritional deficiencies. The most common include: not getting enough of certain nutrients in your diet, malabsorption issues, increased nutrient needs, or chronic illness. Luckily, there are ways to overcome these deficiencies through diet and supplements.

You can start by looking at what foods you’re eating and see if any are missing from your diet. Then, add those foods into your routine and make sure to take the appropriate supplement for whatever is lacking in your diet.

A good rule of thumb is that if something isn’t in the food group it belongs to (i.e., vegetables), then there is no recommended daily allowance for it so don’t worry about it unless you have a specific deficiency related issue.

There is no cure-all for nutritional deficiencies other than making sure you eat well, but following this advice will help ensure you have all the necessary vitamins and minerals required for optimal health!