5 COMMON NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

What are some common nutrient deficiency symptoms in women? What should you look for? How do you cure it? Find out how right here!

Research shows 4 in 5 Americans (86%) take vitamins or supplements so they maintain a healthy and balanced diet. And while it’s wise to do this, it’s important to know how to spot nutrient deficiency symptoms so you know what your body is lacking.

Not sure of the symptoms? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Does Nutrient Deficiency Mean?

Nutritional deficiencies arise when your body doesn’t get enough of a particular nutrient like a vitamin, mineral, or fatty acid.
 
Because of this, nutrient deficiency symptoms flare up and you must talk to your physician or take supplements like vitamin gummy bears.

1. Vitamin D

One of the most common vitamin deficiencies is vitamin D, especially during winter.
 
Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun or get vitamin D from fortified dairy products, orange juice, salmon, and tuna. If women don’t have enough, you’ll notice bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent respiratory illnesses, and fatigue.

2. Iron

There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme iron.
 
The first is easily absorbed and found in animal foods, especially red meat. Non-heme is present in both animal and plant foods but is harder for your body to absorb.

This type of nutritional deficiency affects 25% of the world's population and women are susceptible when they’re menstruating or pregnant.

Those who are iron deficient will experience tiredness, weakness, a weakened immune system, and impaired brain function.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in bone and teeth structure alongside 300 enzyme reactions. Low intake of magnesium results in type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

4. Calcium

Women who have limited dairy intake are at high risk for calcium deficiency. One of the earliest symptoms of calcium deficiency is brittle nails, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, and dental problems.

5. Vitamin B12

Another one of the most common vitamin deficiency examples is a lack of vitamin B12. This is crucial for blood formation alongside the brain and nerve function.
 
Even though your blood needs it, your body can’t produce it so you must get it from food or supplements. You can only get B12 in animal foods which is why vegetarians and vegans are at risk of being deficient.
 
Symptoms include impaired brain function and elevated homocysteine levels which can lead to other diseases. You can get your vitamin B12 by eating shellfish, organ meat, eggs, and milk products.

Those Are Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms In Women

You must familiarize yourself with nutrient deficiency symptoms so you can understand what vitamins and minerals your body desperately needs.
 
Make sure you spend time in the sun, eat dairy, veggies rich in iron, and enough vitamin B12. If you have any queries, always consult your physician as they’ll tell you how to introduce these to your diet.

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POSSIBLE CAUSES OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Typically, when we hear PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, we think of military veterans who experience vivid and often debilitating panic-inducing flashbacks of their time at war. With June 27th being National PTSD Awareness Day, a condition resulting in over 3 million cases in the US annually, we thought it best to gain some clarity. We connected with Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a PTSD expert and NYC based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at Columbia University Teacher’s. Dr. Hafeez who shared some common causes of post-traumatic stress disorder and how to cope.

Understanding the symptoms of PTSD

Typical symptoms of PTSD include distressing nightmares, that awaken you in a state of panic, persistent thoughts and recurring flashbacks about the traumatic experience, numbing or avoidance of memories of the trauma, triggered emotional responses and just an overall on-edge feeling. “Anyone can have PTSD symptoms and oftentimes they may feel judged for not being able to shake off something others may perceive as not being a big trauma. Many people suffer in silence,” cautions Dr. Hafeez who helps people after exposure to these traumas.

Possible Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Motor Vehicle Accidents

One quarter of the population will be involved in automobile accidents that result in serious injuries. “For those who come seeking mental health treatment after a car accident, 60 percent are diagnosed with PTSD, it’s quite common.” Symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, increased heart rate, and a fear of driving or even being a passenger in a car. “Oftentimes people who were injured in a car accident or even perhaps witnessed a fatality will be in shock. Then over time they begin to reply the accident. This is when it’s advised to seek therapy to cope with this trauma, advises Hafeez.

Military Combat

As stated earlier PTSD is commonly associated with combat veterans with 31% diagnosed. Combat PTSD symptoms can include carrying a weapon when not necessary, seeing threats where none exist, and outbursts of physical violence. “Having these symptoms just means that you are have a reaction of stress to a nearly impossible situation,” says Dr. Hafeez.  Service animals and emotional support pets are a start. Meeting with a PTSD specialist for therapy along with self-calming activities such as meditation, deep breathing, painting or yoga are recommended.

Personal Assaults

Sexual assault, mugging or robbery are life-threatening situations that can instantly trigger post- traumatic stress disorder. When events like these occur, victims will try to avoid reminders of the trauma, always be on guard, and may have problems in daily living. “People who went through assault often report feeling unsafe and on edge as if they are expecting someone to attack them again. They also experience terrible flashbacks with disturbed sleep. Turning to alcohol or drugs isn’t uncommon which is why it’s so important to seek therapy,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Group therapy could be very helpful because there’s comfort in not feeling alone.

Natural Disasters  

Natural disasters cannot be controlled which makes it more difficult to prevent the anticipatory anxiety. Devastating life altering events such as tornadoes, earthquakes to hurricanes, and fires often put people into a survival mode for up to 18 months, studies show. Symptoms usually peak during the first year and in most cases, survivors get better with time once they have accepted the reality of the event. “When we look at natural disasters that result in loss of lives, assets, and personal property, there’s a sense of hopelessness that can be incredibly overwhelming. The best way to deal with this situation is this is through therapy which is often difficult to receive right away given people get displaced and are focused on basic survival,” says Dr. Hafeez.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is an attempt to control, it’s more about manipulation through put downs, name calling, blame shifting, instilling fear through ultimatum and threats, and making the person question their recollection of conversations and events. Typically, there is an overstepping of boundaries and the person feels as if they are walking on eggshells. Their every decision comes with doubt and anxiety as whatever they choose may upset their abuser. “Usually the PTSD begins after the relationship has ended or in the case of emotionally abusive parents, when the child leaves the home. They may feel depressed and fearful of being manipulated without knowing it. Helping people establish firm healthy boundaries and identifying “red flags,” empowers the victim,” explains Dr. Hafeez. “Emotional abuse is particularly insidious in that it’s feeds off the vulnerabilities and insecurities of its victims,” she adds.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com