SIGNS OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Let’s explore some of the common causes and signs of deficiencies that can have a negative impact on brain function.
Did you know that antibiotics reduce your ability to absorb some B vitamins? Oral contraceptives have been shown to deplete vitamin B and vitamin E. But did you know that there are other culprits? In this article, we will explore some of the hidden causes of the epidemic of deficiencies. We will also discover how deficiencies may lead to brain disorders or diseases.
The lower content of nutrients in our foods is partly due to plants being grown in artificially fertilized soil that contains pesticide and herbicide (chemical) residues. It is believed that herbicide or pesticide residues can remain for a few days up to several years. Glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide on crops like soybeans and wheat, has the potential for remaining detectable for over a decade. Source.
Toxic chemicals like glyphosate, which is commonly used in crops grown in the USA, can hinder the body’s enzymes from performing the vital task of breaking down our foods into usable metabolites. When this happens, toxic metabolites can form or build up in the body. For example, protein needs to be broken down into the various amino acids that the body uses to make substances like hormones and neurotransmitters. Fats need to be broken down by enzymes into fatty acids that can be transported to the brain, heart, and other organs that rely on healthy amounts of fatty acids to function. The hindering of enzymes within our systems is a big deal.
Here are some other potential causes of deficiencies:
1. Parasites can rob you of vital nutrients, leading to marked deficiencies. You may be eating well and avoiding processed foods, but having parasites can hinder your absorption of nutrients. Parasitic infections may also hinder the function of organs and tissues involved in digestion, further compounding the problem. Parasites also can harbor toxins and excrete waste material containing who knows what into your brain and your body. Yuck! The fact that parasites are known to reproduce rapidly is also problematic, especially over time when they are not being dealt with. I know it can be shocking to realize that parasites can affect the brain. Their presence in brains has been documented numerous times. Source.
2. Yeast infections, candida overgrowth, or other bacterial imbalances can also be detrimental to nutrient absorption. Healthy gut bacteria help our bodies digest and absorb nutrients. When there is overgrowth of various bacteria, like H. pylori, it can hinder our ability to utilize nutrients in the foods we eat.
3. If you have a diet that avoids eating red meats, it’s likely that you are low in iron, and in vitamins A,B, D, and E. Deficiencies in vitamin D compromise your immune system. Vitamins B2, B6, B9, and B12 are critical for many functions of the body involved with a healthy metabolic system. Depriving the body of key nutrients causes the body to pull nutrients from somewhere within itself. Fatigue and even cachexia (breaking down of muscle tissue) may result from ongoing deficiencies.
4. Toxic metals can displace some critical nutrients, like zinc and iron. Zinc is vital for brain function. Iron is key to healthy blood. In addition, toxic metals can potentially hinder the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones, resulting in a low-functioning or deficient thyroid. We are exposed to toxic metals in our personal care products, in adjuvants used in injections, and from the cookware that we use.
5. Artificial ingredients and synthetic vitamins may also displace nutrients and lead to deficiencies and imbalances. Most artificial ingredients have not been fully studied for the potential health risks that may occur over time yet they may often be found in cheaper supplements.
6. The use of antibiotics can create imbalances in the gut microbiome, and it can also hinder the absorption of some B vitamins that are vital to brain function, as I mentioned earlier.
If you wonder if your diet or past history of using antibiotics may be affecting your system today, it would be wise to look into it before you find more health issues popping up.
Do you question, “How likely is it that I have parasites?” If you ever drink tap water, swim in lakes, rivers, or pools, or if you have ever had food poisoning or pets, then the odds are extremely high that you have parasites. Even here in the USA. These critters don’t know borders. If parasites aren’t addressed, they can impair the brain’s function, and they can also impair other organs, like the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract.
WHAT DO WE DO?
First, we can start becoming more aware of the many ways that we may unknowingly be creating deficiencies in our bodies. (When we know better, we can do better.) Poor health doesn’t just happen to us. There are always causes and conditions that create the problems.
We can also…
1. Choose to eat more whole foods that are organically grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
2. Try natural alternatives to antibiotics first. Only use antibiotics if absolutely necessary. If you do use antibiotics, it is a good idea to offer targeted support to your body to reclaim the health of your microbiome. You may consider unprocessed organic kefir, yogurt, targeted probiotics, prebiotics, or enzymes.
3. Avoid taking the same probiotics for long periods of time. Even something that sounds good may become problematic over time.
4. Garden and grow more of our own fruits and vegetables. Even in Minnesota, we can grow strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, raspberries, and cherries in addition to many vegetables. We can take it a step further and preserve our more nutrient-dense foods by freezing or canning them.
5. Support local growers. Go to your farmer’s markets.
6. Choose sources that produce grass-fed beef without injecting their animals with toxins. We need to be brave and ask how the animals are raised.
7. Find out what toxins our bodies are struggling with and support our bodies with natural supplements and detoxification support. There is no quick fix or silver bullet. Little by little, layer by layer, you can support your body to get rid of what is hindering it, and you can simultaneously start to give it the nutrients it needs.
If you aren’t certain that you have deficiencies, here are some potential signs:
1. Ongoing fatigue
2. Digestive issues, or irregular bowel movements
3. Hormonal imbalances
4. Brain fog
5. Pale-colored skin or weak nails
6. Struggles with digesting foods containing fats or oils
7. Cognitive issues such as decline in memory, problem solving, and emotional regulation
If you have any signs or concerns about nutrient deficiencies or cognitive decline, it’s important to be proactive. Reach out for a free discovery call. You have nothing to lose, but much to gain.
Blessings!
Anita