- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
15 Of The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies Most Americans Have
Photo credit: bigstock.com
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency never used to be a problem in the US. However, everyone is now so “sun-shy” that vitamin D deficiencies are quite common. Researchers estimate that at least 50 percent of Americans have a vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is vital for stopping depression, proper immune system function, and stopping cancer. Be certain that you get a minimum of 15 minutes of sunshine each day on your bare skin. If you have darker skin, you need even more. Have your vitamin D levels checked at least once each year.
3. Zinc
This interesting little compound is found in every single cell in the body. Zinc is what helps the immune system fight off viruses, such as the flu, and bacteria. It helps the body make protein, and even affects your DNA development. Without zinc, you would have no sense of taste or smell! One of the easiest ways to get zinc is through Brazil nuts. Just one Brazil nut each day will give you all the zinc you need to keep your immune system strong. You can also find zinc in seafood such as crab, lobster, and oysters, or in red meat, like beef.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Having low levels of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked in studies with an increased risk of death from all causes. Most Americans eat too many of the omega-6 fatty acids via GMO vegetable oils, which increase inflammation in the body. This conditions you for numerous health problems, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, depression, and even certain types of cancer.
If you have been suffering from a poor attention span, dry hair, brittle nails, dry skin, “chicken skin” on the back of the arms, and fatigue, you could have an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and not enough omega-3 fatty acids. By getting more fish to eat you supply your body with plenty of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take a fish oil or krill oil supplement, but speak with your doctor about the proper dosage for your unique condition.
Continue to Page 3
