Most common nutrient deficiencies affect both the developing and affluent world. This proves that it is not the lack of resources that causes health problems. In fact, the remedies usually do not cost so much and are readily available. So what is the root of the problem?
Iron Deficiency
Iron is important in the delivery of oxygenated blood throughout the body. Without it, your cells will be oxygen-deprived and this could lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, and inability to focus, to name a few. What is more alarming is that iron deficiency in little children can lead to complications like mental retardation, delayed physical growth, and behavioral problems.
Are you aware that there are over 2 billion people today with anemia caused by lack of Iron? The primary reason for it is lack of intake of iron-rich food. This is unfortunate as there are many food types high in Iron content. Examples of these are the following:
- Beef or Chicken (organic, to avoid hormones and other nasty chemicals)
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach
- Nuts
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Seafood
- Dark chocolate
Adults need 8-10 mg of iron per day. Growing kids, and pregnant and menstruating women require more iron intake per day. Take note that Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron by the body. Therefore, when you consume these foods, do it together with Vitamin C-rich foods.
Also read: Iron Deficiency: Easy Ways To Get More Iron On A Plant-Based Diet
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine plays a major role in the production of various thyroid hormones. In turn, these hormones regulate various metabolism processes such as growth and energy expenditure. As the body cannot produce iodine, it must be included in our diet. The list of iodine-rich foods include the following:
- Iodine fortified salt (iodized salt)
- Seafood (dried seaweed is very rich in iodine)
- Organic milk
- Potato
- Eggs
- Shrimp
Here are some staggering data concerning iodine.
- An estimated 740 million people all over the world are affected by this nutritional deficiency.
- The daily requirement of iodine is only 150 micrograms. That is roughly like a 20,000th of a teaspoon.
- Iodine deficiency can lead to these complications: Infertility, autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, hypertension to pregnant women, mental retardation to babies, and increased risk for thyroid cancer.
In addition, cancers of the prostrate, breast, and ovary have been linked to inadequate iodine volume in the body as well.
Also read: 10 Powerful Natural Ways To Treat Hypothyroidism
Vitamin A Deficiency
Like the two nutrient deficiencies previously mentioned, Vitamin A deficiency is primarily caused by prolonged dietary deprivation. Hence, consuming foods high in Vitamin A could stop health problems such as these:
- Around 2.8 million children below 5 years old have lost their sight due to this deficiency.
- Impaired immunity. One becomes prone to diseases.
- Respiratory infections.
- Skin problems.
Regular intake of carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, fish, bell peppers, dried apricots and cantaloupe meets the daily requirement need of 5000 IU Vitamin A.
Final thoughts
Nobody needs to suffer from these three most common nutrient deficiencies. It takes so little effort to prevent these world health problems. Do your part. Eat properly and then help spread the news.
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Sources include:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12947458
http://www.webmd.com/diet/iron-rich-foods
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/5-common-nutrient-deficiencies-and-what-to-do-about-them/#axzz3XPxiptBt
