7 body language signals that tell you malnutrition

As white-collar workers face increasing work pressure, their diet often fails to keep up, which can easily lead to malnutrition. Most white-collar workers easily overlook the importance of a nutritious diet. Malnutrition often leads to a series of disease problems such as decreased immunity. Let's take a look at the little signals from your body that indicate you need to replenish your nutrition in time!

1. Unexplained fatigue

Iron deficiency can easily lead to fatigue. When the human body lacks iron, it may cause symptoms of anemia, which can make our face pale. Keep in mind that people with dangerous medical conditions, such as heart disease, depression, or thyroid problems, may also be contributing to fatigue.

If you feel unusually weak or tired, it is wise to tell your doctor about these symptoms.

2. Dry and brittle hair

Protein is the main component of our hair and is therefore often used as an indicator to diagnose nutritional deficiencies. "When an older person's hair looks like a scare wig -- brittle, dry, and thinning -- it's often a sign of a nutrient-deficient diet," says nutritionist Carolyn Miller. Brittle hair can reflect deficiencies in essential fatty acids, protein, iron, and other nutrients. While some hair loss is normal as you age, if your hair begins to fall out at an abnormal rate, nutritional deficiencies may be the cause. Once your doctor determines that a nutritional deficiency is causing these problems, they can treat it with diet or nutritional supplements.

3. Problems with the mouth

If you notice cracking or inflammation around your mouth, it may be a sign that your body is lacking in vitamin B2 or the trace element iron. If your tongue also turns white, you need to supplement iron and vitamin B2.

Burning mouth syndrome is still a disease of unknown cause. It is generally believed that it may be caused by a deficiency of iron, zinc or vitamin B.

4. Ridged or spoon-shaped nails

Fingernails, like hair, are good indicators for early warning signs of dietary deficiencies. Spoon-shaped nails can be an indicator of iron deficiency anemia.

If you have iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend iron supplements and iron-rich foods such as liver and shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels).

5. Loss of appetite

As people age, their taste buds lose their original sensitivity, which can lead to loss of appetite. Because older people are less active, they need relatively fewer calories. Long-term use of medications may also lead to anorexia.

Chronic loss of appetite can be a serious warning sign that you are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies. If you find yourself skipping meals because you're not hungry, you should talk to your doctor about it. A blood test can reveal which important nutritional deficiencies you may have. Having a professional nutritionist evaluate your food intake can also help identify nutritional deficiencies.

6. Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of malnutrition, which means nutrients are not being adequately absorbed by the body. Infection, surgery, certain medications, heavy alcohol use, and indigestion can all lead to malnutrition.

It is important to consult a doctor when you have frequent diarrhea.

7. Indifference or irritability

Unexplained mood changes, especially feeling sluggish or irritable, can be symptoms of depression, but they can also be caused by the body not getting enough energy. If you're constantly feeling down or forgetful, see your doctor.