* Twitching eyelids...twitching of a small muscle anywhere in the body is a sign of magnesium deficiency and happens due to magnesium's job in muscle relaxation. Magnesium deficiency is one of more common mineral deficiencies... probably because it is so easily depleted by stress, alcohol and coffee. The other signs of low magnesium include leg cramps, insomnia and depression. Low levels of magnesium also increase our vulnerability to conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Unfortunately wheat loses 90% of its magnesium during the milling process.
So it can be very difficult for a normal diet to provide enough magnesium.
Good sources of magnesium are whole wheat, tofu, kelp, nuts and brown rice.
* Cracks in the corners of your mouth...Known as angular cheilosis. Together with mouth ulcers...and most infections of the tongue or mouth...is a sign of vitamin B deficiency. This is due to their role in cell reproduction. The mouth is vulnerable as it is an area repeatedly scalded and abraded. The mouth may be the first sign of low vitamin B in the body. Other indicators can be dermatitis, tiredness as vitamin B plays an important part in energy production, and also poor stress response.
The vitamin B group is mainly found in vegetables, seeds, whole grains, nuts, legumes and organ meats. White pasta, white bread, and white rice are lacking in these vitamins. Alcohol, coffee and stress account for enormous reduction of all B vitamins due to their water-soluble nature.
* Bleeding gums...Vitamin C has a critical role in reproduction of connective tissue which is important for wound healing, blood vessels and healthy gums...and vital for immunity. The widely known vitamin C deficiency disease is scurvy but may happen when levels are low enough...but even minor deficiency may cause bleeding gums...mainly notice when brushing teeth or biting into a hard fruit. Signs of vitamin C deficiency often occur in clusters...so you can experience easy bruising at the same time...which equally occurs due to increased weakness of the blood vessels.
The answer is to eat freshly prepared vegetables and fruit. The richest sources are broccoli, peppers, guava, berries, Brussels sprouts and citrus fruits. Stress and tobacco will quickly drain the nutrient.
* Goose bump skin...Skin that feels or looks like 'goose bumps'...especially on the upper arm is a sign of vitamin A deficiency. This condition is called follicular hyperkeratosis...and is simply a blockage of the hair follicles. After the skin...vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy eye vision, respiratory health and immunity.
It is vital to eat good amounts of dark green, orange and yellow vegetables. It is also important to maintain high levels of zinc and vitamin C...as these nutrients have a critical role to play in converting the form of vitamin A you get from vegetables and fruit into functional form for your body.
Does your tongue look rosy red?
A pale tongue can inform you that you are suffering from anemia...and more iron is needed in your diet.
Liver from organically raised animals is the best source...but keep in mind to avoid liver during pregnancy...the high levels of vitamin A may harm unborn babies.
Do your cracked lips never heal?
If your persistent cracks at the corner of your mouth never seem to heal...and no amount of moisturizer cures the problem...then you should take a look at your diet.
It is very likely that you are lacking riboflavin, vitamin B2 and other B vitamins...take B complex supplements to cure this problem...and is available from any good drug store.
