What do muscle cramps, hair fall and brittle nails have in common? Doctor explains 10 nutrient deficiency red flags
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
10 Body Clues You Shouldn't Ignore
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Why This Matters
Most of us brush off everyday health niggles like hair fall, dandruff, brittle nails, or even constant fatigue. But what if your body is actually waving red flags, signalling something deeper? According to nutrition expert Dr Vishakha , these little discomforts may not just be minor inconveniences, they can be your body's way of saying: 'I'm running low on key nutrients!'Sharing her insights in a viral Instagram video, Dr Vishakha breaks down 10 common symptoms and what they could really mean for your health."These signs may be your body's SOS, catch them early, fix your health faster," she captioned the video, urging people to listen to the subtle cues our bodies give us every day.1. DandruffA flaky scalp could mean your body is running low on essential fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B complex.2. Frequent mouth ulcersRecurring painful mouth sores? They could signal a folate or zinc deficiency.3. Brittle nailsWeak, break-prone nails may indicate low levels of iron, zinc, or protein.4. Muscle crampsThose sudden painful spasms might mean your body is lacking magnesium, calcium, or potassium.5. Swollen, bleeding gumsA classic sign of vitamin C deficiency, also known as gingivitis.6. Dry, thinning eyebrowsThis could point to thyroid issues (especially hypothyroidism) or iodine deficiency.7. Brain fogStruggling to concentrate? It may be down to low omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B12.8. Slow wound healingCuts and wounds taking forever to heal? You could be deficient in zinc or protein.9. Hair thinning & hair lossOften linked to low protein, zinc, and iron levels.10. Persistent fatigueIf you're constantly drained, check your vitamin D, iron, and magnesium levels.Dr Vishakha explains that spotting these clues early can save you from more serious health issues in the future. 'Your body is always talking to you,' she says. 'It's about learning to decode the signals before they snowball into bigger problems.'The solution? A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, timely health checks, and proactive lifestyle choices.Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or your own doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns. ET bears no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes arising from the use of this information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Fitness coach made his parents lift weights every day for a year; shares shocking results: ‘Mom's knee pain disappeared'
Chronic knee pain can make even the simplest movements feel impossible, and lasting relief often seems out of reach. Fitness coach Navneeth Ramprasad decided to put the power of daily strength training to the test, on his own parents. He put them on a one-year weightlifting routine, and the results were nothing short of surprising. Daily strength training transforms older adults' lives, says fitness coach.(Freepik) In his August 18 Instagram post, he wrote, "A year ago, my parents said, 'Lifting weights? That's for young people. We're too old for all that. Walking is enough, no?' They were wrong. And I'm glad I didn't listen. Because after 365 days of strength training, here's what actually changed." (Also read: Alia Bhatt's fitness trainer says 'sitting is the new smoking'; shares easy exercises to stay active ) 1. My mom's knee pain disappeared No surgery. No painkillers. Just simple squats and leg extensions every other day. Today, she climbs stairs effortlessly, without holding the railing. 2. My dad's blood sugar dropped by 30 points No diet fads. No new medications. Just compound movements and consistent protein intake. His doctor even asked: "What are you doing differently?" 3. Their faces look younger, stronger and full of life Muscle is medicine, not just for the body, but for the brain, bones, skin, and energy. The most surprising part? They now remind Navneeth if he misses a workout. If you've been trying to convince your parents, take this as proof: Strength training isn't just for bodybuilders It's the cheapest health insurance for ageing And it's never too late to start Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
NDTV
25 minutes ago
- NDTV
Weight Loss Journey: Mom Influencer Lost 20 Kgs In 8 Months With Home Workouts; Here's The Complete Routine
Weight loss requires a multifaceted approach that combines various strategies for sustainable results. One effective method that gained popularity during the pandemic is home workouts. Working out at home is convenient, cost-effective, and flexible. Recently, an Instagram influencer shared her weight loss journey on Instagram. Nihira Aggarwal, a mom influencer, revealed that she lost 20 kgs in just 8 months with the help of home workouts, consistency, and pure dedication. In an Instagram video, Nihira Aggarwal shared pictures of her impressive body transformation along with her complete weekly workout routine. "In addition to my diet, I've been incorporating weight training and cardio into my routine. I do home workouts, which help me stay consistent. Each week, I perform weight training four times, cardio twice, and I take one day off from exercising," she said in the video. Complete workout routine Here's a detailed overview of her workout routine based on the muscle groups being targeted: Monday: Legs Exercises: 1) Squats 2) Lunges 3) Calf raises 4) Wall Squats 5) Hip Thrust Tuesday: Abs Exercises: 1) Plank 2) Crunch 3) Bicycle Crunch 4) V-ups 5) Russian Twist Wednesday: Arms Exercises: 1) Bicep Curl 2) Hammer curl 3) Overhead Tricep Extensions 4) Deadlift Thursday: Back and shoulder Exercises: 1) Lateral Raises 2) Shoulder Press 3) Bent Over Row 4) Shrugs 5) Front Raise Cardio for the remaining two days, which includes High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) And finally, no workouts once a week for rest and recovery She also revealed that she performs 3 sets of each exercise, with her workouts lasting about 40 minutes, including warm-up and stretching exercises. "I record my workout, which helps me correct my posture," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nihira Aggarwal (@nihiraaggarwal) How to make home workouts efficient If you have been trying to lose weight with a home workout, here are some tips to maximise results. 1. Set realistic goals Define specific and achievable weight loss goals to keep you motivated. This could be aiming to lose a certain number of kilos or completing a set number of workouts each week. 2. Choose the right form of exercise A combination of cardio and strength training can help you shed kilos. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can be especially effective, as it maximizes calorie burn in a shorter time frame. 3. Create a schedule Plan your workouts to build consistency. It will help you prioritize exercise in your daily life. 4. Use equipment Invest in a few basic equipment, such as resistance bands, dumbbells, or a yoga mat. They can add variety and intensity to your workouts. 5. Eat right Pair your workouts with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for effective weight loss. 6. Listen to your body It's essential to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Adjust your workouts to avoid injury and ensure you're challenging yourself without overdoing it. Try this exercise routine and maximize the benefits of your home workouts with these tips. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
57-year-old woman ignored headaches for months until her Apple Watch alert led to shocking brain tumour diagnosis
After enduring one heartbreak after another, 57-year-old Sam Adams thought she had already faced the worst life could throw at her. Within months, she had lost her father, her beloved dog, and seen her marriage fall apart. But just as she began to rebuild, an unexpected health scare revealed a condition that would change everything. (Also read: 29-year-old woman with 'healthiest diet' shares she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer: 'My body started giving signs' ) Facing a series of personal tragedies, Sam Adams experienced a health crisis that revealed a brain tumour.(Instagram/@samadamscoach) Sam, from near Brighton, East Sussex, recalls how 2020 was the year that broke her. She cared for her father in his final weeks, mourned the sudden death of her dog, and tried to cope with a collapsing marriage. "The grief was unbearable. It shook my sense of who I was and left me paralysed," she explains. "I felt like I was drowning emotionally. Depression set in, and I hit rock bottom," she told The Sun. After spending 2021 slowly piecing herself back together, Sam decided on a solo trip to Costa Rica in 2022, a journey she describes as a turning point. Immersing herself in nature and practising daily breathwork helped her reset. "I fell in love with the trees, with being outdoors. That trip gave me back a sense of peace and clarity," she says. How did a simple watch warning change everything? But just two weeks after returning home, things took a turn. She had bumped her head abroad and brushed off the dizziness and fatigue that followed as jet lag. "I had no energy, my head ached, and my Apple Watch kept warning that my heart rate was too low," she recalls. Initially dismissing it, Sam finally went to a pharmacist for a blood pressure check. Within hours, her GP called, warning her to avoid exertion and to dial 999 if she experienced chest, shoulder, or jaw pain. The following day, an ECG revealed her heart was producing extra beats, a condition called cardiac ectopy. Usually harmless, it can occasionally become dangerous. Doctors ordered further tests, including a CT scan, to rule out other issues. How did she discover brain tumour That scan uncovered something Sam could never have expected: a brain tumour. "It was earth-shattering," she says. "I sat on my sofa in shock and phoned my sister. I was suddenly face-to-face with my own mortality. I was terrified to go to sleep in case I wouldn't wake up." Doctors reassured Sam that the tumour was likely benign but inoperable because of its location. It would need lifelong monitoring, along with daily aspirin to reduce risk. Her heart, meanwhile, required treatment. In August 2022, she underwent an ablation procedure to correct the strain on her heart. The ordeal, performed without sedation, was "horrific," Sam recalls. How is she living with 'Timmy' today Today, Sam refers to her tumour as "Timmy," though she admits it is a constant source of worry. 'If I lose balance, I panic. I've coined the term 'scanxiety' for the fear I feel before and after every hospital check-up.' She also battles fatigue, weight gain, and reduced energy, but she tries to focus on the positives. "I've been through hell, but I'm still here," she says. Looking back, Sam believes that years of unprocessed stress played a role in her health collapse. "In 2020, I carried so much trauma without realising what it was doing to my body. Breathwork became my way out. It helped me regulate my nervous system, release stress, and reconnect with myself," she explains. That realisation inspired her to train as a life coach and breathwork facilitator. Now, she helps others facing emotional overload, burnout, and loss to find clarity and resilience. "My watch may have sounded the alarm, but breathwork gave me back my life," she says. 'Costa Rica reminded me what truly matters. I came home braver, calmer, and more connected than I'd been in years.' Though her tumour remains, Sam focuses on living fully: "I can't change what's happened, but I can use it to help others heal before their bodies scream at them like mine did." Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
