If you have participated in any of our RevEssentials Nutritional Seminars you have learned how being aware of and tracking how much protein, carbohydrates and fats (macronutrients) can help you lose body fat and gain muscle mass.
Last nights' Seminar our topic was on the underdog: Micronutrients. We need fewer amounts of micronutrients(mg) when compared to Macronutrients(g) however ingesting a variety of micronutrients will help our bodies perform optimally: help our cells deflect toxins and infections and repair damaged cells.
An easy way to see if you are deficient in any micronutrient (minerals and vitamins) is to be aware of signs your body shows you.
Why do some people have allergies during certain times of the year while others don't get allergies all year? Why do some people have chronic episodes of feeling sad and depressed while others don't? Some or someone you know may have mood swings and also have trouble remembering things...hmm? Vitamin B deficiency perhaps? Or perhaps not.
Either way, before you go buy a bottle of Vitamin B supplements stop and ask a professional. You have a higher risk of overdosing on vitamins and minerals when taken through supplements than you would adding sunflower seeds, beans and whole grains to your nutrition.
These are questions to ask your professional health care provider (HCP); not WEBMD or your friend who may or may not be experiencing the same symptoms. =)
A day in the life of Kat: Today is the day that I finally called the doctor's office to make an appointment for some blood work. The earliest appointment is next month. Ok, no big deal. In the meantime practice body awareness and take notes on what symptoms I am feeling for the next few weeks.
Honestly, I hadn't had major symptoms which prompted me to make the appointment in the first place. I made it because it had been more than 10 years since I had done blood work and being that I was entering my 40's I figured it was the most "adult" thing for me to do for myself.
Symptoms I felt were fatigue throughout the day and especially in my workouts. I did what I think most people with those symptoms do, drink more coffee.
Appointment day finally arrived, I requested for a full panel. You may think I just asked for a general blood work test to be done. No. I asked for a FULL panel: kidneys, adrenals, liver...the whole nine yards and 9-viles of blood later the "adulting" was over.
A short week after I consulted my HCP and I learned I was anemic. Not just borderline but severely anemic. The lowest of the acceptable range starts at 16. I came back a 7. WOW.
This explains the fatigue I have been feeling and also explains a whole list of other symptoms that I ignored: weakness, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails.
Following doctors orders I started an Iron supplement right away and began to incorporate foods high in iron such as: pumpkin seeds, red meat, leafy greens, oysters and quinoa. Nope, I am not going to eat liver. Follow up appointment is in 3 months.
Knowledge is power. Get your blood work done regularly and learn ways to improve your physical and mental states. Do it for yourself today and for your future self!
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