Because of all the processed foods that are consumed in the United States of America, the population is greatly deficient in many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for healthy living. These deficiencies are a major contributing factor to the rise of things like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other causes of preventable death. Here are the 9 most common nutrient deficiencies in the United States.
CALCIUM—50% deficient: Found in dairy products, leafy green vegetables. Women need calcium from an early age because of the way that it helps to prevent osteoporosis. It also helps women retain bone density and muscle strength during pregnancy. Common symptoms of calcium deficiency include: depression, insomnia, and weak bones, teeth, and nails.
SELENIUM—50% deficient: Found in many plants and seafood. Common symptoms of selenium deficiency include the impairment or dysfunction of growth processes and other natural functions of the endocrine (pancreas), digestive, and immune systems.
ZINC—70% deficient: Found in proteins (that aren’t consumed in the United States—liver, etc). The most common symptom of zinc deficiency is a weakened immune system characterized by increased infections, however higher cholesterol and impairment of memory are also somewhat common.
COPPER—75% deficient: Found in exotic foods like beef liver, foreign (Asian) mushrooms, various kinds of seafood (all of which explain its rarity in the United States). Common symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, depression, and hyperthyroidism
PYRIDOXINE (VITAMIN B6)—80% deficient: Found in potatoes, bananas, and several common proteins. Common symptoms of pyridoxine deficiency include acne, anemia, arthritis, and hair and skin issues including wound healing.
MAGNESIUM—80% deficient: Found easily in nuts, pod vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include anxiety, hyperactivity, and restlessness.
CHROMIUM—90% deficient: Found easily in whole grains, lean meats, and spices. Common symptoms of chromium deficiency include anxiety, fatigue, and even type II diabetes on a long term basis (because of its relationship with the metabolizing of fats and carbohydrates).
IRON—the most commonly deficient mineral in the American diet is found easily in nearly every kind of protein. Obviously, symptoms include anemia, iron deficiency can also present itself as depression, constipation, and oral lesions or other complications.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS—are the MOST COMMONLY deficient nutrients in the American diet. This is because they are generally found in ocean fish, though you can also get some of them from nuts. Common symptoms of fatty acid deficiency include immunity and cellular repair dysfunction and even degeneration of the liver.
