Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient Deficiencies
If you’ve been eating a well-balanced diet yet you are struggling with nutrient deficiencies it might be time to investigate further and look at your gut function to understand why this is occurring. I often see clients who are deficient in many different nutrients even though they eat a well balanced diet.
In order for nutrients to be absorbed, our food must go through a chemical and mechanical digestive process which involves digestive enzymes. These enzymes break our food up into macro and micronutrients, things like protein is broken down into amino acids and carbohydrates are converted into glucose which in turn produces energy or is stored by the body for later.
Our small intestine plays a big role in nutrient absorption, and things like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) IBS and Celiac disease are linked to nutrient deficiencies as they prevent us from being able to absorb these nutrients properly.
In order for nutrients to be absorbed properly we need to have a healthy digestive system, when we have poor gut health, we typically have low levels of good gut flora, low levels of digestive enzymes and low levels of stomach acid preventing foods being broken down and absorbed efficiently.
So, you can see why no matter how healthy of a diet you eat, if your enzymes are lacking or you have poor gut health and low levels of good bacteria you really aren’t getting the benefit from these foods.
What factors can lead to poor absorption?
As I mentioned above IBS, SIBO and coeliac disease all have a negative impact on our absorption, but these are only 3 factors that impact the process. Other factors include eating a poor diet which is high in sugar and processed foods, not getting enough fibre, medications such as anti-depressants and blood pressure medications as well as alcohol and stress.
Alcohol has been shown to reduce the number of digestive enzymes in your GI tract making it difficult to absorb nutrients, so those who are big drinkers may find they suffer from reflux and heart burn, gas and bloating after a session of drinking. Stress increases our nutrient requirements, in particularly vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium -- which can lead to irritability and fatigue when these nutrients become depleted.
Iron is commonly one of the first deficiencies my clients notice, these symptoms present as fatigue, pale skin, brittle nails, headaches, cold hands and feet, dizziness, dry hair, and inflammation of the tongue. Your hair, skin and nails can show obvious signs of deficiencies.
In order to improve your absorption, it is first best to address the underlying cause of the issue, which is what us naturopaths do best!
If you are interested in booking an online session you can do that through this website.
I have also put together a 5-week course in order to help you overcome your digestive issues and heal your gut for better nutrient absorption, it’s called Healthy Gut, Happy You.
I’m all about empowering you to make the changes you need to improve your health, whether it be through my 5-week online course or personal sessions I will be your guide and support you on your journey.
Link to my 5 week course is below:
As always, any questions drop me at line at naturopath@kyliesartori.com.au
Kylie x
