Until I know what is causing the problem and until I know exactly what I'm deficient in, I could be making my condition/situation worse. Many deficiencies share the same symptoms. I could very easily have multiple deficiencies...a few symptoms from one deficiency, a few symptoms from another and be completely misinterpreting them (without a test) to thinking I only have one deficiency or that simply by taking more supplements, I'll feel better.
Here is where I went wrong: First, I have no idea where I am deficient (although I will find out soon enough at my Endocrinology Appointment). Second, some deficiencies require an ample supply of other vitamins/minerals/nutrients in order to bind, or work, properly within the body. A lot of the times, thyroid issues cause digestion issues. If your body is not properly absorbing the supplements, you are wasting time and money taking them. In order to truly benefit from taking the supplements, it is important to know 1) what is causing the issues to begin with and 2) exactly what deficiencies there are so that you can take the proper supplements.
A lot of people have a magnesium deficiency. Some of the symptoms for magnesium deficiencies are:
- Low energy
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Confusion (Foggy Brain)
- Nervousness
- Anxiousness
- Irritability
- Seizures (and Tantrums)
- Poor digestion
- PMS and hormonal imbalances
- Inability to sleep
- Muscle tension
- Calcification of organs
- Weakening of the bones (easy breaks/fractures, etc)
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Vitamin B deficiencies:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Light Headedness
- Pale skin
- Sore tongue
- Easy bleeding, including bleeding gums
- Stomach upset and weight loss
- Diarrhea or Constipation (or a combination of the two)
- Difficulty walking
- Depression
- Memory Loss/Confusion/Disorientation
Copper deficiencies:
- Anemia/low red blood cell count
- Loss of sensation
- Difficulty walking
- Tremors
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty swallowing
- Problems speaking
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of pigmentation (in skin and/or hair)
A lot of vitamin/mineral deficiencies have similar symptoms. Taking Vitamin B for a copper deficiency does not do your body any good and you may be spending time and energy trying to correct an issue that you may not have.
With today's average diet, there are a lot of people who are deficient in a whole range of vitamins/minerals. Having a test done every few years (or yearly) to see where your vitamin/mineral levels are can help you to make the right choices for your body in order to help you keep your body at optimal health.
People like Dr. Oz put out all kinds of videos that help find "deficiencies". I think it is important to pay attention to what he is saying, "You MAY have this vitamin deficiency" if you do the self-test. See here for the videos.
I should also add (and stress) that if you feel you have a vitamin deficiency, it is even MORE important to have a test done. Most people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency are also deficient in other vitamins/minerals (because other vitamins and minerals depend on the B12, etc). Also, vitamin B12 deficiency can be a sign that the digestive system is not properly absorbing the vitamin. If your digestive system is not working properly, taking oral supplements is not going to help you...and you really need to find the cause in order to treat the symptoms. If your body is not adequately absorbing Vitamin B12, what else is it not absorbing?
This was just a long post for a short thought: if you feel you are deficient or you know you have symptoms that are listed for deficiencies, please consider having your doctor order the proper tests to see where the deficiencies come from and how best to take/use the supplements. For people who are having digestive issues, they do make a lot of vitamins/minerals that can be applied topically (to the skin) for absorption instead of relying on the body to break down and utilize the ingested supplements.
And, one thing I've learned thoroughly: this is definitely the road less traveled for many doctors. If you do not get the answers you are looking for, you really need to seek them out. Do your research, reach out to others who have had the same issues. The answers are out there if you look for them. Find a new doctor, request a referral, but don't stop searching for the answers.
Have a happy, healthy day!!
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