Are You Getting Your Vitamins?

Lately, I've been feeling really sluggish at work as well as outside of work. This past weekend, I had a family function that required me to go to my cousin's graduation. Normally, I would have been fine; however, at the end of the day I just felt totally exhausted! The next morning, we had to meet my family for breakfast. The whole production only took approximately an hour or two of my time. However, after I finished spending some quality time with my family, I was in my car with my boyfriend and told him I felt like I was going to pass out from exhaustion. Almost as soon as we got back to our apartment, I sat on the couch for a minute and fell asleep. I awoke later to find out that I had been out cold for almost four hours straight! I couldn't believe how tired I was. And if that wasn't enough, when I got up, I STILL felt tired! I attribute my recent bout of being tired with not eating right as well as not taking vitamins. There is a good chance that my iron levels are low, which could be a contributing factor in me not feeling so hot.

With the hectic lifestyle many people live today, America has become the fast food nation. Thankfully, while many Americans are starting to see the need for living a healthier lifestyle; however, if you are not eating a well balanced diet that is supplied with ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grains, you may still not be getting all of the vitamins that you need.

If you are suffering from a vitamin deficiency, it can effect many aspects of your health. For example, symptoms of a deficiency in Vitamin A includes night blindness, skin that is dry and flaky, a decreased appetite, anemia, and kidney stones. Those with a deficiency in Vitamin K may bruise and bleed easily. A prolonged deficiency in Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) will manifest itself with hypersensitivity to light, skin rashes, and a persistent sore throat. In fact, vitamins are needed for every function in your body, for healthy digestive and urinary track functions, for regulating new cell development, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.

The best way to get your vitamins is with a diet rich in healthy foods like carrots, spinach, milk, cabbage, potatoes, citrus fruit, liver, eggs, and fish. However, if you are feeling any of the fatigue or other symptoms of some vitamin deficiencies, it may be time to reevaluate your diet after consulting a doctor. Those who are not getting enough of the essential fuels for life should consider adding a daily supplement to their health regimen. Most vitamins are quite affordable and can be found in virtually any store. Just be sure to look over the options and choose the one that is best for you. This is a simple, painless way of doing something positive for yourself and a great step in keeping you in tip top shape.