Vitamin deficiency journey: My way of detection

Few weeks back, I did a thorough blood work for myself which I have been doing once a year for the past few years. I came to know that I got vitamin B12 and D deficiency. For the past few days, I felt weird in my own body and I think now it summarises everything.

So you all must be thinking that, what I was feeling weird before I got my tests done. Here’s the list:

• Hair fall
• Light-headed
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Feeling sleepy
• Pain in my tibial bone (bone below knees)

Some people may have pale skin, headaches, nausea, depression and brain fogginess. Symptoms may vary from person to person, but detecting it at the right moment and treating it properly are mandatory. Right now, we may feel that it’s just vitamin B12 and D deficiency but in the long-term period, it might cause you severe health issues.

How am I treating my vitamin deficiency?

As I mentioned, that everyone’s body reacts differently. So I started consuming multivitamin supplements. I feel, this is a good way to take a control over my vitamin deficiency. In some severe cases, doctors prescribe injections too (just providing info for severe cases).

I incorporated plant-based milk in my diet in the morning. It’s a great way to combat vitamin deficiency and also have various other benefits like, vitamin E and calcium. I also added spinach and beetroot in my daily diet. I love spinach in curries and in lentils. But unfortunately, I don’t like the taste of beetroot. So I added a few chunks of beetroot in my salad. You may also add potatoes, mushrooms and squash in your diet to treat your vitamin B12 deficiency.

Food for vitamin D deficiency

If you are not allergic to soy, then you must add soy milk and tofu in your diet. Unfortunately, I am allergic to soy, so I can’t add soy and tofu in my diet irrespective of the necessity. Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D which I added recently. I try to take sunlight for 15 mins a day and that’s quite good enough. You can also have an orange a day to tackle vitamin D deficiency.

The bottom line is, it’s not a tricky thing to deal with but detecting it at the right moment and taking the necessary steps are very important. Those who consume sea fish and meat, get enough of vitamin D and B12 but it’s not necessary that you cannot deal with it if you are a vegan or vegetarian. Supplements are always good to consume, but take it with a good physician’s prescription. Presently, I am taking multivitamins from HK Vitals and have been feeling better.