The career and life become more stable and steadier as a person reaches 40 years. However, there are many things that a person slowly begins to lose as he grows older. The signs of aging might become more evident and noticeable as you reach 40 years. Many nutrients even start to deplete, which are essential for healthy metabolism and body functioning.
It is therefore essential to keep a look at common nutritional deficiencies, especially in your 40s, as it might make your smooth and steady life a little bumpy. Knowing about the most common nutritional deficiencies that are more likely to occur during this time will help to consciously make up for such nutrients through dietary sources.
What Can Cause Nutritional Deficiencies?
There are many factors that can contribute to and result in the deficiency of some key nutrients. Let us quickly review some of these factors
1. Lifestyle Choices
Bad lifestyle choices would not hurt much during early youthful years; however, it would certainly result in the form of nutritional deficiencies as soon as you reach 40 years. Thus, get yourself a healthy lifestyle. It will keep you healthy and fit. Moreover, it will add extra years to your life.
2. Unhealthy Diet
Consistently relying on unhealthy food eventually leads to deficiency of many essential nutrients later in life. It is, therefore, necessary to manage a healthy and nourishing diet. Always look to take a more simple, healthy, and nourishing diet.
3. Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a very common health issue all around in America. Excessive consumption of alcohol has no health benefits and offers countless harm to overall health. Experts believe that over time alcohol abuse can also result in nutritional deficiencies. It is thus essential to figure a way out of this deadly habit.
Unmanageable withdrawal symptoms come with prolonged use of alcohol and drugs. In such situations, only professional help might seem effective. Collectively alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms can be dealt with by professional care from a rehab center.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies
Here are some common nutrient deficiencies that individuals are likely to face during the 40th decade of their life.
4. Calcium
As we age, the bones and joints become weak and worn out. It is very common to face calcium deficiency as a person reaches 40 years. Calcium deficiency is even more common in women than in men. Women might also experience some serious conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis due to weaker bones.
However, adding calcium-rich dietary sources in routine can help to avoid the deficiency of this crucial nutrient. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and cream are some rich sources of it. Furthermore, your physician might recommend some supplements if required.
5. Vitamin D
The deficiency of calcium and Vitamin D go side by side. The body is unable to absorb enough calcium with the deficiency of vitamin D. Thus, for stronger and healthier bones, the body needs both calcium and vitamin D. With age, especially as one reaches 40 years, there is a greater risk of dealing with Vitamin D deficiency.
In addition to keeping bones healthy, it is also very essential for a healthy immune system. The human body can make vitamin D on its own, but it needs sufficient dietary support for it. You can look to add more eggs, milk, cereals, and seafood such as salmon and tuna.
6. Foliate
Foliate deficiency is very common among people of all age groups, and it becomes even more common as a person gets older. Many women are more likely to experience foliate deficiency. Foliate deficiency might also result in anemia which can lead to other health consequences.
It is, therefore, crucial to add more foliate sources to your diet. Experts believe that supplements would not help much when it comes to making up for this nutrient deficiency. A better and great way to deal with foliate deficiency is by adding it through dietary means. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, organ meat such as liver and beans are great sources of foliate.
7. Vitamin K
One can assure healthier and stronger bones even in the 40s and 50s by making sure to maintain a good intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K provides additional support along with calcium and Vitamin D in keeping bones healthier and stronger.
As the body ages, it becomes less efficient in driving nutrients, and thus resultantly, individuals deal with many key nutrient deficiencies. Some great sources of vitamin K are pomegranate juice, leafy vegetables, and soybeans.
8. Potassium
Potassium assists in managing blood pressure and overall heart health as it nullifies the harmful effects of sodium on cardiovascular health. Often people with high blood pressure are thus suggested to limit salt intake and take more of a potassium-rich diet.
As we age, the body is more likely to face potassium deficiency, and thus it is essential to making sure its intake through diet. In addition to diet, supplements are also used to get sufficient amounts of potassium into the body.
9. Magnesium
It is a very vital mineral, and without it, the body might not be able to effectively utilize Vitamin C, E, and iodine. Furthermore, magnesium plays a vital role in pain management, muscle functioning, and maintenance of hormonal balance. A person is at greater risk of dealing with its deficiency as he grows older. One can look to take more of a magnesium-rich diet to avoid its deficiency. Nuts, beans, and vegetables are good sources of it.
10. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essentially important when it comes to dealing with signs of aging. It is an antioxidant and also slows down signs of aging over the skin. Vitamin E is also very useful for cardiovascular health. You may take it from dietary sources such as almonds, peanuts, and vegetable oil.
Take Away
The body’s ability to utilize and derive key nutrients also declines with age, and thus one might have to face key nutrient deficiencies, especially around the ages of 40s and 50s. A healthy diet and supplements can help to avoid these deficiencies.
