How To Listen To Your Body And Understand Its Needs

Are you feeling run down, experiencing mysterious symptoms, or just not at your best? Mother Nature has a secret weapon for you: wild mushrooms and seaweed. These often-overlooked superfoods are packed with essential nutrients that can transform your health from the inside out and even work their magic through your skin. Let’s dive into the incredible world of golden chanterelles and sea vegetables to discover how they can revolutionize your well-being.

Topical Treasures from the Sea

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s hungry for nutrients. Harness the power of the ocean with these incredible seaweeds:

  • Nereocystis (Bull Kelp): Rich in iodine and antioxidants, it can help support thyroid function and protect your skin from environmental damage.
  • Mazzaella: Packed with polysaccharides, it may help hydrate and plump your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
  • Alaria: High in vitamins A and C, it can promote collagen production and skin elasticity.
  • Laminaria: Contains minerals like zinc and magnesium, which may help balance skin’s oil production and reduce inflammation.
  • Pyropia: Loaded with vitamin B12 and iron, it can help improve skin’s overall health and vitality. Incorporating these seaweeds into your skincare routine through masks, serums, or bath soaks can help nourish your body from the outside in.
Seaflora's Nereocystis
Using seaweed for bath soaks
Potent Sea Kelp Facial Masque in use along with Seaweed Eye Masque

Edible Elixirs: Golden Chanterelles and Seaweed

Boost your internal health with these nutrient-dense foods:- Golden Chanterelles:

Golden Chanterelle
Chanterelle being used in food

Seaweed Tea or Soup:

By incorporating golden chanterelle mushrooms and seaweed into your diet through soups, teas, or as side dishes, you’re giving your body a powerful nutrient boost.

Are You Ignoring These Nutrient Deficiency Signs? Listen to your body and try to understand it’s needs.

Common Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies

Twitchy Eye? Magnesium to the Rescue!

That annoying eye twitch isn’t just a quirk – it’s your body’s cry for magnesium. This mineral is crucial for proper nerve and muscle function. Load up on leafy greens like spinach and kale to keep those peepers steady.

Achy Back, Hips, and Quads? Hello, Vitamin D!

If you’re experiencing low back, hip, or quad pain, your body might be craving some sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and muscle function. Get outside for some natural sun exposure or consider a high-quality supplement.

Heart Racing? Potassium is the Answer

A fast-beating heart could be a sign you need more potassium. This electrolyte is vital for proper heart function. Grab an avocado for a delicious potassium boost.

Struggling Uphill? Vitamin E to the Rescue

Feeling exhausted when climbing stairs or hills? Your body might be low on vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant supports muscle health and endurance. Snack on some sunflower seeds to replenish your stores.

Muscle Weakness? Time for Some Sodium

Contrary to popular belief, sodium isn’t always the bad guy. If your muscles feel weak, you might need more salt – but not just any salt. Opt for mineral-rich sea salt to support proper muscle function.

Night Vision Issues? Vitamin A is Key

Having trouble seeing in low light? Your eyes might be crying out for vitamin A. This essential nutrient is crucial for night vision. Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin A, so consider adding them to your diet.

Decoding Your Body’s Signals: 20 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you listening to what your body is trying to tell you? In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to brush off minor symptoms as just part of life. But what if these seemingly insignificant signs are actually your body’s way of alerting you to important mineral deficiencies? Let’s dive into 20 common symptoms that might be more than just everyday annoyances.

The First 10 Red Flags

  1. Muscle cramps and weakness: Your body might be crying out for potassium.
  2. Irregular heartbeat: Don’t ignore this potential sign of calcium deficiency.
  3. Fatigue and weakness: Iron could be what you’re lacking.
  4. Numbness or tingling in extremities: Magnesium might be running low.
  5. Slow wound healing: Zinc deficiency could be the culprit.
  6. Bone pain: Another potential sign of calcium deficiency.
  7. Mood swings and anxiety: Magnesium levels might need a boost.
  8. Loss of appetite, taste, or smell: Zinc could be what you’re missing.
  9. Muscle twitching, especially around the face and mouth: Calcium might be running low again.
  10. Burning sensation in feet or tongue: This could indicate a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

10 More Symptoms and Their Nutritional Solutions

  1. Brittle nails and hair: Iron deficiency might be the issue.
  2. Restless leg syndrome: Another potential sign of iron deficiency.
  3. Frequent infections: Zinc deficiency could be compromising your immune system.
  4. Dry, scaly skin: Another sign that you might need more zinc.
  5. Poor night vision: While not a mineral, Vitamin A deficiency is often associated with mineral imbalances.
  6. Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland): This could indicate an iodine deficiency.
  7. Bone pain and increased fracture risk: Calcium might be what you’re lacking.
  8. Heart palpitations: Magnesium deficiency could be the cause.
  9. Impaired cognitive function: Copper deficiency might be affecting your brain health.
  10. Muscle weakness and tremors: Selenium deficiency could be the underlying issue.
photo taken with harvested seaweed

The Power of Seaweed

For those harder-to-find minerals, seaweed can be a fantastic source:

  • Iodine: Found in kombu, wakame, and dulse.
  • Manganese: Abundant in hijiki and arame.
  • Fucoxanthin (a powerful antioxidant): Present in wakame and hijiki.

Listening to Your Body’s Wisdom

Remember, your body is an incredible machine with its own intelligence. These symptoms are its way of communicating that something might be out of balance. By paying attention to these signals and addressing potential mineral deficiencies through a varied, nutrient-rich diet, you can support your body’s natural healing processes. However, it’s crucial to note that while dietary changes can be beneficial, they’re not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your journey to optimal health starts with listening to your body and nourishing it with the minerals it needs. So, the next time you experience one of these symptoms, ask yourself: What is my body trying to tell me?

author avatar
Seaflora Holistic Nutritionist, Seaweed SME, General Manager at Seaflora Skincare Inc.
Vancouver Island is a Gift wrapped in Seaweed!