White spots on your fingernails almost always point to a zinc deficiency in your body. The problem is, zinc is not found in large quantities in many foods. Oysters, pumpkin seeds and pulses are good sources, alternatively, supplement with zinc capsules from your local pharmacy. Another sign of zinc deficiency is a desire for more sugar and salt than usual.
 
A healthy tongue looks rosy red. What colour is yours?

A pale tongue can warn you are suffering anaemia, and need more iron in your diet. Liver from organically raised animals is the best source. But remember to avoid liver during pregnancy. Its high levels of vitamin A can harm unborn babies.

What to do if cracked lips never heal...

If you have persistent cracks at the corners of your mouth, and no amount of moisturiser gets rid of them, look to your diet. It is highly likely you are lacking riboflavin, vitamin B2 and other B vitamins. Take a Bcomplex  supplement to eradicate the problem, available from your pharmacy.

* Thick, tough and possibly yellow nails can indicate cardiovascular or lymphatic problems.
* Brittle nails could mean a lack of calcium.
* A concave nail, curving inwards, could indicate nutritional deficiencies.
* A convex nail, c urving outwards, can show respiratory disorders.
* Are there any  lines on your nails? Horizontal they indicate stress, or crash dieting. Rheumatoid
arthritis can be linked to vertical and pronounced lines.

Do you bruise easily?
Easy bruising may point to a nutritional deficiency that can lead to uncontrolled internal bleeding – a very  dangerous condition. Supplement your diet with 5-10mg of vitamin K each day and boost your intake of natural flavonoids by adding red, blue and purple fruits to your diet.

Goose bump skin...

Skin that feels or looks like ‘goose bumps’, especially on the upper arm, could indicate a vitamin A deficiency. This  condition, known as follicular hyperkeratosis, is basically a blockage of the
hair follicles. Beyond skin, vitamin A has  important roles in maintaining eye health and vision, respiratory health and immunity.

In the name of health!
 

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential

PS.  Twitching eyelids: This sign, or twitching of a small muscle anywhere in the body, is a hallmark of magnesium deficiency and occurs due to magnesium’s role in muscle relaxation.