Harvard doctor explains 5 subtle signs your body is crying out for essential nutrients

Ever looked in the mirror or felt something weird in your body and thought, “Hmm, that’s odd”? Well, sometimes, your body sends little clues that it’s running low on key nutrients. Our body signals us in various ways about the deficiencies of key nutrients which are essential for several bodily functions. We often overlook the signals until it is too late.


Recently, Dr Saurabh Sethi posted on Instagram about the signs that indicate your body needs more nutrients. "Is your body trying to tell you something? In this video, Dr. Sethi breaks down key signs that may indicate you’re not getting enough essential nutrients. From unexpected fatigue to skin issues, discover how these common symptoms could be your body’s way of craving more vitamins and minerals," he has captioned a video giving details of the signs of nutrient deficiency. The five signs, which seem subtle, are brittle nails, twitching in the eyelids, joint clicking, premature graying of hair,


Let’s start with brittle nails. If your nails are constantly cracking, peeling, or breaking, it’s not just because you washed your hands too much. Brittle nails are one of the earliest signs that your body might be running low on certain key nutrients. Iron is usually the first suspect here. Low iron levels mean your body can’t get enough oxygen to your nail cells, making them weak and flimsy. Biotin, a B-vitamin that often gets a lot of love in beauty supplements, is another major player. Without enough biotin, your nails lose their strength and flexibility. Zinc is also critical because it helps in cell repair and growth. Without sufficient zinc, your nails basically don’t stand a chance at being strong and healthy.


Now, about that annoying twitching in your eyelid that comes and goes without warning—it’s almost always harmless but super irritating, right? Well, believe it or not, that little muscle spasm could be your body begging for more magnesium. Magnesium plays a huge role in keeping your muscles relaxed and your nerves calm. When your levels dip too low, your nerves can start firing off tiny spasms, especially in delicate muscles like your eyelids. Potassium is another nutrient involved in muscle function, and a deficiency here can add to the twitching drama. Dehydration also worsens things because when your body is low on fluids, your electrolyte balance gets thrown off, making muscle spasms more likely. If you're living on coffee and forgetting water or skimping on magnesium-rich foods like greens and nuts, don't be surprised when your eyelid starts twitching.

Moving on to joint clicking, you know, that sudden pop or crack you hear when you stand up, stretch, or even just move your neck? While a bit of joint noise can be normal, a sudden increase could signal your body is short on a few joint-supporting nutrients. Vitamin D is a big one here. Without enough vitamin D, your bones and joints can lose their strength and cushioning, leading to all sorts of noises and even discomfort. Calcium also plays a starring role in keeping joints smooth and bones strong. A shortage means your bones aren't as sturdy as they should be, and your joints may protest more loudly. Let’s not forget about collagen—nature’s glue that holds your joints, ligaments, and tendons together. As you age or if your diet is low in collagen-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, your joints can become a bit "creaky." So, if your joints have started sounding like an old rocking chair, it might be time to rethink your nutrient intake.


And then, there's the heartbreak of spotting gray hairs in your twenties or thirties. Sure, genetics have a lot to do with when you go gray, but if your hair seems to be losing pigment earlier than expected, it could be a sign of a few hidden deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is often the main suspect. It’s essential for healthy blood and nerve cells, and when you don't have enough B12, your hair follicles can suffer, losing the melanin that gives your hair its color. Another player is copper, a mineral that actually helps produce melanin itself. Without enough copper, the pigmentation process stalls, and gray hairs can start creeping in early. Iron deficiency can also mess with the oxygen supply to your hair roots, weakening your strands and robbing them of their vibrant color. So, if you’re finding silver strands in your early 20s, it’s definitely worth checking your B12, copper, and iron levels before blaming it all on "bad genes."

If you’re noticing random bruises popping up like little mysteries on your arms and legs, your body might be dropping a big hint. Easy bruising often points to low levels of vitamin C, which your body needs to keep blood vessels strong and healthy. Without enough vitamin C, even a slight bump can cause tiny blood vessels to break. Vitamin K is another important one because it helps your blood clot properly—without it, bruises linger and spread. Sometimes, low iron levels can also make your skin more fragile.


Your body doesn’t just wake up one morning and decide to act weird. It sends little messages when things aren’t quite right—through your nails, eyes, joints, and hair. Drink your water, get some sunlight, and maybe toss in a supplement if your doctor says it’s okay. It’s amazing how quickly your body can bounce back when you give it the fuel it’s quietly asking for.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4T2dGzrJt/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4T2dGzrJt/