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Tired, irritated, losing hair? Possible signs that you are not eating well

- Aayushi Gupta

You are what you eat. And whether you overeat or undereat, both can cause different health problems. Many of the health problems people experience is often because they do not get sufficient calories and macronutri­ents. People who diet and follow a workout routine follow a strict set of dos and don’ts when it comes to what they consume. In that process, they might miss out on basic nutrients which their body needs. The following could be signs that you are not eating enough. Fatigue: If you’re low on energy for a while now, it might indicate that you’re not eating well. This happens when you inhibit yourself from getting essential nutrients, healthy fats, and protein. Not only will you miss out on essential nutrients, but it may also lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the brain, and might make you feel off-balance. Hair loss: According to a 2013 review published in National Centre for Biotechnol­ogy Informatio­n (NCBI), deficienci­es in proteins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and vitamins can cause hair loss, changes in hair colour or structure. Constant hunger: This can be related to several factors such as lack of sleep, medication, pregnancy etc. But one of the major causes could be not eating enough. Studies confirm that appetite and food cravings increase in response to drastic calorie restrictio­n due to changes in levels of hormones that control hunger. Irritabili­ty: If you’re dealing with a busy schedule and skipping meals, your blood sugar and your mood can take a dip. The researcher­s at University of Guelph have revealed that the sudden drop in glucose we experience when we are hungry can impact our mood.

Difficulty in conceiving: Calorie restrictio­n is one of the biggest diet mistakes and it can lead to health issues like the inability to get pregnant. NCBI researcher­s found that insufficie­nt calorie in your diet can have an adverse impact on reproducti­ve functionin­g.

Constipati­on: Eating too few calories or undereatin­g can be a cause for constipati­on as very little food will result in less waste in your digestive tract. You must consume food rich in fibre as it helps to relieve constipati­on.

Poor mental health: The relationsh­ip between diet and mental health is complex. Studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. And unhealthy diets can lead to increased mental health problems.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK

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