Experts say that phosphorous is required by just about every cell in your body for its proper functioning. It’s also one of the most plentiful minerals in your body, and much of it can be found in your bones and teeth.
Being deficient in phosphorus is actually a rare occurrence. That’s because the nutrient can be obtained from so many sources of food. Some of them include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, pork, beef, salmon, tuna, cod, shellfish, cheese, dairy products, chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans, soybeans and various soy-based food products.
Just by making sure that your everyday diet is well-balanced, you can supply your body with the right amounts of phosphorus. However, experts say that diabetics, alcoholics and those who don’t eat on a regular basis may suffer from deficiency in phosphorus and experience the following signs and symptoms:
Loss of Appetite
There are many different reasons behind loss of appetite, and one of them is phosphorus deficiency. It’s something that can become a vicious cycle — the more you lose your appetite, the lesser food you eat; the lesser food you eat, the more you fail to supply your body with much-needed phosphorus.
Abnormal Breathing Rate
Experts say that healthy adults take 12 to 16 breaths every minute. However, the breathing rate per minute of a person who is deficient in phosphorous may be lower or higher than normal.
Irregular Heart Rate
Aside from the breathing rate, the heart rate is also affected by not having enough phosphorous in the body. It’s for the fact that phosphorous is important for muscle contraction, and the heart is composed of muscles. And that’s why it’s not unlikely for someone who is deficient in phosphorous to experience irregularity in heart rate.
Mood Problems
Those who are not getting enough phosphorus via the diet may actually suffer from anxiety and irritability. It’s also very much possible for them to experience reduced cognitive functioning as constant worrying or irritability can deplete energy levels, thus impeding the ability of the brain to function well.
Numbness and Tingling
Phosphorous deficiency is also said to cause numbness in the extremities like the hands and feet, a medical condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Other than numbness, tingling sensation may be felt as well. In such cases, phosphorous is often utilized as the said mineral is important for the proper functioning of nerves.
Exacerbated Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Because multiple sclerosis is a disease that involves the nerves, experts are taking into consideration the importance of phosphorous in controlling the various symptoms it brings.
Constant Weakness
Being deficient in phosphorous can also make an individual feel tired and fatigued all of the time. That’s because phosphorous is important for the body to be able to benefit from the energy-giving properties of B vitamins. Since there are many different health problems that can bring about constant weakness, it’s important to have a doctor consulted so that that the underlying medical cause can be identified and treated accordingly.
Unwanted Loss of Weight
Not all people intend to get rid of unwanted pounds. Those who lose weight without wanting to may be suffering from deficiency in phosphorous. However, it’s important to note that unintended weight loss could indicate a variety of health problems, many of which are serious — seeing a doctor is a must.
Irregular Bowel Movement
The FDA approved the use of phosphorous in managing constipation, especially the kind that usually surfaces after a person has undergone surgery, which can diminish the functioning of the bowels.
Brittle Bones
Last but not least, deficiency in phosphorous may cause the bones to become brittle, thus very prone to breakage or fractures. Phosphorous, according to experts, binds with calcium in order to make the bones strong and healthy. Studies have shown that a lot of people who are bugged with stiff and painful joints have phosphorus deficiency.
