Obesity is a clear indicator that something may be wrong with your diet. However, being slim or not gaining weight is not always a sign of a healthy diet.

Keep in mind that healthy diet planning goes beyond weight management. In fact, proper nutrition, along with an active lifestyle, are the primary tools to preserve our physical and mental health.

Here are subtle signs your body will give when you are engaging in unhealthy eating habits:

Dehydration

It is normal to feel the need to constantly hydrate your body when you lead an active lifestyle or when spending time outdoors in the hot weather. However, if this is not the case for you, and you feel thirsty most of the time, it may be a sign that your diet is unhealthy.

Fast food and other processed foods contain high amounts of both sugar and sodium. These components make unhealthy foods taste better and prolong shelf life. Unfortunately, high sodium or sugar intake will make you dehydrated faster.

Digestive Discomfort

If your diet is high in salt, you are more vulnerable to experiencing gastrointestinal bloating. However, if you are having trouble reducing salt intake, foods rich in potassium can help your body to balance out the sodium levels in your body. Potassium-rich foods are bananas, potatoes, beans, and tomatoes.

Constipation or gas are also signs of poor gut health and the result of an unhealthy diet. People who consume low-fiber diets are prone to experience these symptoms.

Thin Hair

Another subtle sign that you need to modify your diet is shown in your hair.

If your hair is becoming thinner, your diet is likely lacking vitamin B7 and minerals like iron. To boost your iron and vitamin B7 levels, we recommend the following foods:

• Lentils
• Nuts
• Spinach
• Chickpeas
• Eggs

Mental Fatigue

Just like any other organ, the brain needs nutrients to function properly. Furthermore, not having an adequate intake of nutrients can lead to mental fatigue and memory issues.

The problem with diets that are comprised of unhealthy food is that your stomach will feel full, but your organs won’t get the vitamins and minerals they need. For instance, to preserve good brain health, it is crucial to include foods rich in omega-3 acids, such as:

• Fish: Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel.
• Nuts: Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
• Fish oil

Unhealthy Skin

The skin is the biggest organ in our body and serves us beyond aesthetic purposes. Therefore, poor nutrition can jeopardize skin health, just like any other organ. For example, an unhealthy diet can contribute to developing premature aging or acne.

According to studies, to preserve healthy skin, it is crucial to have a diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E. Also, consuming foods rich in antioxidants and flavonoids is effective in preventing premature aging.

Reduced Immunity

Not eating enough nutrient-rich foods can eventually compromise your immune system. As a result, an unhealthy diet makes you more prone to getting sick and recovering more slowly from illnesses or infections.

Overall, a healthy diet with adequate vegetable and fruit intake is beneficial to your immune system. If necessary, you can also include supplements in your diet. However, the benefits of healthy foods are greater than the ones from supplements. Therefore, supplements should not be used as the main medium to compensate for unhealthy eating patterns.

Here are some examples of nutrient-rich foods that can boost your immune system:

• Fruits: Berries, kiwi, watermelon, guava, and pomegranate
• Vegetables: Mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado, spinach, and sweet potato

Are you looking to improve your overall health through healthy eating habits? Z.E.N. Foods can help! Our consultants can help you choose a diet that suits your needs. Reach out to us today at (310) 205–9368.