Next to calcium, phosphorus is one of the most important minerals you need to take to make sure that your bones are as healthy as they can be. Unfortunately, while you have probably heard about the importance of calcium, there's a good chance you're not quite as familiar with phosphorus. Outside of protecting your bones, there are a variety of things that phosphorus can do to help your body stay healthy. To help you figure out if you may be suffering from phosphorus deficiency, here are some of the tell-tale signs that you may not be getting enough:
1. Weak Bones or Teeth
While calcium is often regarded as the only thing that you can get more of to help build your bones and teeth, phosphorus is actually just as important. If you're lacking phosphorus in your diet, the calcium that you do get will actually just go to waste. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to be sure that phosphorus is included in your daily diet. If not, you will likely suffer from phosphorus deficiency and your bones and teeth will be more susceptible to breaking or simply feeling weak all the time.
2. Joint Pain and Stiffness
Phosphorus plays a large role in the growth and development of your joints. Because many of your joints are connected directly to your bones, weak bones can also cause stiff joints and pain within the joints. If you constantly feel stiff, you may be suffering from phosphorus deficiency.
3. Less Energy
The truth is that a low energy level can be the result of a lot of things. Stress can cause you to have low energy, as can a new workout routine or a vitamin B12 deficiency. But if it's none of these things, there's a chance you could be suffering from a phosphorus deficiency. Phosphorus can actually help your body metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates, which in turn gives your body energy.
4. Lack of Appetite
A lack of an appetite could be the result of any number of things. But if you notice it in conjunction with any of the symptoms above, it could stem from a deficiency of phosphorus in your system.
Reasons You May Have a Phosphorus Deficiency
If you think you are suffering from a phosphorus deficiency, there are a number of reasons why it could be happening. For instance, if you eat a lot of junk food as part of your diet, you could be susceptible to a phosphorus deficiency. Likewise, if you don't eat enough foods containing phosphorus or take a phosphorus supplement, you could be prone to phosphorus deficiency. If you're not getting enough magnesium in your diet, you actually might be getting enough phosphorus, but your body just may be having trouble absorbing it properly without enough magnesium. As always, consult your doctor if you feel that you are having trouble with your phosphorus levels.
