Walked three times and encountered one with HIDDEN HUNGER: an unknown vitamin and mineral deficiency that could take your life.
Hidden hunger refers to a micronutrient deficiency, specifically a lack of vitamins and minerals, that can be present in many people worldwide without showing any outward symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that more than 2 billion people globally suffer from this condition; that means one in three people might have hidden hunger. The danger of hidden hunger lies in the fact that a lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to various bodily abnormalities that may go unnoticed or be addressed incorrectly because the underlying cause is unknown and not outwardly apparent. Therefore, regardless of body type or weight, anyone can potentially have hidden hunger.
The reason why so many people experience hidden hunger stems from current consumer behavior, which favors fast food and processed food. These cooking methods result in a loss of nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. The more processing, the more vitamins and minerals are lost, directly impacting consumers by leading to insufficient vitamin and mineral intake without them realizing it. People who eat an unvaried diet, lack fruits and vegetables, or repeatedly consume only certain types of fruits and vegetables are also at risk of experiencing this hidden hunger.
Symptoms of hidden hunger are often mild but can be frustrating and annoying. They may also combine with other illnesses or conditions, leading to more severe symptoms such as waking up feeling unrested, insufficient sleep, constant fatigue, irritability, and easy weight gain. These symptoms are often persistent because the root cause isn’t being addressed! Therefore, if left untreated, it can negatively impact overall health.
For example, a vitamin C deficiency affects various parts of the body, including dry, wrinkled, and inelastic skin; bleeding gums when brushing teeth; slow wound healing; easy fatigue; frequent colds; and a weakened immune system. A vitamin D3 deficiency leads to osteoporosis or bone thinning, as well as problems with the immune system and hormones. Vitamin D3 levels significantly impact diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Similarly, a deficiency in the essential mineral zinc affects the sense of taste and smell, leading to reduced efficiency; causes hair loss; brittle nails; dry, inflamed skin; slow wound healing; stunted growth and development; and weakens the immune system, making it more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. This is especially true given the increasing mutation and antibiotic resistance of viruses and bacteria; an unprepared body is vulnerable to these harmful forces, like opening the gates to an enemy.
As we can see, overall, vitamin and mineral deficiencies leading to hidden hunger directly impact our immune system, resulting in lower efficiency and impaired function. Therefore, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are no longer a minor issue, as they can be small beginnings but unknowingly lead to more serious health problems. Remember to take care of yourself: eat a varied diet with all five food groups, avoid unhealthy foods, exercise regularly, and consider taking beneficial supplements such as vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, or Zinc.
Sources of information/references
- INTERNATIONAL FOOD POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Chapter 3: Addressing the Challenge of Hidden Hunger,INTERNATIONAL FOOD POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Nov 2021, From; https://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/ghi/2014/feature_1818.html
- Wintergerst ES, et.al., Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical condition. Ann Nutr Metab, 2006, 50(2):p.85-94.
- Carr AC and S. Maggini, Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 2017, 9(11):p.1211.
- Baeke F., et.al., Vitamin D: Modulator of the immune system. Curr Opin Pharmacol, 2010, 10(4):p.482-496
- Goswami T., et.al., Role of dietary zinc as a nutritional immunomodulator. Asian Astral J Anim, 2005, 18.
