Early grey hair could be a sign of this major health issue: Harvard-trained doctor explains other symptoms

It is easy to overlook small, unusual changes in our body. However, according to Harvard- and Stanford-trained Dr. Saurabh Sethi, these subtle signs might be our body’s way of signaling nutrient deficiencies. Recently, Dr. Sethi shared a video on Instagram captioned, "Is your body trying to tell you something?" where he discussed five key signs that may indicate the need for more essential nutrients. Recognizing these early warnings can be crucial for maintaining overall health.

Brittle Nails: A Sign of Missing Key Nutrients

One of the first indicators of a deficiency is brittle nails. Dr. Sethi explained that brittle, rough, and easily cracked nails, officially termed onychoschizia, often occur due to low iron levels, which impair oxygen delivery to nail cells. Besides iron, a lack of biotin, a B-vitamin crucial for nail strength, and zinc, important for cell repair, can also lead to fragile nails. To support nail health, Dr. Sethi suggests consuming an iron-rich diet, including foods like spinach, beetroot, red meat, legumes, and fortified products.

Eyelid Twitching: More Than Just an Annoyance

Another commonly ignored symptom is twitching in the eyelids. While usually harmless, frequent spasms could indicate magnesium deficiency. Dr. Sethi noted that low magnesium disrupts muscle relaxation and nerve function, leading to involuntary movements. He also mentioned that potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies might contribute to the problem. Magnesium can be replenished naturally by eating nuts and bananas regularly. If twitching persists or is accompanied by other facial movements, it could signal a more serious underlying disorder.


Clicking Joints: A Sound Worth Noticing

Hearing pops or cracks from your joints when moving might also point toward a nutrient gap. Although some joint noise is normal, Dr. Sethi emphasized that a noticeable increase could be linked to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for bone and joint strength. Without it, joints can lose cushioning, causing discomfort and increased noise. Sun exposure is a natural way to boost vitamin D, though Dr. Sethi advises caution against overexposure to prevent skin damage. Foods such as oily fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolks, fortified milk, mushrooms, and cereals are also good sources.

Premature Graying: Not Always Just Genetics

Spotting gray hair early in life, particularly in your twenties or thirties, could signal more than just family traits. Dr. Sethi highlighted that low vitamin B12 levels can interfere with melanin production, leading to premature graying. B12 is vital for healthy blood and nerve cells. If gray strands appear sooner than expected, checking B12 levels could provide important insights before blaming genetics alone.

Random Bruising: A Potential Indicator of Vitamin Deficiency

Finding unexplained bruises on your arms and legs might also be your body's call for help. Dr. Sethi pointed out that easy bruising is often due to low vitamin C levels. Vitamin C is critical for maintaining strong blood vessels, and a deficiency can cause capillaries to break even with minor impacts. Vitamin K and iron deficiencies can also contribute to easier bruising by affecting blood clotting and skin integrity.

Our bodies have a remarkable way of communicating when something is wrong. Addressing nutrient deficiencies early through a balanced diet, hydration, and appropriate supplements, if necessary, can help restore health and prevent more serious complications.