Weight Restored = Re-Nourished?

All of us know we need to be weight restored, and for many it's like a milestone! When we restored our weight, it somehow appears like we have finished fighting the battle. (in which i don't fully agree.... In my blog post "Recovered?" I listed down what i feel makes a person determine if he/she's recovered) But nevertheless we all agree it's like a "checkpoint" in our recovery journey and something really worth celebrating! 

But is it true if you're at a healthy weight or weight restored you're healthy? No! Why? Well take for example you have a box with contents in it. The box weighs 40g in total (ignoring weight of the box). It could contain 40 sweets that weigh 1g each right? But it may also contain only 10 of those 1g sweets with other contents inside! The point is, you never know the composition of your body mass so no, weight restored or healthy BMI doesn't mean you're fully re-nourished!  Let's look at what MALNUTRITION is first!

ᙢᗩᒪﬡᘮTᖇITIOﬡ ᒪᙓᔕᔕON 101

Malnutrition is a nutrient deficiency state of protein, energy or vitamins and minerals. it can cause harm to your body and it's functions. We tend to visualize malnutrition as solely affecting starving children in the developing world but it is common at home. 

There are 2 main types of Malnutrition :

1. PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION (PEM)

This refers to inadequate protein intake. However patients wit PEM NOT NECESSARILY have too low energy intakes. This indicates that you could meet your daily caloric needs but still be malnourished!


2. MICRO-NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

Especially for Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine and Zinc! 

- Iron is important for producing Red Blood Cells and Myogolobin (a protein found in the muscle tissues). Iron deficiency can lead to anemia (low red blood count) and may be the reason some of  us, although weight restored, have yet to get our monthly periods.
- Vitamin A is essential for the eyes and immune system. Deficiency could lead to night blindness, immune deficiency and Increased childhood illness and death.
- Iodine are necessary for Thyroid Hormones. Deficiency could lead to Goitre (swelling neck or larynx, aka the voice box), Growth Restriction and Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones).
- Zinc is necessary for many enzymes and your immune system. Deficiency could lead to Immune Deficiency, Increased childhood illness and death and Acrodermatitis (childhood skin condition)


So I hope this explains why weight restoration or healthy BMI doesn't mean you're completely nourished! I feel that the best "DIY" indicator would be your monthly periods! Or else please go for a blood test because that definitely will be able to point out ant lack of nutrients in your body! :)