10 Signs You’re Malnourished

by Liz Jansen

malnourishedA malnourished body is no different than a malnourished motorcycle. In either case, you’ll eventually be marooned.

Riders get to know their bikes’ nuances and can detect subtle signs that something is wrong. It may be that the engine sounds different, it handles differently, or it starts consuming oil or excessive fuel. All are indications that it’s time to take a closer look at what’s happening. Most problems can be avoided by keeping your motorcycle nurtured.

Nurturing body, mind, and spirit does the same for your being. Nonetheless, it’s easy to get caught up in life and give yourself short shrift. Watch for the warning signs. They’ll be there.

  1. Engine sputter. It’s time to diagnose what’s wrong. On your bike, it could be caused by problems relating to fuel, ignition, or vacuum hoses. Personally, if you’re having trouble maintaining energy levels, take the time to find out why. In either case, leaving it uncorrected will make the problems worse and could start to damage other systems.
  2. Empty gas tank. Use up the gas and any reserve in the tank and you’ll be stranded somewhere, calling for roadside assistance. You, too, have limits on how far you can push yourself before refueling. Push it too far and you’ll be stranded with burnout.
  3. Low oil. Engine oil lubricates, cleans, protects, seals, and cools the engine. It is so critical to the function of the engine that even low levels can cause damage. Let it get low enough and your engine will seize. A nutritious diet feeds your body, helps keep you healthy, and shows respect for who you are.
  4. Low air. An engine that runs rich fouls spark plugs and causes bad fuel economy. Not only is it critical to have a healthy diet, you need to have the right balance of nutrients.
  5. Rust. Let your motorcycle sit idle for long enough and you’ll see rust. The same thing happens when you let your skills and talents sit idle. They need to be used. You’ll feel much better—and more alive—for doing so.
  6. Hard rubber. Rubber on tires and hoses hardens and degrades over time. How it’s used and cared for will affect its longevity. While you can’t do anything about aging, a healthy intake of positive thoughts, good foods, and good friends works miracles.
  7. Overheating. Your engine overheats when there’s not enough cool air circulating around it, or if it’s low on coolant. Allowing this to happen can cause potentially irreversible damage. Ignoring your need for nourishment and rest will do the same to you.
  8. Dead battery. When electrolyte levels are too low, the battery plates dry out and the battery loses its capacity. A hydrated, nourished body can create electrolytes needed for myriad functions. Electrolyte imbalances in the body or a battery can both cause and indicate disorders.
  9. No spark. Spark plugs conduct electricity and provide electrodes for the current to jump across, creating a spark, which ignites the fuel/air mixture. If the spark plugs don’t get enough voltage, the spark will be weak or non-existent. This leads to poor fuel economy and reduced performance, and can lead to engine damage. Be receptive and listen to your intuition. You can’t continue to serve and give energy if you’re not receiving it.
  10. No power. If you’re not replenishing nutrients and addressing care requirements, your motorcycle and your body are going to lose power. How can they generate power if they’re not being nourished? Both are intricate machines that require regular attention. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you with many years of enjoyment.

Love yourself! Show it by eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water. Nourish your mind with positive thoughts and actions. Feed your spirit by following your inner guide and creating quiet time so you can hear the message—and receive the gifts.

Read more life tips in 75 Tips for Thriving Through Holistic Nutrition   Free Download for a limited time.

photo credit: Stuck in Customs via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

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