Health

Your Body’s Warning Signs You’re Running Low on Vital Nutrients

Published

3 months ago

10 July 2025

You don’t need to be seriously ill for something to feel off in your body. Often, the first signs are quiet—easy to brush aside or chalk up to stress, a change in weather, or just a busy week. But when tiredness lingers, your skin changes, or your hair starts behaving differently, it’s worth paying attention. These subtle shifts might be your body’s way of flagging a nutritional shortfall.

If you’re constantly feeling tired—even after a decent night’s sleep—it could be more than burnout. Low iron is a common cause of persistent fatigue, especially if you’re also feeling short of breath from mild activity like walking up the stairs. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body. When levels drop, everything slows down, and you may feel it in your energy first.

Your skin might also be one of the first places to show something’s missing. Cracked corners of the mouth, dry patches, or sudden breakouts can sometimes be traced back to a lack of certain B vitamins—especially B2 and B3. These nutrients help the skin stay healthy and resilient. When they run low, your complexion often reflects the change.

Changes in your hair and nails can also be telling. If your hair starts shedding more than usual or your nails become weak and break easily, it may point to low levels of zinc, biotin, or even protein. These symptoms don’t usually appear overnight. They build up over time, which makes them easy to ignore—until they become hard to miss.

Muscle cramps, particularly those that strike at night, might be linked to a magnesium or potassium deficiency. These minerals help your muscles contract and relax smoothly. Without enough of them, you may experience sudden spasms or tightness, even if you’re otherwise healthy.

Mood shifts can be another sign. Feeling unusually low, tense, or mentally foggy could be related to low levels of vitamin D or B12. While these emotional changes are often blamed on stress or lack of sleep, they can sometimes have more to do with what’s missing in your diet than what’s happening in your schedule.

Certain cravings can also offer useful clues. If you often find yourself chewing ice, it might be more than a habit—it can be a symptom of pica, often tied to iron deficiency. Craving salty foods all the time could hint at low adrenal function or mineral imbalance. These aren’t always just preferences—they might be physical cues worth checking out.

Individually, these symptoms might not seem serious. But when they show up together or stick around longer than usual, they’re worth investigating. They don’t always point to something alarming—but they do deserve a second look.

Getting to the bottom of a nutrient deficiency doesn’t have to mean expensive supplements or radical diets. It starts with paying attention to how your body feels—and not brushing off changes as just “one of those things.” If something’s been bothering you for a while, speak with your doctor or a nutritionist. Sometimes, the fix is simple. You just have to notice the signs.

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Health

Lenacapavir: The $40 Breakthrough Drug Changing the Fight Against HIV

Published

4 days ago

2 October 2025

Fadire Olusola

Lenacapavir is being described as one of the most promising tools in the fight against HIV. Known by brand names such as Yeztugo (for prevention) and Sunlenca (for treatment), it belongs to a new class of HIV drugs called capsid inhibitors. Unlike current daily pills, lenacapavir is adminsited as an injection only twice a year. For South Africa, where HIV continues to affect millions, this development could be transformative.

Why Lenacapavir Matters

The HIV capsid is the protective shell around the virus. Lenacapavir works by blocking this shell’s ability to function properly at different stages of the virus’s life cycle. Because targets multiple stages of the virus’s life cycle, it remains effective against HIV strains resistant to other medicines.

Globally, lenacapavir has already been approved for people with multidrug-resistant HIV-1, but it has the potential to be better than pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended lenacapavir as a new HIV prevention option.

Clinical Results Show Positive Results

Trials have shown extraordinary results. In one test, cisgender women who received lenacapavir had zero new HIV infections. In another trial, involving cisgender men, transgender, and gender-diverse participants, infection rates dropped by about 96% compared to background levels.

Across both trials, over 99.9 % of participants receiving lenacapavir stayed HIV negative. A large comparison also confirmed that the injection was more effective than the daily pill Truvada.

South Africa’s HIV Challenge

About 7.8 million South Africans, roughly 12.7 % of the population live with HIV. Each year, more than 200,000 new infections are recorded, with young women and girls leading the way.

Daily PrEP pills come with challenges such as stigma, long clinic visits, and costs. A twice-yearly injection could remove these problems.

When Will It Arrive ?

The government has signaled interest in rolling out lenacapavir at more than 300 public clinics between 2026 and 2028, especially in high-burden districts. Before that, it needs approval from SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) and inclusion on the Essential Medicines List, which allows public procurement.

Funding is also a factor. The Global Fund has already budgeted around R513 million to help South Africa secure supplies, even before generics hit the market.

The $40 Breakthrough

In the United States, branded lenacapavir can cost up to USD 28,000 per year, which is expensive for many people. But in September 2025, a global deal was struck that will allow lenacapavir to be available for just USD 40 (about R730) per year across low and middle-income countries, starting in 2027.

This price is lower than what South Africa currently spends on daily PrEP pills, which cost about R629 per person annually . If the country is included in the deal, the cost barrier that has long slowed new HIV technologies could finally be overcome.

Challenges Ahead

Many are looking towards SAHPRA and other policy bodies to give the greenlight for its use. Clinics will need to adapt by managing injections and tracking patients. Communities need to be educated about the injection and its benefits.

The Bottom Line

Lenacapavir offers a opportunity to reshape the global fight against HIV. With near-100% protection in trials and a plan to bring the price to $40 per year, this is a welcome development.

As HIV continues to affect millions of lives, lenacapavir could become the tool that turns the tide. The next few years are crucial as this breakthrough is expected to change millions of lives.

Health

Surprising Connection Between Viagra and Increasing Divorce Rate

Published

2 weeks ago

25 September 2025

Fadire Olusola

When Viagra was introduced in 1998, it was marketed as a breakthrough drug for men struggling with erectile dysfunction. However, this drug changed how some relationships are experienced. Recent studies suggest a link between Viagra use and rising divorce rates, especially among middle-aged and older couples. Asides from helping with erectile dysfunction, it sometimes exposes cracks in marriages that were previously masked by sexual inactivity.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

Research published in the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that areas with higher access to erectile dysfunction drugs also reported slight increases in divorce filings. In the United States, divorce rates among couples over 50, sometimes called “gray divorce” have doubled since the 1990s, the same time Viagra entered the market. By 2010, about one in four divorces involved couples over 50.

South Africa also recorded similar trends. In 2022, the country recorded 20,196 divorces, up from just over 18,000 in 2021, a rise of nearly 11% in one year. Statistics South Africa reported that around 42% of divorces happened within the first nine years of marriage, and more than half involved minor children. The median age at divorce was 46 for men and 42 for women, putting many of them in the demographic most likely to use Viagra or similar drugs.

Personal Stories and Perspectives

From my perspective, I can understand how such a shift might happen. Imagine a marriage where intimacy had been absent for years. Both partners may have adjusted, finding comfort in companionship rather than passion. For many couples, it strengthens the bond of a relationship. For others, it causes loss of attraction and unresolved resentment.

A man in his late 60s once said Viagra “gave him back his youth,” and also made him realize how unhappy he was in his marriage. A divorce eventually happened after 35 years, not because of the pill alone, but because his feelings had been suppressed. Conversely, there are couples who thank Viagra for saving their marriage.

Viagra is More Than a Blue Pill

Viagra’s interlink to divorce shows how health, intimacy, and emotional bonds are connected. If trust, communication, and emotional closeness are missing, a restored sex life may not fix the cracks. In fact, it can widen them.

South Africa’s divorce figures add another layer to the discussion. Many couples are thinking of parting ways in their 40s and 50s, and Viagra is acting as a catalyst. It doesn’t cause the divorce, but it can spark a moment of truth for couples who were already having issues.

Bottom Line

The rise of Viagra has done more than revolutionize men’s health. This pill has changed how many couples think about romance and commitment. Rising global divorce rates suggests that sexual renewal can sometimes push people to make drastic decisions. The lesson here isn’t to avoid Viagra but to recognize that physical intimacy and emotional intimacy are complementary.

Health

7 Vitamins that Supercharge your Body and Brain

Published

3 weeks ago

16 September 2025

Fadire Olusola

Vitamins aren’t just another part of a balanced diet, they play a vital role in the body and brain. When the right vitamins are taken, your body becomes healthier and your cognitive abilities improve. Here are seven vitamins that can benefit your body and brain, making you perform to the best of your abilities.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system. It helps the brain function better and lifts your mood. This vitamin supports the body by producing more red blood cells which carry oxygen. Lack of enough B12 will make you tired, sluggish, and forgetful. Eggs, fish, lean meats, and milk are good sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin. This is because it is believed that moderate exposure to sunlight will give you this nutrient. It plays a crucial role in nerve growth and reduces depression. You should consider eating salmon, yolks, and dairy products to have more of these vitamins.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is best known for keeping your vision sharp, but it also supports brain development and function. It protects neurons and helps regulate gene expression in the nervous system. In the body, it boosts immunity and keeps your skin and tissues healthy. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and dairy products are excellent ways to add Vitamin A to your meals, and most brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in it too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is best known for protecting against colds, but its benefits run deeper. For the body, it strengthens the immune system and helps heal tissues. For the brain, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your brain cells from damage and supporting memory. Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and even a glass of orange juice are all rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is like a shield for your cells. It protects both body and brain from oxidative stress, which can speed up aging and memory decline. For your body, it keeps your skin, vision, and immune system strong. For your brain, it’s linked to better cognitive function and slowing age-related decline. You can get plenty of Vitamin E from almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, and oils such as olive or sunflower oil.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is the behind-the-scenes helper that keeps your body and brain chemistry balanced. It supports the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen, and helps break down proteins for energy. For the brain, it’s vital in producing serotonin and dopamine — the “feel-good” chemicals that affect mood and focus. Chicken, turkey, bananas, potatoes, and fortified cereals are all good sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is often overlooked, but it’s essential. For the body, it helps your blood clot properly and strengthens bones. For the brain, research shows it supports cognitive health and protects against conditions like Alzheimer’s by aiding in the production of brain-protective fats. You’ll find it in leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, as well as in fish, eggs, and certain cheeses.

Conclusion

Your body and brain are constantly working, and vitamins are the silent partners that keep everything running smoothly. From sharper memory and stronger focus to healthier bones and a stronger immune system, the right nutrients make a big difference. Instead of relying only on supplements, the best way to get these vitamins is through a colorful, balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Small, consistent choices in what you eat can truly supercharge both your body and your brain.