At the turn of the century, classic deficiency diseases like scurvy, pellagra, and beriberi were common as a result of chronic vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These conditions are rare today in the United States. Yet often unrecognized is the fact that, as in all areas of health, there is a continuum of deficiency, e.g. there is a gradual sequence of nutrient depletion.
Fiber. Our diets contain only about half of the fiber we need. Increasing fiber intake to 25-30 grams per day has positive effects on heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, diarrhea, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and ulcerative colitis. Impressive, since dietary fiber isn't even absorbed.
Good sources of fiber are whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
A deficiency of water? Yes. Dehydration is a common finding in a cola and coffee society. Water should be from as pure a source as possible. Do not drink tap water.
The 10th nationwide food consumption survey reveals 75% of adult females fail to meet the RDA for five nutrients:
calcium, vitamins E and B6, magnesium and zinc.
65% of adult makes are deficient in vitamin E, magnesium and zinc.
Perhaps not a true deficiency is an imbalance of healthy organisms in or digestive system. Probiotics support many functions of our bodies, impaired through stress, illness, antibiotic treatment, changes in diet, or physiological alteration in the gut."