The human body is a fascinating, wondrous amazing thing. We do a lot to them and expect a lot from them. So it seems only fair that when our bodies are telling us something, we should listen. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious but other times, the body is also subtle with its signs.
Do you have these symptoms?
1. You snore
Make all the jokes you want about snoring, but it can actually be a sign of a serious health problem. Speak to your doc to rule out sleep apnea and make sure you don’t have a deviated septum.
2. You’re tired all the time
Whether you get five or nine hours sleep, the lethargic feeling is real. Fatigue is often a symptom of other problems such as thyroid or heart failure, and vitamins might not be enough to put more pep in your step.
3. You’re unusually gassy
Like bloating, extreme gas can be a sign of major digestion issues. If gas is a problem for you more often than not, it could mean you have an unidentified food allergy or sensitivity, or are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). On a less serious note, it could also mean that your sleep schedule is whack, or that you’re swallowing too much air.
4. You’re bloated
There are foods that go right through you, and foods that are tough to digest. But if you regularly feel bloated, you might have a food allergy or sensitivity that should be checked out.
5. You can’t sleep
It’s one thing to have trouble falling asleep when you just aren’t tired, but if you can’t get any rest despite feeling exhausted, it’s worth bringing up with your doctor. Insomnia is an under-identified problem that signals sub-optimal health,
6. You crave all kinds of food
That’s your body telling you it’s missing something, from iron to magnesium to potassium to vitamin C.
7. You’re losing weight without trying
If you’re eating Big Macs every day and your only form of working out involves your TV’s remote control, unexplained weight loss is never a good thing.
8. Your breath stinks
Sure, you may have just had some roasted garlic soup, followed by some honey garlic ribs with garlic mash on the side but if your breath would still kill a vampire a week later, you need to see your dentist or doctor stat.
9. You get muscle spasms often
Everyone suffers from a muscle cramp now and then (especially after a tough workout) but be aware of how often you’re feeling sore. You’ve probably worked yourself too hard but muscle cramps can also be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, or that you’ve taken dehydrating meds.
10. Your nails are funky-coloured
Nails are supposed to be pink, so if yours are venturing into any other colour category, speak to your doctor, as it could be a sign of anything from fungus to lymphedema.
11. You’re getting acne
You haven’t had it since you were a teenager but it’s an an indicator of things like stress, dehydration, lack of sleep and hormonal imbalances.
12. You’re losing hair
It’s a little scary to hear but losing 100 or so strands of hair every day is normal. Now, if you’re losing significantly more than that, you could be lacking essential nutrients or suffering from hypothyroidism.
13. You get headaches often
It’s a little scary to hear but losing 100 or so strands of hair every day is normal. Now, if you’re losing significantly more than that, you could be lacking essential nutrients or suffering from hypothyroidism.
14. You have no sexual desire
A hormone imbalance, depression or high blood pressure could explain your low libido. Or you’ve lost interest in your partner. But that’s a whole other story.
15. You don’t poop regularly
If your fibre intake is decent and you’re drinking a lot of water but your bowel movements aren’t regular, there could be some underlying factors to consider like hypothyroidism or depression that is slowing your body’s normal processes.
