From time to time, we can just know that there is something wrong with our bodies. As an example, it will be really obvious that something is wrong, if you suddenly feel severe chest pain or have a lot of bleeding that will need to be stopped quickly. But it is important to remember that we should be paying attention to some subtle changes with your body too. These things might be a signal that there is an underlying health problem, even if it doesn’t seem really obvious at first. So here are some subtle warning signs that your body is trying to tell you that not all is well and a trip to the doctor is needed.
Feeling tired all of the time
When you are feeling a little tired after a late night, you know that you just didn’t get enough sleep. But if you are experiencing some excessive tiredness, then it can be a symptom of a few different medical conditions. These could include things like depression, thyroid function problems, diabetes, and sleep apnoea, to only name a few. If you feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, then it is time to make some changes.
Unexplained weight changes
If you are strictly dieting or trying to bulk up with weight training and eating plenty of protein, then it will be clear why you have lost some weight or have gained some weight. A little extra after the holidays? It is obvious where it comes from. But if you are losing weight, or gaining weight, and there has been no deliberate changes to your diet or lifestyle, then a change in your weight could be a warning sign of something else. Weight loss is something that is of more concern, as it could point to things like cancer, depression, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. So it is worth seeking some medical advice if this sounds like something that you are experiencing.
Experiencing panic attacks
If you are experiencing panic attacks, especially if they aren’t a regular occurrence for you, then they can be a classic sign of things like stress, depression, and anxiety. It could be because of something that you know is going on. But as a rule, it is your body showing you that you need to change something or do something about how you are feeling. Some people can just get occasional attacks, and these can be because there are times in your life that are busy or stressful. But panic attacks in general can be an indicator of a more serious mental illness.
Ringing in your ears
If you are experiencing some hearing loss or experiencing some ringing in your ears, then it is something that could be an indicator that you need to speak to hearing specialists to see what they can do. It could be a sign that you are on the start of some hearing loss, a problem with your eardrum, or could be getting tinnitus, which is the ringing in your ears. So it is worth checking it out and then see what the experts start saying.
A lingering cough
If you have a cough that comes along with a runny nose, headache, and sneezing, then it is obvious that there is a cold or flu coming your way. But if you have a cough, and cough alone, then it could be a sign that you have something else going on with you. It could because of a benign condition like an allergy. But either way, you should never ignore a cough as it could be a sign of something more serious, like lung cancer or tuberculosis, so it is completely worth checking out if the cough has been lasting for a while.
Changes to bladder or bowel habits
There are some things that can happen to your body, like constipation or pain when you are going to the toilet, but sometimes that can be an indicator of something like constipation. But there are some signs that should be checked out, like a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and even be an indicator of things like bowel cancer, digestive disorders, and something like ovarian cancer for women.
Cracked lips
It is normal to get some chapped lips from time to time, especially in the winter. But if you get cracked lips more often than not, then it could be a sign that you have a vitamin deficiency. For example, if you have cracked skin at the corners of your mouth, then that tends to be associated with a lack of zinc and B vitamins in your diet.
A Few Simple Changes To Make
Drink half your body weight in water. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, dry lips, fatigue, and moodiness. It’s a simple fix that has a host of health benefits.
At every meal make half your plate vegetables. Overall in America, most people don’t eat nearly enough produce. Vegetables are one of the best sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s an easy addition to any meal and will aide in helping you achieve all your health goals from weight loss, to clear skin, to reducing inflammation in the body.
Get moving. 30 minutes of movement every day adds up to a host of health benefits including improved sleep, mental clarity, pain management, and improved performance at work. A 10 minute walk 3 times per day is all you need to start experiencing benefits.
