Your Body Is Trying to Say Something That Is Your Body Telling You?
There are some obvious ways in which you can tell your health is out of whack (gaining weight, loss of appetite, an inability to sleep, etc.). But there are also some not-so-obvious signals your body puts off. Here are a few of the most common and the possible meanings behind them.
Disclaimer, I am not a doctor and it is best to consult with a doctor regarding any medical issues.
Mouth Issues
Pale Tongue
A normal tongue should be pink with a thin white coating and visible taste buds. If you find that yours is dry and somewhat on the pale side, this could indicate an iron deficiency.
Add some spinach, legumes, and red meat into your diet- they’re all super high in this essential mineral.
A Bright Tongue
If your tongue is bright red, it could mean that you’re eating too many hot/spicy foods. However, it could also indicate a vitamin deficiency- likely iron or B12. B12 can be found in most animal products like fish, meat and eggs.
Just add a few to the weekly menu or take a supplement if you’re plant-based!
Bad Breath
Constantly reaching for the breath mints? It may be a sign that you aren’t eating enough. Sometimes bad breath occurs because of ketosis, which means the body has run out of glucose to convert into energy, resulting in a build-up of funky-smelling acid.
A Metal Taste in Mouth
Vitamins are great and offer many health benefits, but you can definitely overdo it. A metallic taste in your mouth is a surefire way to know of this.
Desire to Chew Ice
Ice chewing is a weird craving for sure, but it’s certainly a sign. If you have a strong urge to chomp on something crunchy and cold, it probably means you need more iron. This is because an iron deficiency means there’s less oxygen in your blood. Again, this is likely to affect vegetarians/vegans the most.
Aching Jaw
Jaw pain is sometimes associated with Lyme disease, which is unfortunately one of the hardest diseases to diagnose. If you notice this symptom persisting it’s definitely worth discussing with your doctor. It could also be linked to TMJ.
Stunted Teeth
If you notice that over time your teeth are becoming uneven, it may be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night. This is commonly associated with an overabundance of stress.
Stained Teeth
Drinking coffee, soda, and even balsamic vinegar all play a role in staining our teeth. While we can limit the amount of exposure to these things, there isn’t much else we can do short of brushing 3-4 times a day and whitening our teeth. However, if your teeth are changing color because of other underlying issues, such as periodontal disease, then you should learn a bit more and speak with a great dentist.
Fix your Hair & Nail Problems
Loss of Eyebrow Hair
If your eyebrows are thinning and it’s not from overplucking (such a bad habit!), it may be a sign of thyroid disease. Losing hair on the outer edges of your eyebrows in particular is a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Excessive Hair Loss
If you notice your hair is thinning out, there’s a decent chance you aren’t getting enough iron. Hair loss could also be a sign of excess stress.
Don’t worry, however, it should grow back once treated.
Dry Hair
Anti-dandruff shampoo may save you some short-term embarrassment, but it also removes moisture from the hair itself. Kind of counter-active, huh? Try switching back and forth with a regular shampoo to see if that solves the problem.
Abnormal Nails
Your toenails and fingernails can tell a lot about your general well-being. Stay on the lookout for things like discoloration, ridges, and bumps, which could all be red flags. White nails, for example, could be a sign of something serious related to the kidney or liver.
Eye & Ear Issues
Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes could mean that you didn’t get enough Zzz’s last night or that you overdid happy hour. But it could also be another sign of hyperthyroidism or another connective tissue disease like lupus.
Red Ears
While red ears can simply be linked to rampant emotions, they can also be an indicator of something more serious. In particular, it can indicate an insufficiency of your adrenal glands.
Itchy ears / Throat
If your ears and throat are itchy, it may be because of an overgrowth of Candida. It thrives in warm, dark nooks, and as it infiltrates the skin it often leaves it red and irritable.
Skin Issues
Dry / Chapped Lips
Chapped lips happen, especially during the colder, dryer months, but if it’s something you experience year-round it may be a sign of dehydration or an allergic reaction.
Chapstick is just a quick fix. Think about the lip and dental products you use, the foods you eat, etc. Swap some of these out and take note while also upping your water intake.
Cracks at Corners of Mouth
Cracked lips at the corner of your mouth most likely mean that your body is deficient in vitamin B. This is especially common if you’re a vegetarian/vegan!
Dry Skin
Similar to chapped lips, the occasional dry skin is normal and it’s at its worst during winter. However, if it persists even with increasing hydration levels (topically and internally), it could be a nutrient deficiency.
Dark Velvety Skin Patches
These kinds of skin patches might signal that you have too much insulin in your blood, which is often a sign of pre-diabetes. Go get tested right away!
Eczema
The skin is the body’s largest elimination organ. So the look and feel of it is a foolproof way to get an accurate reading on your health. A skin rash or eczema for example usually means that your body is attempting to eliminate an overrun of toxins. Get to the gym or sauna and sweat it out!
Temperature & Energy Issues
Cold Hands
Do hands feel like ice? You may just need to chill out a bit! Stress overworks the nervous system, which can restrict circulation to your hands.
Take a few deep breaths, join a yoga class or try some journaling. We all have different ways of unwinding.
Constantly Cold
Buried under blankets and still hit with the shivers? If you’re often unusually cold in situations where you shouldn’t be, there may be something off with your thyroid. This is a very common symptom of an underactive thyroid or possibly a hormone imbalance.
Low Energy / Fatigue
If you find yourself tired and low on energy, even after getting a full night of rest, it could mean that you’re consuming too much sugar and/or caffeine. Sure, you may feel a spike of energy early on, but then you just end up crashing. If you don’t cut back it may leave you less able to generate energy on your own. Yikes!
Odor Issues
Smelly Sweat
Most sweat doesn’t have a super pleasant aroma, but it could signal more than just skimping on the deodorant. For example, if it’s slightly acidic-smelling it may be a sign that your blood sugar levels are abnormal.
Smelly Feet
If your feet smell despite proper hygiene, you may have an athlete’s foot from a fungal infection. It is contagious, so don’t take it lightly, and don’t share your socks!
Smelly Urine / Stool
If what’s coming out of you is especially smelly, first think bout what you’ve consumed recently (very often the culprit). If it persists, however, you may want to check in with your doctor. While no bodily fluids often smell good, it also shouldn’t smell overly foul either.
Other Body Issues
Swollen Feet
Foot swelling is not uncommon if you’re on your feet too much. But if you’re not, it could be a more serious sign that your heart isn’t pumping as it should, resulting in fluid retention.
Foggy Brain
Our cognitive abilities are closely tied to our physical health. If you’re having trouble formulating sentences or struggling to find words, it may be time to take a closer look at your diet. It may be as simple as needing to eat more leafy greens or hitting the gym more often.
Blood Type O
If you know that you’re blood type is O, you should be aware that you’re a mosquito’s best friend. If you don’t know your blood type and find yourself getting a bit more often than those around you, this may be why. So don’t forget to pack the bug spray!
Persistent Diarrhea
If you’re frantic to get to the bathroom lately you could have Celiac disease. It’s an immune reaction to eating gluten, and foods containing it could easily trigger an upset stomach. Don’t worry though; there are SO many gluten-free options these days!
Constipation
Constipation is the clearest indicator of the body’s need for more fiber. Keep things moving smoothly by incorporating more whole grains and beans into your diet. Popcorn is also a great snack that packs a nutrient punch!
Increased Need to Pee
While it seems like it would have the opposite effect, if you have the urge to pee more frequently it may mean you’re dehydrated. Check the color of your urine- it should be more clear than yellow. If it’s not, increase your H20 intake until it is.
Acid Reflux
Burning sensation in your stomach and throat area? That feeling comes from acid churning and trying to make its way up. This may be a sign that you’ve been hitting the bottle too hard! Replace a couple of those weekday nightcaps with a warm glass of tea instead.
Frequent Colds
We’re all exposed to bacteria and viruses every day, but a healthy body should be able to fight most of them off. If you find yourself frequently under the weather it could mean that you are short on good flora and that your immune system is weak. Pick up some vitamin C supplements to incorporate into your diet.
The point? Pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. It may go to some strange lengths, but it knows what’s up!
