Our bodies have a lot of different ways to tell us something’s wrong. We don’t always feel pain or discomfort, even when suffering from an underlying issue or health problem.
Some of these signs are easy to ignore, but all of them are important to recognize. Do you suffer from any of these 24 physical signs you're not as healthy as you think?
24. You're Constantly Anxious
Feeling anxious on a regular basis may be an indictor of sex hormone imbalances, hyperthyroidism, and even adrenal tumors.
23. The Corners Of Your Lips Are Always Cracked
Having consistently cracked lips may be a sign of a vitamin B deficiency, namely vitamin B12.
22. Your Skin Is Always Itchy
If you’re constantly itchy, then it may be your body’s way of informing you of a liver problem.
However, it may also just be a benign skin issue.
21. You Are Getting Shorter
If you notice a change in your height over time, it may mean your bones are starting to degenerate from osteoporosis.
However, you can maintain your bone health by taking calcium, vitamin D, and by participating in weight bearing exercises.
If you don’t take action, you may eventually suffer from bone fractures or a humpback.
20. You Don’t Poop Multiple Times A Day
You’re technically supposed to have a bowel movement after every meal. There’s even a term for this: the “gastro-colic reflex.”
Basically, your digestive tract works to remove the toxins from your body, and not having regular bowel movements can lead to the toxins seeping through the lining of your bowels and into your bloodstream.
19. Your Feet Are Dry And Cracked
"Bad," or cracked and dry feet can be a sign of various conditions. Foot issues may be a form of dermatitis, fungal infections, and athlete’s foot— all of which should be addressed as soon as possible.
Your feet are prone to fungal infections as they host the perfect environment for fungus growth, and treating these infections in a timely manner is important to slow the growth of the fungus.
18. Your Body Shape Is “Apple”
People who are overweight and "apple-shaped" are more likely to develop heart disease.
That is, those who tend to carry the extra weight around their stomach as compared to others who may be more proportional, or carry their extra weight in hips and thighs.
17. Your Skin Is More Pale Than Usual
If your skin appears to be lighter than normal, it could be a sign of reduced blood flow or lower red blood cell production, and not just lack of sunlight.
Anemia may also be to blame, and is something you will want to discuss with a healthcare professional.
16. You Have A Lot Of Moles And Skin Marks
It’s important to recognize the difference between freckles and moles. Freckles are caused by skin cells coming together to form a pigmented spot, while moles tend to be raised and texturized.
It’s possible to see new freckles and moles when exposed to the sun, but it’s highly important to watch for any moles— new and old— that may be cancerous. If you continue to see numerous new moles and skin marks, it may also be a sign you aren't using enough sunscreen, or are getting too much sun.
15. You Have Acne
Consistent acne can be the sign of a bacterial skin infection.
While pimples and blackheads are a normal part of life for all people, it’s also important to pay attention to outbreaks and causes.
14. You Have "Splinter" Hemorrhages Under Your Fingernails
If you notice small hemorrhages under your nails and haven’t suffered any recent injury, then it may be a sign of endocarditis. Endocarditis occurs when bacteria spreads through your bloodstream to your heart.
The hemorrhages typically resemble splinters under your nail, hence the name, and are caused by small clots that damage the capillaries.
13. You Find Yourself Snoring Most Nights
Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is actually a disease that puts you at risk for heart failure.
12. You Have A Butterfly Rash On Your Cheeks
It's important not to confuse a butterfly rash for rosy or red cheeks. This rash may be indicative of lupus, even though the rash is usually painless.
The rash may not be the only sign of lupus as exposure to sunlight may worsen to a condition known as photosensitivity. The bodily organs may also be inflamed.
11. You Suffer From Painful, Bloodshot Eyes
Bloodshot eyes aren’t too concerning on their own, but it could indicate a health problem when combined with pain or impaired vision.
Sometimes, a broken blood vessel will cause a “bruise-like” formation on the white of your eye, but this is not typically painful. Be sure to consult your doctor if you suffer pain and redness in your eyes as it could mean an underlying health issue.
10. Your Skin Has A Yellow Tint
A yellow tint to your skin may mean many things.
It can represent something serious, such as liver disease or hepatitis, or be something as minor as jaundice. It’s recommended to consult your doctor if you notice a change in appearance.
9. You Constantly Suffer From Fatigue
More than just being sleepy, constant fatigue can signal other health concerns.
Fatigue may be a sign of thyroid problems, improperly functioning adrenal glands, or an intake of too many toxins.
8. You Have Trouble Sleeping At Night
We all have nights of bad sleep, however, if you’re constantly plagued by insomnia it may mean you have high cortisol levels.
This extra stress can lead to more severe impacts other than being sleepy, such as illnesses and colds from a weaker immune system. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, also regulates how the body responds to stress, such as weight gain.
7. You Get Cold Sores On A Regular Basis
Cold sores are actually a form of herpes, known as herpes simplex virus type 1.
Most people are infected with the disease during childhood, and it’s reported around 80% of the population carries the virus.
6. Your Urine Is A Dark Color
Contrary to belief, urine should be as clear as possible— not necessary yellow.
Dark yellow-colored urine can indicate dehydration, or too much soda and alcohol.
5. White Rings Around Corneas In People Under Age 30
While more common in people over 30, white rings around the corneas may indicate high cholesterol in those under 30.
4. Your Hair Turns Gray Before Age 40
You will want to be screened for diabetes if 50% or more of your hair turns gray before age 40.
3. You’re Losing Hair From Your Eyebrows
An underachieve thyroid may be to blame if you lose eyebrow hair and see thinning on your head as well.
2. Your Earlobes Have A Crease
Having a crease in one or both earlobes can be a sign of increased risk of heart disease.
1. Being Larger Chested As A Woman
Having D-cup sized breasts or larger makes you more susceptible to diabetes.