6 things your body says about you!
Know what the physical signs and symptoms mean.
Through physical signs and symptoms, your body has its own unique way of alerting you if something is amiss. Learning to read your body and being able to recognise when something’s not quite right is vital to feeling good and staying healthy.
If you are concerned about your health or would like to speak to a GP about any of the issues discussed in this blog, book a video consultation on webdoctor.ie today.
1. I can’t fit into my favourite pair of jeans.
Your trousers are feeling tight, and the button won’t button? That may be down to excess weight that has crept up over time. According to safefood, two out of three people in Ireland are overweight. Carrying extra weight puts you at risk of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. So, while you may not feel very different, those few inches around your waist could be the start of an unhealthy trend. As soon as your favourite jeans don’t fit like they should, it’s time to hit the treadmill or re-evaluate your diet.
2. I have dark circles under my eyes
Skin under our eyes and on our eyelids is extremely thin, so swollen blood vessels may appear darker than the rest of the face.
Although dark circles are often attributed to lack of sleep, they can also appear due to congested sinuses. Sometimes this is linked to allergies, especially if you also have itchy eyes and nose. Anti-allergy medications may help, but if in doubt, speak to a GP. You can book a video consultation to speak with an Irish-registered doctor today.
3. I have cracks in the corners of my mouth
This can mean that your diet is lacking specific nutrients, such as vitamin B and iron. These are found in lean meat, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.
If left untreated, these cracks can become infected, so it’s important to examine your diet and try to make improvements. In the meantime, your pharmacist can recommend topical treatments that will help soothe the area.
4. My nails keep breaking
Your nails are an excellent indicator of what’s going on in your body. Weak nails or nails that break a lot are generally caused by overexposure to water or damp conditions, but sometimes they can point to a fungal infection, thyroid problems, arthritis or psoriasis.
Keep an eye on your fingernails and toenails and if you notice anything unfamiliar, book a video consultation to speak with a GP right away.
5. I have diarrhea/constipation
Fibre is essential when it comes to digestion, but most of us aren’t getting nearly enough. A lack of fibre can lead to bouts of constipation or diarrhea, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough every day.
There are two types of fibre – soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre is easily digested by our bodies and can ease constipation. It’s found in foods such as porridge, carrots, potatoes, citrus fruits and bananas and peas. Insoluble fibre is different in that our bodies can’t digest it. Crucial for keeping your bowels healthy, it’s found in cereal, whole grain foods, potatoes, green beans, nuts and seeds.
Along with helping to ease constipation and diarrhea, getting enough fibre lowers your risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
6. My urine is a funny colour
Most of the time, urine is pale yellow in colour. When it’s orange or a darker yellow, it could indicate that you’re dehydrated. Increasing the amount of water you drink will quickly solve the problem.
People undergoing chemotherapy sometimes see a change in their urine colour, while consistent dark yellow or orange urine can point to liver or bile problems. If you have any concerns, visit your GP.
To speak with an Irish-registered GP today, book a video consultation online.