13 Warning Signs That You Are Unhealthy
It’s important to pay attention to your body and how it’s feeling. Your body will give you warning signs when something is wrong, and it’s crucial to heed those warnings. Here are 13 warning signs that you might be unhealthy.
1. You’re always tired
If you’re frequently feeling tired for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Fatigue can be caused by a number of different things, including anemia, depression, sleep apnea, diabetes, and thyroid problems. If you’re regularly feeling exhausted, make an appointment with your doctor to find out what might be causing it.
2. You have trouble concentrating
Difficulty focusing on tasks, forgetting things, or feeling “foggy” can be a sign of dehydration, low blood sugar, sleep deprivation, or a vitamin B12 deficiency. It can also be a symptom of ADHD, depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re having trouble concentrating, try drinking more water and getting more sleep. If that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor about other possible causes.
3. You always have headaches
Occasional headaches are normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you find yourself reaching for ibuprofen on a daily basis just to get through the day, it could be a tell-tale sign of something more serious. Chronic headaches can be caused by conditions like sleep apnea, depression, meningitis, brain tumor, fibromyalgia, or sinus problems. If your headaches are severe or come with other symptoms like vision problems or dizziness, it is important to see a doctor right away.
4. You have numbness and tingling
If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and feet, it could be a sign of sciatica, diabetes, Vitamin B12 deficiency, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a pinched nerve. It could also be an early symptom of heart problems, stroke, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or thyroid problems. If you experience these sensations on a regular basis, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
5. You’re gaining weight
Sudden weight gain can be a sign of hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, or Cushing’s disease. If you notice that you’re putting on weight even though you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
6. You have lost weight without trying
It is normal to fluctuate a few pounds here and there. However, if you have lost a significant amount of weight without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of a serious health problem, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, thyroid disease, or heart failure. If you cannot explain your weight loss, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
7. You have dry skin
Dry skin can be a sign of dehydration or an underlying skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. If you notice that your skin is dry and flaky, make sure you’re drinking enough water and using a moisturizer specifically designed for your skin type. If those things don’t help, talk to your dermatologist about other possible solutions.
8. Shortness of breath
If you find yourself short of breath after minimal activity or at rest, it could be a symptom of heart disease, anemia, COPD, or lung cancer. If you are having trouble catching your breath, even when you are at rest, it is time to see a doctor.
9. You bruise easily
Bruising easily can be a sign of vitamin C deficiency, liver disease, leukemia, or bleeding disorders like hemophilia. If you find yourself bruising more easily than usual, talk to your doctor about getting tested for these conditions.
10. You get sick often
Everyone gets sick occasionally, but if you find yourself catching colds or other illnesses more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that your immune system is weakened. This can happen due to stress, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help boost your immune system.
11. You have digestive problems that aren’t going away
Indigestion happens to everyone from time to time, but if you’re experiencing chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious problem like Ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Chron’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If you’ve been having digestive problems for more than a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor so they can help you get to the bottom of it.
12. You’re always hungry
If you’re eating regular meals but still feel famished all the time, it could be a sign that you have a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, low blood sugar, or diabetes. It could also be a symptom of an eating disorder such as bulimia nervosa. In either case, it’s important to talk to your doctor so they can run some tests and determine the cause of your hunger.
13. Dark urine
Dark urine can be a sign of dehydration, Urinary tract infection (UTI), or liver disease. If you notice that your urine is darker than usual and you’re not drinking enough fluids, make sure to increase your water intake and see a doctor if the problem persists.
Conclusion
While some of these warning signs may seem minor, they could be indicative of more serious underlying health problems. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, make sure to see a doctor so that any potential issues can be diagnosed and treated early on.
LEARN MORE: Health A to Z