Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Our bodies send us signals all the time. We can either overlook them or choose to pay attention.

Here are some of the potential warning signs you shouldn’t ignore…

YOUR NAILS

Did you know that your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? Very pale nails can sometimes be a sign of anemia, heart failure, or liver disease.

If your nails are yellow (and you haven’t been peeling carrots or pumpkins lately), this also could be a sign of liver trouble or localized fungal infection. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.

Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen.

This could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema. If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.

CHANGES TO YOUR HAIR

Changes in your hair’s condition could indicate nutrition and health issues. A dry scalp or hair could mean you aren’t getting enough healthy fats in your diet.

Likewise, thinning hair could mean your diet lacks protein. If your hair has lost its luster and become brittle, consider adding Zinc and Iron supplements to your diet.

A TINGLING SENSATION

A tingling feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet is not only uncomfortable but also a cause for concern if it lasts for more than a few hours.

This symptom is sometimes related to circulation problems or diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Buerger’s disease. Tingling in the feet may also be a sign of kidney issues.

DIZZINESS

Dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused by disturbances in the brain, the gastrointestinal system, vision, or the inner ear.

Dizziness is also related to several other health issues, including high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia, dehydration, and heart conditions. If you feel dizzy for more than an hour and develop other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention.

CHEST PAIN

Crushing chest pain can indicate an imminent heart attack. Other less-known indicators are tightness in the chest or shooting pain that travels to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back.

If you experience, severe chest pain with nausea, vomiting, and sweating—get to the hospital fast.

EXCESSIVE SWEATING

Pay attention to excessive sweating that’s not related to hot flashes, exercise, or spicy food. It just might be a sign of thyroid problems, diabetes, or heart issues.

YOUR EYES

Eyes aren’t just the window to your soul, they also offer a peek into your health.

Changes in your eyes can signal vision problems, diabetes, stress, and even retinal detachment. What’s more, most of these you can actually see for yourself — if you know what to look for.

• If you wear contact lenses, watch out for white spots on your cornea (that clear layer over the front of your eyeball). This could be a sign of a corneal infection.
• If you notice a white ring forming around your iris, it might be time to take a closer look at the root causes… while this particular color change is most commonly a sign of aging, it can be an indication of high cholesterol.
• If the whites of your eyes are yellowing, this could be a sign of jaundice. Although not very common in adults, jaundice can be caused by an infection like hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, or something blocking your bile ducts like gallstones or cancer.

NUMBNESS

Numbness in the face, arms, or legs can be a very serious signal, especially if the feeling is on one side of the body, as this could indicate a stroke.

This symptom may be accompanied by sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, as well as blurred vision. No matter what the cause, the numbness should always be investigated, and if it is accompanied by other symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.

When it comes to strokes – time is really of the essence.

ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that people with poor oral health are at a higher risk for both heart attacks and strokes?

A study recently came out that found a link between a certain type of oral bacteria and hemorrhagic strokes. What’s more, gum disease can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels in check.

If your breath has a metallic smell, you might have bacteria growing under your gum line that can lead to inflammation and even infection.

SWELLING

The most common reason for swollen feet or ankles is poor circulation.

It could also be an indication of a blood clot blocking the veins. One of the more serious conditions associated with swelling is edema, which happens when an abnormal amount of fluid builds up in the body. Always investigate the cause of any type of swelling.

That’s it mums – Here’s to our health and listening to our bodies.

Mums, have you ever had a change in your body or a ‘red flag’ that turned out to be something serious that you were able to catch early?

Comment below and share your story with us x