The body is an excellent indicator of health. Statistics show that people who are obese are more likely to have heart disease, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer than those who are not obese. Underweight people are more likely to have osteoporosis and infectious diseases than those who are at a healthy weight. People with a healthy weight according to height and build are less likely to experience health problems than those with weight problems.
Weight fluctuations might be the most apparent health indicator, but it is not the only one you should watch out for when trying to check your body for your health. There are many visible signs of health issues, and some will cause a lot of concerns that might require you to pay complete attention to them. If you are concerned about your health, you must consult a medical professional. They will be able to help you determine if any underlying health issues need to get addressed. Still, here are a few to consider.
Thinning Hair
People lose hair every day. About fifty to a hundred hair falls happen when you comb or brush your hair. However, if you start seeing clumps of hair in the drain or on your pillow, it might be a sign of a health issue. One common reason for this is anemia, a lack of iron in the body. It can also be due to thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, or alopecia areata.
However, thinning hair could also signify not getting enough protein. It could also be due to stress, aging, or harsh chemicals on your hair. Thinning hair can also represent aging, which means you might encounter hair loss. Fortunately, you can get a hair transplant for thinning hair to improve your appearance.
Yellowing of the Eyes or Skin
If you notice that the whites of your eyes or your skin start turning yellow, it could be a sign of jaundice. Jaundice happens when there is too much bilirubin in the blood. The bilirubin feature is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. When there is too much bilirubin in the blood, it can cause the eyes and skin to turn yellow.
Jaundice can be caused by many different things, such as liver disease, pancreatitis, cancer, or an infection. If you notice that you have jaundice, it is vital to see a doctor immediately so they can determine the cause and treat it accordingly.
Unexplained Rashes
If you have a rash that comes and goes or one that does not go away, it could be a sign of an allergy or infection. It could also be a sign of psoriasis, eczema, or shingles. If the rash is accompanied by itchiness, swelling, or redness, it is vital to see a doctor so they can determine the cause and provide relief.
Changes in Nail Color or Texture
The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein. They grow from the base of the nail bed and protect the fingers and toes from injury. The nails can also be an indicator of health. For example, if the nails are yellow, it could signify jaundice. If the nails are white, it could be a sign of anemia. If the nails are black, it could be a sign of melanoma.
Changes in the color or texture of the nails can also be caused by psoriasis, eczema, or fungal infections. If you notice any changes in your nails, it is vital to see a doctor so they can determine the cause and provide treatment.
Swelling in the Legs or Feet
If you notice that your legs or feet start swelling, it could signify a blood clot. Blood clots can occur for many reasons, such as sitting for long periods, being pregnant, smoking, or taking birth control pills. If the swelling comes with pain, redness, or warmth, it is essential to see a doctor immediately, as it could signify a severe health problem.
Changes in Bowel Habits
If you notice that you are having changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, it could be a sign of an infection. It could also indicate irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease. If the changes in your bowel habits are accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, blood in the stool, or abdominal pain, it is essential to see a doctor determine the cause and provide treatment.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many visible signs of health issues. If you notice any changes in your body, it is vital to see a doctor so they can determine the cause and provide treatment. Early detection and treatment of health problems can often lead to better outcomes.
