10 Visual Signs You Are Actually Not Healthy: An Informative Guide to Spotting the Clues
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Table of Contents
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, giving us signals about our overall health. Recognizing these signs early may help detect and address underlying health issues before they escalate into more serious complications. In this article, we will explore 10 visual signs your body might be sending you that indicate poor health.
We will discuss each sign’s potential causes, health implications, and remedies that may help you identify and address them. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of some common visual signs of poor health and the importance of early detection and intervention.
Did you know?
Nutritional deficiencies can show up in different visible forms on our bodies. We’ll take a look at four usual signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. We’ll cover their causes, possible effects on health, and remedies.
Brittle hair and nails can point to a lack of biotin or other essential nutrients.
The main cause of brittle hair and nails is a lack of biotin or vitamin B7. Biotin helps our bodies convert food into energy and plays a key role in maintaining our hair, nails, and skin healthy. Other things that can lead to brittle hair and nails are a poor diet, using antibiotics for a long time, and eating raw egg whites, which have a protein called avidin that binds to biotin, blocking its absorption.
Brittle hair and nails due to a lack of biotin might seem like just a beauty problem, but it can also point to a deeper issue tied to nutrition and overall wellness. Not fixing a biotin deficiency could lead to skin disease, enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), and even changes in brain function in severe cases.
To make your hair and nails healthier, think about eating a balanced diet packed with foods that have a lot of biotin like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, whole grains, and bananas. Adults with brittle hair or nails might think about taking a biotin supplement of around 30 micrograms per day, but it’s best to talk with a healthcare expert before starting any new supplements.
Mouth ulcers and cracks at the corners of the mouth are another clear sign of a lack of nutrients.
These unwanted symptoms may be because of low iron or B vitamins, in particular thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and pyridoxine of vitamin B6. Low levels of these nutrients are linked to mouth ulcers that keep coming back and cracks at the corners of the mouth.
If not managed, mouth ulcers or cracked corners of the mouth can become painful and may make it hard to eat or talk. They also point to a wider lack of nutrients in the body, which affects overall health and wellness.
Eating a varied and nutrient-rich diet that includes foods full of iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine may help ease these symptoms and support overall health. These foods include whole grains, poultry, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, organ meats, legumes, green vegetables, starchy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. If needed, discuss with a healthcare expert about suitable supplementation for these nutrients.
Our overall body shape can give hints about possible health problems. Below we have described three abnormal body changes that we should pay attention to.
Quick weight gain or loss without trying can be a sign of a medical problem.
Sudden weight gain or loss can occur due to many factors, such as hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), heart failure, or even cancer.
While body weight can change naturally, sudden, and large weight changes could point to a more serious medical issue. Finding the cause and getting the right management is important because some of these issues can lead to severe health problems if not managed.
If you are gaining or losing weight suddenly, discuss it with a healthcare expert for a proper diagnosis and management. In some cases, they may suggest medicine or lifestyle changes, like changes in diet and more exercise, to fix the root cause of the weight changes.
Swelling in your lower legs can signal different health problems.
Swollen feet or ankles may happen because of bad blood flow, heart valve problems, problems with the lymph system, inflammation, or even blood clots.
Keep in mind that if your feet or ankles stay swollen, it might show a problem with your heart or blood flow that, if not managed, can lead to more serious issues like heart failure.
If your legs or ankles get swollen, and if it gets worse over time or spreads to other parts of the body, get medical advice. A healthcare expert can check your situation, maybe order tests, and suggest appropriate management options to fix the root problem.
A yellow colour on the skin or the white parts of the eyes which is referred to as the sclera of the eyes could indicate a serious medical problem.
This yellow discoloration is known as jaundice, and it happens from a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow-colored substance made during the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin in the blood might be due to liver problems, such as hepatitis, liver disease, or issues with the gallbladder, like gallstones blocking the bile duct.
Jaundice is not a disease itself but a symptom of another issue. If not managed, the root problem can become worse and cause more damage to the liver, gallbladder, or other related organs.
If you see yellowing on your skin or the whites of your eyes, discuss with a healthcare expert right away for a proper diagnosis and management plan to fix the root cause of jaundice.
Problems in urination or digestion can sometimes show a bigger health issue.
Changes in the color of your urine and stool might show some health problems.
Dark urine and light-colored stool could be a sign of a problem with your gallbladder, like a gallstone blocking the bile duct. A blocked bile duct can disrupt the breakdown of bilirubin during digestion, leading to dark urine and lighter stools.
Gallstones, if not taken care of, can lead to the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver becoming inflamed. This could bring more severe pain and raise the risk of infection.
If you notice your urine is dark and your stool is light-colored, discuss it with a healthcare expert to find the cause. They might order tests and, if needed, suggest management options that can include medicine or surgery to address the gallstone issue.
Long-lasting digestive problems like too much gas, bloating, and belly pain should not be ignored.
These symptoms might come from various causes, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, problems with the gut, food allergies, or even ovarian cancer.
While a bit of gas and bloating could be normal body reactions to certain foods, ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. If not managed, the root issue could become worse and lead to more serious health issues.
If you often have too much gas, bloating, or belly pain, talk with a healthcare expert for a full evaluation and suitable management options based on the diagnosis.
Signs about your breath and heart can sound the alarm for larger health worries. Here are three signs that you should not ignore.
A cough that keeps coming back should not be put aside. It could be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Chronic coughs can come from varying sources, including lung cancer, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even tuberculosis.
An ongoing cough might show a more serious problem with your breathing that needs fast medical care and management.
If you’re having a cough that does not go away, discuss it with a healthcare expert. They can help find the cause and suggest suitable therapy. This might include medicines, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgery.
Feeling short of breath or having chest pain, especially when active or at rest, can be a big warning sign for heart health problems.
Shortness of breath or chest pain might be due to different heart-related issues. This could be angina, a heart attack, heart rhythm troubles, heart valve disease, or heart failure.
Ignoring these symptoms could risk your life, as they might be warning signs of a severe heart event needing immediate medical attention.
If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, seek medical care right away. This could mean going to the emergency room or calling an ambulance. Acting fast may save your life and help reduce damage to the heart.
Feeling sharp, unknown pain on your side or a numbing feeling in your arms and legs can point to several possible health issues.
Sharp side pain might be due to issues like kidney stones, appendicitis, or a muscle pull. A numbing feeling in the arms or legs may show not enough blood flow, nerve pinching, or problems that affect the nerves, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
Not addressing these symptoms could lead to problems and perhaps irreversible damage to the affected organs, nerves, or tissues.
If you feel a sharp pain in your side or a numbing feeling in your arms and legs, discuss it with a healthcare expert. They can help find the real cause and come up with a suitable management plan. This may include medicines, physical therapy, or surgery if needed.
Changes in sight or hearing should be taken seriously. They might show underlying health worries. Below we have discussed two examples that you should not ignore.
Struggling to see clearly in low light or the dark could be a sign of a worrying health problem.
Bad night vision might be due to a lack of vitamin A. This vitamin is needed to make rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina of the eye that helps you see in dim light. If not managed, poor night vision can become xerophthalmia, a condition that can harm the cornea and potentially lead to blindness.
Not seeing well at night can hinder your ability to see in low-light situations and may also show an undiagnosed lack of vitamin A. If not managed, it can result in permanent vision loss.
If you have poor night vision, discuss it with a healthcare expert. They can figure out if your symptoms are linked to a lack of vitamin A and suggest appropriate changes in diet or supplementation if needed. Foods rich in vitamin A include organ meats, dairy, eggs, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, yellow-orange colored vegetables, and fruits.
Difficulty seeing on one side needs medical attention.
Changes in vision affecting one side might be due to different factors. This includes strokes, damage to the optic nerve, brain tumors, or other conditions affecting the nervous system.
Ignoring this type of change in your vision could have serious results. It may point to an important issue with your brain or nervous system.
If you suddenly notice it’s tough to see to one side, get medical help right away. Proper checkups and fast management of the root problem can help avoid potentially life-altering health problems.
Long-lasting skin and hair problems might give hints about possible underlying health issues. Below we have described two examples.
Chronic acne or skin breakouts may be more than just a skin issue.
Ongoing acne or skin breakouts can come from different factors. This can include hormone imbalances, making too much oil, blocked hair follicles, and bacteria. In some cases, acne may also show an underlying issue linked to digestion or immunity.
Untreated acne can lead to scars and can significantly impact self-confidence and overall quality of life. Furthermore, ongoing skin breakouts might show a larger underlying health issue that needs medical attention.
Discuss with a healthcare expert if you have ongoing acne. They can help find the root cause and provide suitable management options, such as skin creams, oral medicines, or changes to your skincare routine. In some cases, addressing root health issues or making diet and lifestyle changes may help make your skin healthier.
Small red or white bumps on your skin can be a sign of health problems that need attention.
Red or white bumps on the skin may be tied to a condition called keratosis pilaris. This happens when there is too much keratin in the hair follicles. While the exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, it may appear in people with a lack of vitamins A and C.
Keratosis pilaris can raise cosmetic concerns and may cause itching or discomfort. Fixing any possible lack of vitamins may help ease symptoms and improve overall skin health.
If you see red or white bumps on your skin, discuss it with a healthcare expert. They can determine if a vitamin deficiency might play a role in your condition. Eating more foods rich in vitamins A and C, like organ meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables, may help improve these bumps.
Getting to understand the visual signs our bodies give can help us find and sort out underlying health problems. The 10 visual signs mentioned in this article like those related to the lack of nutrients, abnormal body changes, problems with urine and stools, signs linked to breathing, heart, vision, and hearing troubles could be signs of a possible underlying serious issue.
Remember that finding and sorting problems early is key to managing many health conditions effectively. Do not hesitate to discuss it with a healthcare expert if you notice any of these visual signs. By being alert and acting early, you’re better prepared to maintain a healthy and satisfying life.
Look for clear signs, like those discussed in this article, including ongoing acne, problems with hair and nails, sudden weight changes, sight/hearing troubles, and symptoms linked to urinary system or digestion. Discuss it with a healthcare expert if you notice any of these signs or have worries about your health.
Your body often gives signs when something is not right. Stay alert for unusual symptoms like sweating too much, sharp side pain, numb arms or legs, or an ongoing cough. All of these might show an underlying health issue. Make sure to discuss it with a healthcare expert if you have any unusual or worrying symptoms.
Worsening health can show in many ways, from changes in energy levels and mood to a drop in physical function. Pay attention to any changes in your usual state of health or wellness. If you notice a change, do not hesitate to discuss it with a healthcare professional to identify any possible underlying health worries.
Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are important for maintaining good health. They can help screen for potential health issues, keep track of any existing conditions, and address any concerns you may have about your well-being.
While some signs and symptoms of poor health are shared between men and women, others may differ. For instance, men may experience problems like erectile dysfunction as a sign of an underlying health issue, while women may have changes in their menstrual cycle as an early warning sign. Always discuss it with a healthcare expert if you have any worries about your health or notice any unusual symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Last updated: Apr 22, 2024
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