Your body has its own language, and when something isn’t quite right, it often sends you tiny signs. Some signs are easy to see, but others may be missed. If you don’t pay attention to these secret messages, you might miss early signs of health problems that get worse. You can take care of possible health problems before they get worse if you pay attention to these signs.
One minor sign to keep an eye out for is if your legs feel different, like they’re moving or hurting, especially at night or when you’re sitting still. This could be a sign of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a disease that makes you want to move your legs all the time. Talking to a doctor is the best thing to do if you think you might have RLS.
Skin that gets thicker can also be a sign of problems inside the body. Skin that is thick, red, and itchy can be a sign of Psoriasis, Hypothyroidism, or Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP). If the changes on your face don’t go away, you need to see a doctor right away.
Parkinson’s disease can also be detected early by small changes in your handwriting, your sense of smell, or your vivid dreams that happen over and over again. This neurological disease often starts with mild symptoms that might not seem dangerous. However, they can happen before more noticeable symptoms like twitches or stiffness show up.
Anger and hostility that come on quickly can be a sign of depression. Mental health workers have known for a long time that anger that isn’t controlled can lead to mood problems. You or someone you care about who is dealing with anger issues can learn useful ways to handle them by getting help from a therapist or counsellor.
Sleeping too much could be a sign of Hypersomnia, a disease that causes people to feel sleepy during the day or sleep for long periods of time at night. Hypersomnia doesn’t get better with naps or long periods of rest like normal tiredness does. Medications that stimulate the brain, better sleep hygiene, and changes to the person’s lifestyle are common parts of treatment.
If your eye colour changes, especially if there is a grey ring around the lens, this could be a sign of Arcus Senilis. In older adults, it’s usually nothing to worry about, but in younger people, it can mean high cholesterol, which raises the risk of heart disease.
A strong desire for salt may not seem important, but it can be a sign of Addison’s Disease, Bartter Syndrome, or Cystic Fibrosis. Hormone issues or kidney problems are common in these conditions.
Hypothyroidism can cause forgetfulness, constant tiredness, and a loss of interest in close relationships. This disease happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones. It can cause weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
Polydipsia, or feeling thirsty all the time, can also be a sign of a deeper health problem, like Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetes Insipidus. Along with chronic dry mouth and going to the toilet a lot, extreme thirst is often a sign that your hormones or blood sugar levels are out of whack.
Lastly, a strange desire to chew ice, called pagophagia, could be a sign of anaemia or iron deficiency. Even though it seems innocent, this desire is often a sign that the body needs more iron.
The little things your body does are often its way of telling you that something is wrong. You can avoid bigger problems in the future by noticing and fixing these warning signs right away. Don’t ignore these signs, whether they are a strong hunger, a change in the way you sleep, or a strange feeling in your legs. Trust your gut, pay attention to your body, and see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right. These preventative steps can make all the difference in your health and well-being in the long run.
