From aches, pains, to forgetfulness and exhilaration, our body is constantly “talking” to us. Most of the time, we listen. But sometimes, we don’t. Learning to listen to what your body is telling you may just change your wellness for a lifetime. Below are the top seven symptoms commonly experienced by most of us and most likely occur when our body’s trying to tell us something:
Body aches – The body responds to illness and injury through many signs/symptoms including “body aches”. When the body is rebuilding/repairing itself, body aches can be a normal part of the process. However, if illness/disease is the culprit, body aches signal to us that something is wrong and needs our attention. If you begin to experience unrelated body aches (i.e. not related to a specific injury or muscle fatigue) see a doctor immediately, write down when your symptoms started occurring and do not self medicate (unless instructed by your doctor to take something for inflammation/pain). Everything from muscle exertion to meningitis, ticks and cancer could be at the root of your aches. Masking over the pain may actually confuse the diagnosis of your condition.
Fatigue/exhaustion – Our body naturally “rebuilds” itself within a 24 hour cycle, restoring/rebuilding our serotonin and melatonin levels from the middle of the night to early morning. When we lack sleep, we endanger our body from fulfilling this process. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can initiate the feeling of being fatigued and exhausted. The body needs to be “refueled” and naturally fatigued (through healthy amounts of exercise/activity). Illness can bring about symptoms of fatigue, alerting us to a deeper rooted problem. If you are getting a good night’s sleep but still feeling fatigued, then there’s something else going on.
Thirst – Every “body” needs one primary liquid throughout the day; water. Without water our body begins to dehydrate, causing us to become thirsty (amongst other things). However, thirst isn’t only related to a lack of water, it’s also a pre-cursor and warning to us that something more might be going on inside of us. Diabetes is often associated with thirst. Medicine can often cause an increase in thirst. Heart, kidney and liver disease can often signal to us there’s a problem through excessive thirst. Dehydration through activity/exercise is usually what we experience the most when thirsty, but can usually be satisfied through drinking water. If your thirst cannot be satisfied, see a doctor immediately.
Cravings – Something salty…something sweet. Believe it or not, consumption of one can cause the desire for another. However, if you’re experiencing salt cravings there could be something more to your condition. A lack of sodium, Addison’s disease (decrease production of hormones by the adrenal glands), and electrolyte imbalances….all could be at the root of your problem. A craving for sugar usually comes from an internal response (aka “crash”) resulting from a drop in our glucose/blood sugar levels. Refined sugar (i.e. candy) is the worse culprit behind these cravings. Complex carbohydrates and natural simple carbohydrates (fruit, milk) can help balance our cravings. If you are “craving” something salty, something sweet everyday (or more often than not), write down what you’re eating, when the cravings occur and see a doctor for further advice. While it could be dietary, it may be medically related to a condition that shouldn’t be ignored.
Inflammation – Our body has a natural way of protecting us through the release of white blood cells and body chemicals that are slowly released into our blood stream/cells. These natural properties help our body prevent disease and inflammation. When we’re sick, our white blood cell count is usually “high”, signally to us that our body is in defense mode. However, there are times when our body releases these cells/chemicals without cause, in turn causing a greater problem (auto-immune diseases) causing greater damage to our internal tissue. Inflammation can take on several (and sometimes confusing) symptoms, such as aching, redness, swelling, joint pain, muscle stiffness, chills, loss of joint function. If your condition goes beyond what seems normal (i.e. no related illness or injury/fatigue), see a doctor immediately.
Bloating – A build up of gas in the stomach and intestines is usually the culprit behind bloating. Stress, smoking, poor diet, can all cause bloating. Diseases related to bloating include celiac disease or lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal infection, blockage, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and even some foods (i.e. broccoli, baked beans, Brussels sprouts). Chewing gum, carbonated drinks and candy also have an adverse affect on digestion and can cause bloating as well. Changes in your diet and/or lifestyle affect our body’s more than we realize (for the good or bad), so pay attention to anything that appears to happen within a twenty four hour period after consumption or a life changing event.
Itching/rash – External (environment) and internal (disease/infection) can cause our skin to itch or present a rash (redness/bumps/skin irritation). If we suddenly start itching or see a rash appear, then we should take this as serious sign that something is going on and our body is trying to warn us. From eczema to chicken pox, itching/swell/redness can occur typically affecting a specific area on our body. On the other hand, itching/swelling/redness occurring throughout the body reflects a greater problem (i.e. kidney failure, iron deficiency/anemia, leukemia, thyroid problems, etc.). Our body’s reaction to food, drug and/or the environment, are typically the culprits behind itching/rash related responses. However, no matter what you “think” might be behind your condition, never self medicate as you could be confusing the symptoms with the treatment making it more difficult for a doctor to properly diagnose your condition. See a doctor immediately.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Learn to listen to your body and take action when it signals something is wrong.
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