From aches and pains, to forgetfulness and exhilaration, the body is constantly “talking” to us. Most of the time, we listen. But, sometimes we don’t. Learning to listen to what our body is telling us may just change our wellness for a lifetime.
Below are the top seven symptoms commonly experienced by most of us when our body's trying to tell us something inside of us may need further attention:
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. When illness and disease are the culprit behind the symptoms, the body is trying to tell us something is wrong and is in need of our attention. If you begin experiencing body aches unrelated to an injury or muscle fatigue, consult with a doctor immediately. Write down the location, when they began and any other symptoms you are experiencing. Unless the doctor recommends medication, self medicating could “mask” the problem. Everything from muscle exertion to meningitis, ticks and cancer could be at the root of your aches. Medication may “mask” the pain confusing the diagnosis of your condition.
Fatigue/exhaustion – The body naturally “replenishes, renews and restores” itself within a 24 hour cycle, resupplying the serotonin and melatonin levels from the middle of the night to early morning. When we lack sleep, we endanger the body from fulfilling this process. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can initiate the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion. The body needs to be “refueled” and naturally fatigued (through healthy amounts of exercise/activity). Illness can begin as “fatigue”, alerting us to a deeper-rooted problem. If you are getting a good night’s sleep, but your are not waking refreshed, that could be the sign that something else is out of alignment inside of you.
Thirst – Every “body” needs one primary liquid throughout the day; water. Without water, the body begins to dehydrate, causing us to become thirsty (amongst other things). However, thirst isn’t always a lack of water. It can be a pre-cursor and warning to us that something more might be going on inside of our body. For example, Diabetes can be associated with thirst. Medicine can often cause an increase in thirst. Heart, kidney, and liver disease can signal there’s an imbalance, causing 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 are 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 imbalance 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 glucose/blood sugar levels. Refined sugar (i.e. Candy) is the worse culprit behind these cravings. Complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates (fruit) can help balance cravings. If you are “craving” something salty, something sweet every day (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, 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 the body releases these cells/chemicals without cause, resulting in a greater problem (auto-immune diseases) damaging 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 lingers and does not appear related to something else (i.e. 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, and 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 the 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 a serious sign 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.). The 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 accurately 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.Quick Tips for Wellness, Copyright © 2013, All Rights Reserved
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