Your body is trying to tell you something, and it’s time you started paying attention.
We’re all guilty of ignoring the warning signs our bodies give us, whether it’s because we’re too busy, too stubborn, or just don’t want to face the truth. But the longer you go on dismissing these signals, the worse things are going to get. Your body is a finely tuned machine, and when something’s off, it lets you know. Here are 11 things your body is desperately trying to tell you, but you keep ignoring.
1. Your constant headaches are a sign of stress and dehydration.
If you’re popping paracetamol like sweets and still can’t get rid of that nagging headache, it’s time to look at the root cause. Chances are, you’re either stressed out of your mind or you’re not drinking enough water. Stress can cause tension in your neck and shoulders, leading to those pounding headaches. And when you’re dehydrated, your brain literally shrinks, pulling away from your skull and causing pain. So, take a deep breath, have a glass of water, and give your poor head a break.
2. Your achy joints are a sign of inflammation and poor diet.
If you’re waking up feeling like the tin man before he got his oil can, your joints are trying to tell you something. Aches and pains are often a sign of inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Your joints need nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin C, and collagen to stay lubricated and pain-free. So, swap out that bag of crisps for some salmon and veggies, and give your joints the TLC they deserve.
3. Your constant bloating is a sign of food intolerances and gut issues.
If you feel like a balloon animal after every meal, it’s time to take a closer look at what you’re putting in your mouth. Bloating is often a sign of food intolerances or gut issues like IBS. Your body could be struggling to break down certain foods, leading to gas, pain, and that lovely pregnant look. Keep a food diary and try eliminating common culprits like dairy, gluten, and FODMAPs to see if your bloating subsides. And if all else fails, go see a gastroenterologist and get to the bottom of it (pun intended).
4. Your chronic fatigue is a sign of nutrient deficiencies and poor sleep.
If you’re dragging yourself through the day like a zombie on Valium, your body is screaming for help. Chronic fatigue can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins. It can also be a result of poor sleep quality, whether it’s from stress, sleep apnea, or that late-night Netflix binge. Start by getting your nutrient levels checked and implementing good sleep hygiene habits. And if you’re still exhausted, it might be time to see a sleep specialist.
5. Your constant cravings are a sign of emotional eating and blood sugar imbalances.
Source: Unsplash If you find yourself reaching for the biscuit tin every time you’re stressed, bored, or sad, your cravings are trying to tell you something. Emotional eating is often a way to cope with difficult feelings, but it can also be a sign of blood sugar imbalances. When you eat a lot of sugary, processed foods, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes, leading to those insatiable cravings. Try to find healthier ways to cope with your emotions, like exercise or talking to a friend, and focus on balancing your blood sugar with protein, healthy fats, and fibre.
6. Your irregular periods are a sign of hormonal imbalances and PCOS.
Source: Unsplash If your monthly cycle is about as predictable as the British weather, it’s time to pay attention. Irregular periods can be a sign of hormonal imbalances, particularly in insulin and testosterone. This can lead to conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which can cause weight gain, acne, and fertility issues. If you’re skipping periods or they’re all over the place, go see your GP and get your hormone levels checked. And in the meantime, focus on balancing your blood sugar and reducing stress to help regulate your cycle.
7. Your constant thirst is a sign of diabetes and kidney issues.
If you feel like you could drink the Thames dry and still be thirsty, your body is trying to tell you something. Constant thirst can be a sign of diabetes, as high blood sugar levels cause your body to pull water from your tissues to dilute the sugar in your bloodstream. It can also be a sign of kidney issues, as your kidneys work overtime to filter out toxins and excess fluids. If you’re peeing more than usual and always feeling parched, go get your blood sugar and kidney function checked ASAP.
8. Your brittle nails are a sign of nutrient deficiencies and thyroid issues.
If your nails are about as strong as wet tissue paper, it’s time to take a closer look at your diet and thyroid function. Brittle nails can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in protein, iron, and biotin. They can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, as your thyroid gland plays a key role in nail growth and strength. Make sure you’re getting enough protein and nutrients in your diet, and if your nails are still snapping like twigs, go get your thyroid checked.
9. Your brain fog is a sign of inflammation and gut-brain connection issues.
If you feel like you’re constantly walking around in a mental haze, your body is trying to tell you something. Brain fog can be a sign of inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a variety of factors like poor diet, stress, and autoimmune conditions. It can also be a result of gut-brain connection issues, as the health of your gut microbiome plays a key role in cognitive function. Focus on reducing inflammation through a healthy diet and lifestyle, and consider taking probiotics to support your gut-brain axis.
10. Your constant cold sores are a sign of a weakened immune system and stress.
If you’re getting cold sores more often than the Tube gets delayed, your body is trying to tell you something. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which lies dormant in your body until your immune system is weakened. Stress is a major trigger for cold sores, as it suppresses your immune function and allows the virus to reactivate. Focus on boosting your immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress-reducing practices like meditation or yoga.
11. Your chronic back pain is a sign of poor posture and emotional stress.
If your back feels like it’s been run over by a double-decker bus, it’s time to pay attention. Chronic back pain can be a sign of poor posture, particularly if you spend long hours sitting at a desk or hunched over your phone. It can also be a manifestation of emotional stress, as tension and anxiety can cause your muscles to tighten and spasm. Focus on improving your posture through ergonomic adjustments and regular stretching, and consider seeing a therapist to work through any underlying emotional issues.
Your body is a complex and intricate machine, and when something’s off, it lets you know.
Don’t ignore the warning signs your body is giving you, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Your health and well-being depend on you taking action and making positive changes. So, start listening to your body’s whispers before they turn into screams. Your future self will thank you for it.
