HEALTH

How to decode your body’s tell-tale messages for better health

25 April, 2023 . 0

You can understand a lot about your health by the tell-tale signs your body gives you. Here’s how to tune in and listen to what it’s saying.

When it feels like you’ve got butterflies in your stomach, that’s your body telling you you’re nervous.

Our body doesn’t just warn us when we’re in danger (raised hairs on the back of our neck) or cold (goose bumps), it’s an excellent communicator of overall health.

While you may be tempted to treat the initial symptoms (such as a pimple), this may be an indicator that there’s an imbalance elsewhere.

Signs your body may be signalling a health issue

Spotty skin

Check your gut health.

If you are suddenly getting pimples (and you’re past the teenage years), then rather than switching up your skincare routine, you may need to look below the surface.

Nutritionist Angelica-Hazel Toutounji says when it comes to combatting skin conditions, the gut microbiome can make all the difference.

“The skin microbiome and the gut microbiome are made up of trillions of strains of micro-organisms that coexist together and communicate through the gut-skin axis,” Angelica says.

Research shows the role the microbiome plays in a variety of skin disorders.

Common conditions such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis and even atopic dermatitis are often associated with an altered gut microbiome.

Nutritionist Gina Urlich says keeping your gut health at its best is a must.

“Our digestion needs to be optimal to absorb and assimilate these nutrients, so load up on bright fruits and veg, healthy fats, protein and fermented foods to support a diverse microbiome,” Gina says.

Dry, flaky brows

Check your hormone levels.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh says in perimenopause and menopause, the steep drop in oestrogen production can cause the skin to become dry and highly reactive.

“Often the first sign (of menopause) is around the thin and fragile eye area,” Dr Melegh says.

“The skin on the eyelids and the brows can suddenly become dry and quite red and furious.”

Speak to your doctor or dermatologist for advice on hormone replacement therapy or a steroid cream.

“Or use phytosterols (plant-derived steroid-like components) which are structurally similar to the basis of steroids – but gentler – which makes them suitable for use around the delicate eye area,” she adds.

Jawline acne

Evaluate your relationship.

“One of the first signs that all may not be right in your relationship can be seen through your skin,” Dr Melegh says.

“Studies report that 25 per cent of all patients with skin diseases show signs of depression or anxiety.”

Jawline acne is a common skin issue, which may indicate emotional stress or a rise in testosterone levels.

“High testosterone levels in women can cause a lack of body confidence, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain and high blood sugar levels,” she says.

A visit to your GP for a blood test can indicate if there is an issue.

“Alter your diet by eating less processed sugary foods and embarking on a regimen of regular exercise.”

Hair loss

Naturopath and Happy Healthy You co-founder Jeff Butterworth says unexplained hair loss may indicate a hormonal imbalance, such as a thyroid disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

“The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism,” he says.

“When it becomes underactive or overactive, hair growth can be affected.”

And check your iron levels.

Iron assists in moving blood and oxygen to your brain and muscles, and research shows a deficiency might cause your hair to fall out.

“When there is not enough iron in the body hair follicles can shrink and stop producing hair,” Jeff says.

“Birth control pills and blood thinners can also be a factor, as can stress or hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.”

It could also be a time for a new “do”.

“Tight hairstyles such as braids, cornrows, and ponytails can put a lot of tension on the hair, causing it to break or fall out,” he says.

Tired but wired

Check hormone and iron levels.

“Tiredness and fatigue are one of the most common complaints among women,” nutritionist and naturopath Madeline Calfas says.

“However, when you have a woman who is aged 40-plus, and experiencing tiredness combined with insomnia, I always look at their hormone levels and iron stores.”

As women move into perimenopause, their oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop.

“A reduction in oestrogen and progesterone can cause sleep apnoea and the reason you’re wide awake at 2am,” Madeline says.

Speak to your GP about an iron levels check.

“If your iron or ferritin levels are too high, or too low, hot flushes and night sweats can become more prevalent and last longer,” Madeline says.

“Iron works alongside other enzymes to regulate body temperature.”

Painful hips

Test your bone density.

HealthKlinix Australia chief executive and principal chiropractor Dr Ned Khodragha says pain is often our body telling us that something is wrong, even when we cannot physically see it.

“Hip pain is a common occurrence and may indicate osteoporosis,” Dr Khodragha says.

“Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men because of the hormonal changes they experience monthly and directly affect bone density.”

When you develop osteoporosis in your hips, it can affect your pelvis or your femur.

Sudden and severe hip pain is a common warning sign of this disease.

“Another cause of hip pain may be caused by adhesions (scar tissue),” he says.

“This can be from an injury or previous surgery.”

As hip pain may indicate bigger health issues, speak to your GP, chiropractor or physiotherapist for advice.

Twitching eye and bleeding gums

Top up your coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

“Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, gingivitis, and periodontitis,” Jeff says.

“Oral health is often a reflection of digestive health and the mouth has its own microbiome, which can be destroyed through mouth washes.

“Poor oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of plaque, which can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums.”

Another cause, he says, is a vitamin deficiency, namely vitamin C, iron and also antioxidants such as CoQ10, which deplete as we age.

“These may also help if your eye is suddenly twitching uncontrollably, although time away from the screen and rest may also help,” Jeff says.

For more ways to improve and monitor your wellbeing:

Written by Charmaine Yabsley.