Your body continually sends you signals. If you pay attention, it will alert you when something is not quite right. Some of these indications are clear, such as a stuffy nose with a cold or a fever with the flu or an infection, while others of ill health are less obvious.
Others, however, are far more subtle. Signs of a chronic health condition may not always be obvious. While chronic concerns are typically less threatening than acute health problems, if not handled, they can lead to more significant consequences. Because of this, paying attention to them is critical.
Your body can communicate in a variety of subtle ways. While this list is neither exhaustive or intended to diagnose, the following are 4 indications of bad health and how to deal with them.
4 Subtle Signs of Poor Health
1. A Crawling or Achy Feeling in Your Legs
If you feel a crawling sensation in your legs or have an uncontrolled urge to move, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is a sign of poor health. It usually happens in the evening or at night, while you’re seated or lying down.
RLS is sometimes referred to as Willis-Ekborn Disease. The primary symptom is the desire to move the legs, and most persons find relief by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing, or walking. Some of the sensations you could encounter with RLS include:
- Crawling
- Creeping
- Pulling
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
- Electric
RLS, which often happens at night, might interfere with your sleep. This can have an impact on your overall quality of life.
A doctor can prescribe some medications for you, such as those that enhance dopamine levels in the brain or those that modify calcium channels. Certain pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and sleep aids may also help.
There are various home remedies that can help with RLS. A warm bath or massage might help alleviate symptoms, as can utilizing hot or cold compresses to reduce limb feelings. Some people find relief by taking magnesium supplements. Fatigue tends to exacerbate RLS, so developing a decent sleep schedule to ensure you receive enough rest will also help.
Moderate, regular exercise can also help ease symptoms, although overdoing it or working out late in the evening can exacerbate them. Cutting back on caffeine usage can also be beneficial.
2. Your Handwriting, Your Sense of Smell, or Your Dreams Change
Although it may seem strange, they could all be early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of the condition normally develop gradually and worsen with time. They may include:
- Tremor (trembling) in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
- Depression or other emotional changes
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking
- Urinary problems or constipation
- Skin problems
- Sleep disruptions
Early indications of Parkinson’s disease are frequently subtle. For example, you may have minor tremors or have trouble getting out of a chair. You may notice that your handwriting is slow or looks cramped and small. You may even discover that you frequently talk too softly.
Many persons with the condition say that prior to experiencing tremors or stiffness, they had sleep issues, diarrhea, difficulty smelling, and restless legs.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however there are certain treatments available to alleviate symptoms. Of course, the earlier you receive a diagnosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
If you think you may have the condition, consult your doctor. Many other disorders have similar symptoms but require different treatments, therefore it is crucial to discover your precise diagnosis.
3. You’re Sleeping Too Much
Sleeping for seven to nine hours per night is healthful. If you find yourself sleeping much longer than that, or if you have difficulty staying awake during the day, it could be a symptom of a greater problem.
Hypersomnia occurs when you experience recurrent episodes of severe daytime tiredness or prolonged overnight sleep. This is not the same as feeling fatigued from a lack of sleep. Individuals with hypersomnia feel compelled to slumber throughout the day, frequently at inappropriate times. However, these naps never relieve symptoms.
A number of illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, depression, encephalitis, or epilepsy, may be indicated by hypersomnia. A stimulant medication prescription or behavioral modifications may be part of the treatment. This could entail avoiding working nights or staying out late, altering your nutrition, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine, etc.
4. You’re Forgetful, Tired, and Have a Desire For Intimacy
While these symptoms can be associated with a range of health issues, including depression, they may also indicate a thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which your thyroid produces insufficient hormone.
Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain, and an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Thyroid disease is frequently caused by another disease that impairs thyroid function. For this reason, it is crucial to speak with your doctor, especially if you are suffering a number of the following symptoms:
- Feeling tired (fatigue).
- Gaining weight.
- Experiencing forgetfulness.
- Frequent and heavy menstrual periods.
- Having dry and coarse hair.
- Having a hoarse voice.
- Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures.
These signals of poor health can be subtle, so your doctor will assist you in determining whether your problems are caused by your thyroid. They will then be able to determine why your thyroid is functioning that way and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Listen to your Body
When something is wrong with your body, it will usually provide you subtle warnings. It is critical not to overlook these signs because detecting a health concern in its early stages makes it easier to treat.
You know your body best, and if something feels off, you owe it to yourself to investigate why. It could be nothing, but if not, you should address the issue as soon as possible. Keep these subtle symptoms of bad health in mind.
