7 SIGNS YOUR BODY IS TELLING YOU SOMETHING IS WRONG

Our bodies have a way of telling us when something’s wrong. It’s important to take note of these signs and symptoms, and get treatment before they get worse.

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It’s usually people who are pushing themselves too hard, at work or on the sports field, who are told ‘listen to your body’. But there are many messages our bodies send to warn us of problems. We take a look at some of them here, and what they mean.

1. DRY, CRACKED LIPS
Dry, cracked lips can be caused by the weather (too much sun or the cold) but if your lips are always dry, it could be a sign of a vitamin B and/or iron deficiency. A lack of vitamin B can cause tiredness, weakness and even infertility. An iron deficiency (known as anaemia) can also cause tiredness, along with headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Watch out for painful cracks in the corners of your mouth, known as angular cheilitis. Bacteria can enter the skin through these cracks and cause serious infection. Use a good lip balm with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Good sources of B vitamins are meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.



2. BLEEDING GUMS
Maybe your toothbrush is too hard or you’re brushing with too much pressure, but a lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding gums as well as slow wound healing, easy bruising and painful, swollen joints. Your body can’t store vitamin C (or B), so you need to eat fruit and veg every day – citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruit), broccoli, tomatoes and red and green peppers will supply your immune-boosting vitamin C needs.

3. KEYS OR YOUR PHONE?
Maybe you’re a little clumsy, but you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve that connects your hand to your arm passes through a hole between your wrist bones. If the nerve gets pinched by swelling of tissues, your fingers may tingle or get numb, and the muscles around your thumb can’t grip properly, so you drop things. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.

People most at risk are those who use their hands a lot at work, for example typing all day. If you notice early signs of this condition, take regular breaks – get up from your desk and shake your hands until they feel more relaxed. Ice can be applied to reduce swelling and a splint can relieve the pressure, but if it becomes severe, surgery might be necessary.



4. ALWAYS THIRSTY AND NEEDING THE TOILET?
An increase in the number of times you need to pass urine isn’t necessarily a sign of a weak bladder or a urinary tract infection (UTI). If it’s combined with always feeling thirsty, it could be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes, so don’t delay in having it checked by a health professional.

Related article: How to lead a healthy life with diabetes

5. UNUSUAL HAIR GROWTH
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disease that’s quite common among women of childbearing age. It can cause excessive hair growth in areas where men normally have hair (face, chest, back) or stray hairs to grow in unusual places – as well as thinning hair on the head. If left untreated it can cause infertility, so have yourself checked if you develop any of these symptoms.

Related article: PCOS 101

6. BUTTERFLY RASH
Rashes are usually caused by allergies, infections, heat or even medications, but a ‘butterfly rash’ on the face, that spreads over the bridge of the nose and across the cheeks in the shape of a butterfly, is often a sign of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Left untreated, it can lead to kidney inflammation, heart attack, stroke and even seizures, so don’t delay in getting treatment if you develop a butterfly rash.

7. SIGNS OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES IN KIDS

• Eye problems, especially night blindness (difficulty in seeing in low light) and dry, crusted eyes can be signs of a vitamin A deficiency. If your child has these symptoms, include spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, mango, papaya and apricots in their diet.
• Pale skin and a swollen tongue could be signs that a child is anaemic (lacking iron). Some children also have strange cravings, like wanting to eat sand or chew ice. Red meat – especially liver – as well as beans, peas and spinach are good sources of iron. If your child hates spinach, chop it finely and disguise it in stews and soups – add to the pot about five minutes before serving so it’s not overcooked.
• Stunted growth (when children are short for their age) is a sign of general malnutrition. The SA Child Gauge 2020 review by UCT’s Children’s Institute found that 27 percent of SA children were stunted. Talk to the clinic nurse if you are concerned about your toddler’s growth.

Related article: The A-Z of children’s health

DID YOU KNOW?
Scurvy, known as ‘the disease of discovery’ killed more than two million sailors who were at sea for long periods during the 15th to 18th centuries. It was caused by a lack of fresh fruit and veg, and eventually it was found that lemon juice (vitamin C) was the best way to prevent it.


TEXT ANNE HAHN