The ultimate goal of the human body is to survive and thrive. So when something isn’t quite in sync, your body is quick to let you know. Here are a few hints that you may have been missing and what they mean.
10 Health Warnings To Keep An Eye Out For
Here’s what each sign means.
1. Poor Sleep, Irritability, Leg Cramps
All these signs point to a potentially dangerous magnesium deficiency. Boost your magnesium levels by eating foods like nuts and sunflower seeds, and taking an Epsom salt once a week or more. Getting more magnesium will also improve your sleep and speed muscle recovery after exercise (1).
These signs can also indicate a lack of potassium, which regulates magnesium levels (2). Potassium deficiency can be remedied by eating more leafy greens and dark red produce, like beets, plums, and apricots.
2. Cravings For Salt
When your body is suffering from chronic inflammation, you may experience the need to eat more salty or fried foods.
Although your body may crave it, it’s best to avoid salty foods at this time as too much sodium can actually trigger more inflammation. Instead, drink electrolyte-rich coconut water, relax, and get plenty of sleep. You’ll also benefit from eating more anti-inflammatory foods (3).
3. Dry Skin
Dry skin is often an indication that you need more fat and vitamin E in your system. These two components are essential for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, which holds in moisture and protects against cracks and rashes.
Heal your skin from the inside out by eating more sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, red pepper, avocado, and peanut butter (4).
4. Sweet Cravings
If you’re craving sweets, you fight be suffering from depleted glycogen stores in your liver. To get a quick boost of energy, take a spoonful of honey or enjoy a square of dark chocolate.
5. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be quite worrying, but most of the time, it’s no cause for concern. In women, bleeding gums is common during menstruation, but it can also be a sign of vitamin C deficiency.
Since vitamin C is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and cartilage, as well as wound repair. Getting too little can cause minor wounds in your gums to bleed longer than they should. Left untreated, these wounds can contribute to gingivitis, so it’s best to bite into a juicy orange or grapefruit every day.
6. Desire For Raw Foods
Craving raw foods is a big warning that you may be suffering from liver issues or gastritis. In this case, it’s a great idea to indulge in your cravings, as these foods like improve digestion and give your body all the nutrients it needs.
7. Dry Elbows
Dry elbows are a clear symptom of vitamin A and C deficiency. For baby-smooth elbows, grease them up with a little coconut oil before bed and make sure to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, carrots, apricots, and pumpkin (5).
8. Wanting To Eat Seafood
Craving seafood like cod, haddock, and tuna can be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function (6).
9. Desire For Sour Food
Sour foods stimulate the gallbladder and liver, especially cranberries and lemons. Once again, feel free to indulge in your cravings, but you might want to visit your doctor too to make sure your digestive system works well.
10. Brittle Hair And Nails
These two symptoms are commonly caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin b, which are found in foods like legumes, potatoes, whole grains, and wheat germ. Too little iron and zinc can also have the same effects (7).