Even if you feel perfectly healthy, your body has clever little ways of letting you know it is in need of some TLC. However, in our crazy day to day routines it becomes easy to overlook these little signals—especially when you don’t feel any pain. That minor but frequent dull ache in your muscle or joints could mean you are in need of more than just a massage. If you are suffering from a vitamin shortage, are lacking some zzz’s, or making a habit of eating your favorite junk foods you’ve probably tuned out the signs your body is sending you. It isn’t easy to interpret these signals but once you make a habit of learning to truly listen to your body, not only will you feel better now but you may also help avoid any further health complications in the future.
Symptom: Muscle cramps in legs
Most likely causes: Sitting or standing for too long (especially in sky-scraper but oh-so-adorable heels) can strain calf muscles and lead to cramps. Dehydration can also cause leg spasms.
What to do: Drink plenty of fluids, and stock up on food rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium (think leafy greens, bananas, and beans). We would never suggest you retire your pumps for orthopedic clunkers, so just be sure to stretch your legs after sitting or walking for long periods of time in high heels.
Symptom: Cracking Joints
Most likely causes: Even though popping your knuckles can be oddly satisfying, when you crack a joint you are actually causing it to stretch. This causes gas bubbles to rapidly release, and this is why you hear that snap, crackle, or pop.
What to do: Unless you feel pain with a cracking joint, don’t stress over it. In the case you do feel pain, swelling, or the joint becomes red and has limited motion you should consult your doctor. It may be a sign of a joint/cartilage problem such as arthritis.
Symptom: Dry or Bloodshot Eyes
Most Likely Causes: Even though it is painless, dry/bloodshot eyes are not the most attractive. Staring at a computer for too long (hello facebook!), a long night with lots of alcohol and little sleep, or dry/windy weather can cause your peepers to look less than their best.
What to do: Reach for some over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate eyes after a long night to fake a well-rested sleep sesh. Use UV blocking sunglasses (preferably a wrap-around style) to shield eyes from harsh weather conditions. You should see your doctor if these symptoms are chronic, or severe.
Symptom: Cold Hands and Feet
Most likely causes: Stress can stir up the nervous system, which can lead blood vessels to become constricted. This slows down circulation and can make your tootsies feel like popsicles.
What to do: Try taking deep breaths to relax, and get your nervous system back on track. Keep your hands and feet warm if you are under pressure. If they have a habit of going cold for no apparent reason, ask your doc about Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Symptom: Bad breath or white film on tongue
Most likely causes: It’s not just those garlic fries that make your mouth smell. Not getting enough water, or poor dental hygiene habits (ahem, flossing!) can cause bad breath and even a white film to cover your tongue.
What to do: Even though you’ve heard it before, make sure you are drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated is an easy way to remedy this. Also, be sure to brush twice and day and floss (yes, everyday!) and keep routine visits with your dentist.
Most likely causes: Sitting or standing for too long (especially in sky-scraper but oh-so-adorable heels) can strain calf muscles and lead to cramps. Dehydration can also cause leg spasms.
What to do: Drink plenty of fluids, and stock up on food rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium (think leafy greens, bananas, and beans). We would never suggest you retire your pumps for orthopedic clunkers, so just be sure to stretch your legs after sitting or walking for long periods of time in high heels.
Symptom: Cracking Joints
Most likely causes: Even though popping your knuckles can be oddly satisfying, when you crack a joint you are actually causing it to stretch. This causes gas bubbles to rapidly release, and this is why you hear that snap, crackle, or pop.
What to do: Unless you feel pain with a cracking joint, don’t stress over it. In the case you do feel pain, swelling, or the joint becomes red and has limited motion you should consult your doctor. It may be a sign of a joint/cartilage problem such as arthritis.
Symptom: Dry or Bloodshot Eyes
Most Likely Causes: Even though it is painless, dry/bloodshot eyes are not the most attractive. Staring at a computer for too long (hello facebook!), a long night with lots of alcohol and little sleep, or dry/windy weather can cause your peepers to look less than their best.
What to do: Reach for some over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate eyes after a long night to fake a well-rested sleep sesh. Use UV blocking sunglasses (preferably a wrap-around style) to shield eyes from harsh weather conditions. You should see your doctor if these symptoms are chronic, or severe.
Symptom: Cold Hands and Feet
Most likely causes: Stress can stir up the nervous system, which can lead blood vessels to become constricted. This slows down circulation and can make your tootsies feel like popsicles.
What to do: Try taking deep breaths to relax, and get your nervous system back on track. Keep your hands and feet warm if you are under pressure. If they have a habit of going cold for no apparent reason, ask your doc about Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Symptom: Bad breath or white film on tongue
Most likely causes: It’s not just those garlic fries that make your mouth smell. Not getting enough water, or poor dental hygiene habits (ahem, flossing!) can cause bad breath and even a white film to cover your tongue.
What to do: Even though you’ve heard it before, make sure you are drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated is an easy way to remedy this. Also, be sure to brush twice and day and floss (yes, everyday!) and keep routine visits with your dentist.
No comments:
Post a Comment