Your body could be letting you know it’s having problems and you don’t even know it. From your fingernails to your hairline, your body has different ways of signaling health hazards. Here are four things to keep an eye on to make sure you’re healthy.
Check your: Sense of smell
For: Alzheimer’s disease
According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a decline in your sense of smell could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Due to your body producing higher levels of a protein called amyloid precursor protein- which is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease- your body experiences higher rates of cell death in your nose. If you notice your sense of smell start to go, consult a doctor.
Check your: Fingernails
For: Lupus
If your fingernails look red and spotty, you could have Lupus. Lupus is a disease that causes your immune system to attack healthy tissue in your body. It can also can cause your body to break out in a rash on the back of your hands, and can cause serious swelling at the base of the nails.
Check your: Hairline
For: Thyroid disease
The thyroid gland is responsible for churning out hormones that help all over your body. When it’s on the fritz, it affects your hormones all throughout your body, including those tied to hair growth. If you have thyroid disease, your hair can fall out and your eyebrows may begin to thin. If you begin to have either of these problems, consult a doctor.
Check your: Hearing
For: Diabetes
According to researchers at Niigata University in Japan, people with diabetes were more than twice as likely as those without the disease to experience hearing loss. High blood-sugar levels associated with diabetes may damage the blood vessels in your ears, leading to significant hearing loss.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.