10 Vital Indicators Your Body Needs Attention

"The human body and mind are incredible forces that continually astonish scientists and society alike. Thus, we must remain open-minded about what humans can achieve." – Evelyn Glennie

When considering intelligence, we naturally think of the human brain, and with good reason. However, this perspective somewhat undervalues the rest of our body. Indeed, our bodies exhibit remarkable intelligence.

This intelligence is evident in how our bodies react to internal stimuli. Despite the millions of processes occurring within us at any moment, we possess an innate ability to sense when something is amiss.

The critical question, then, is how attentively do we heed these signals? Simply put, some individuals are highly sensitive to their body's cues, while others nearly ignore them.

Consequently, it's plausible to assert that human health has become increasingly complex, costly, and invasive due to our reluctance or inability to interpret the body's communicative efforts.

This brings us to the focus of today's article: understanding the signals our bodies emit that may signify the need for assistance, whether that entails medical intervention, dietary adjustments, or a reassessment of our lifestyle.

Understanding the importance of this is crucial for several reasons, but primarily for the prevention of illness or disease. It's essential to heed the signals our body sends about what, how, and when something might be amiss to effectively deter and, ideally, prevent health conditions that could compromise our well-being.

Here are 10 signs that your body might be requesting assistance, many of which are related to dietary habits, as detailed below.

10 CRITICAL SIGNS YOUR BODY NEEDS ATTENTION

1. PERSISTENT DRY SKIN

Dry skin can be a source of discomfort and irritation. If we lack sufficient vitamins, especially Vitamin E, our skin—the body's largest organ—can become cracked, itchy, and flaky. To mitigate these issues, consider incorporating more fish, nuts, and healthy oils into your diet.

2. BRITTLE HAIR AND NAILS

Brittle hair and nails often suggest a deficiency in nutrients or vitamins. Insufficient calcium and vitamin B levels can lead to brittleness, dryness, and flakiness. To counteract this, try adding whole-grain bread, grains, milk, legumes, or potatoes to your meals.

3. INCREASED CRAVING FOR SODIUM OR SALTY FOODS

Most minerals are composed of salts; thus, cravings for salty foods (such as potato chips, peanuts, and dried meats) often suggest a need for more minerals. Additionally, a desire for salty foods can indicate inflammation or an infection in the body.

4. INCREASED DESIRE OR CONSUMPTION OF SUGARY FOODS

An increased craving for sugary foods usually points to inadequate nutrition. However, there are several strategies to manage these cravings: hydrate with plenty of water, consume fresh leafy greens, and eat healthily and regularly.

5. INCREASED DESIRE OR CONSUMPTION OF RAW FOODS

A craving for raw foods (like sushi, sashimi, and cheese) may signal a digestive imbalance. Raw foods can help ease discomfort from conditions such as gastroenteritis or cramps. It's beneficial to complement these with fresh vegetables and fruits.

6. INCREASED DESIRE OR CONSUMPTION OF SEAFOOD

This craving could indicate a deficiency in nutrients or minerals, such as protein, or an iodine shortage. Seafood is nutritious, but it's important to also include fresh meats or vegetarian alternatives to maintain a balanced diet.

7. PSORIASIS

Scaling or psoriasis on the arms or elbows, similar to other dry skin conditions, suggests a lack of vitamins or minerals, particularly vitamins A and C. Including foods like apricots, carrots, and oranges in your diet can help.

8. CRAMPING, POOR SLEEP, OR INSOMNIA

Among various symptoms, three are particularly troublesome. Magnesium, a known inhibitor of neuronal activity, and potassium, crucial for brain, heart, and muscle health, can mitigate many of these issues.

Consuming foods like green leafy vegetables, almonds, nuts, apricots, plums, and bananas can help reduce or eliminate such physical and psychological symptoms.

9. BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH OR GUMS

Bleeding from the mouth or gums is often due to a deficiency in vitamin C. Proper oral hygiene is also vital. Vitamin C is abundant in many foods, including fruits (particularly oranges), vegetables, and garlic.

10. AN INCREASED DESIRE FOR SOUR FOODS AND/OR BEVERAGES

Hormonal shifts, such as those during pregnancy, may lead to a heightened craving for sour foods or beverages. The components in sour foods can activate the liver and gallbladder, possibly signaling an issue with either organ.

Healthy sources of sour tastes include cranberries or cranberry juice, and citrus fruits like lemons and limes.

Source: powerofpositivity