Truth is Stranger than Fiction

You wake up one day to find a strange-looking rash on your leg, a bump on your navel, or even too much hair left on your comb. Is there something to worry about? It’s only normal to worry about changes in yourself, especially when they are related to your health. For this reason, we give you strange medical symptoms to watch for and a few tips whether it’s a cause for worry or not.

Solving the Mystery of These Five Common Health Symptoms

1. Hair Loss

Normal: Losing an estimated number of 100 strands throughout the day
Why It Happens: This can happen due to hormonal changes, a sudden stop in birth control pills, during/after pregnancy
When to Worry: When you lose a lot of hair due to stress, mineral deficiency, or an over/under-active thyroid

2. Eye Twitches

Normal: Eye twitches after hours of doing computer work or having too much caffeine/nicotine
Why It Happens: You are under stress
When to Worry: If your chin thrusts forward as you blink since it can be an early sign of Meige Syndrome, a rare yet treatable neurological disease

3. Too Much Hiccuping

Normal: Hiccups can last a few minutes to hours; Some experience it once a month
Why It Happens: It is believed to be caused by electrical impulses in the vagus nerve, extending from the brain stem to the colon – to your heart rate
When to Worry: If you continuously hiccup for a day. You can check with your doctor to rule out irritations of the phrenic nerve.

4. Fingernail Discoloration

Normal: White spots on your fingernails are a result of an impact and not of vitamin deficiency.
Why It Happens: You accidentally put pressure on your nails ( like getting your fingers caught in a drawer )
When to Worry: If you see discoloration all throughout your fingers and toes, you need to see a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of a fungus infection or psoriasis. Pitted nails can also be a sign of autoimmune disorders such as reactive arthritis and inflammation of the joints, eyes, or urethra.

5. Numbness or Tingling

Normal: Numbness or tingling of your muscles and nerves can happen when you are exposed to extreme cold. This can be remedied by putting on a pair of gloves, warmer clothes, or immersing in a hot tub.
When to Worry: If you still feel tingling and numbness even in warm weather, you might have a pinched nerve in your neck or lower back, nerve damage, or even diabetes. Talk to your doctor about options on how you can live a pain-free life.

Your healthy choices will definitely help you lead a better lifestyle. Know that a happy mind means a healthy body. Try to live a life that’s stress and worry-free. If in doubt, you can simply take a time off and meditate your way back to natural healing. You have the power of choice in your hands so listen to your body when it speaks to you. Take care… of You!

Psychology of Fear, Anxiety, Stress & Anger