Even though we live in our bodies 24/7, we sometimes dismiss some subtle signs and symptoms as just the “norm.” Here’s your chance to tune in with your body and make a practice out of it. Re-evaluate what “normal” means to you and what you want your new normal to be.
Ignored health symptoms or occurrences can also be clues of deeper issues going on. Don’t wait for them to snowball. Here are the top 5 health symptoms we hear, and why they shouldn’t be your normal.
BloatingOk – a little bloating here and there is normal. Maybe you consumed more beans or had something unusual from your typical diet, like an artificial sweetener. Frequent bloating or bloating with gas can indicate that there’s something else going on, such as a food sensitivity, intolerance, allergy, gut dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or a leaky gut.
Chronic constipation
Constipation is most commonly caused by a lack of dietary fiber, fluids, or both. But if you’ve improved your nutrition and fluid intake and suspect constipation is caused by a larger issue, it’s worth talking to a physician. Conditions like pelvic-floor dysfunction, inflammatory GI diseases, and even thyroid problems can have constipation as a major symptom. Ideally, you should strive to do No. 2 business once a day.
Chronic fatigue
Doesn’t everyone have chronic fatigue these days? That doesn’t mean you should accept it as status quo. If your fatigue feels debilitating—and you’ve ruled out extenuating circumstances—it may be cause for concern. Feeling exhausted can point to hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, nutrition deficiencies, or even sleep apnea.
In many cases, tiredness goes back to the gut. If you are looking for an energy boost, it’s a good idea to eat more anti-inflammatory foods – like cruciferous vegetables and healthy fats - and talk to your clinician about gut health.
Dehydration
If your urine is dark yellow, you feel dizzy when you stand up from sitting, have dry skin, and are prone to headaches, you may be dehydrated. If these symptoms aren’t fixed by increasing your water intake, and dehydration is chronic, your kidneys may be under distress, and sodium levels in the blood can increase. Our advice is to carry a water bottle with you as you go, and even put in reminders on your phone to drink.
Hair loss
Small amounts of hair loss are definitely normal, especially in women experiencing hormonal changes. But clumps falling out or changes in your hairline can be cause for alarm, and it may be time to investigate potential underlying causes. Hair loss can be due to extreme periods of stress or prolonged poor nutrition, or even an auto-immune disorder.
The PIH Perspective
Our functional medicine practitioners are equipped and trained to investigate the underlying causes of these symptoms through in-depth testing (e.g. hormonal labs) and getting to know you. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to reduce chronic fatigue, bloating, and hair loss by improving blood flow - luckily, we offer acupuncture. We work diligently to create a diet plan that works for you, while addressing other lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management, and sleep.
Does this sound like you?
Recognizing that something is outside of normal for you is a step forward – you're becoming more in tune with your body! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We will help you feel empowered in your health journey, and get to the root cause of your concerns.
Call our office at 609.512.1468 to book a free 30-minute Discovery call or to book an appointment.