Moobs, swollen feet and six other unusual signs your body is telling you something is wrong
WONDERING what the future holds for your wellbeing?
Research has revealed that men’s “moobs”, or man boobs, are often due to a health condition called gynaecomastia, which if left untreated can increase the risk of a premature death in males by 37 per cent.
It is not the only warning on the outside of your body that something more serious might be happening on the inside.
Laura Stott reveals the signs of serious health conditions . . . or SOSs.
Moobs
SOS: gynaecomastia
HAVING moobs – slang for “man boobs”– can be a warning sign of the hormonal condition gynaecomastia.
This can increase the risk of an early death by as much as 37 per cent, according to new research.
The condition causes male breast tissue to enlarge, owing to an imbalance between the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. It can also be triggered by obesity.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help to counter the risks, so see your GP.
Changes in moles
SOS: skin cancer
A NEW mole, or one that changes in appearance, could be a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Stay alert for any moles that become itchy, swollen or sore, alter in size or shape, start bleeding or look crusty.
Similarly, look out for those that develop an asymmetric shape, or border, or become mottled in appearance.
Melanomas look like moles and some form in moles that were not previously cancerous.
These are red flags that should be discussed with your GP, even if the mole has been there for years.
Unusual eyes
SOS: high cholesterol
THE eyes are not just the window to your soul – they might be trying to tell you more about your health, too.
White rings or patches, especially around the iris, are a sign of corneal arcus, which is caused by fatty deposits.
This can be a symptom of raised cholesterol, which can increases the risk of stroke or heart attack if left untreated.
Be alert for blurred vision too, which may be an early indicator of diabetes.
Meanwhile, yellow-tinged pupils could indicate liver problems and jaundice.
White tongue
SOS: coeliac disease
STICK your tongue out and say “ahh”.
If what you see is dry and discoloured instead of pink and healthy, your mouth might be trying to tell you something.
A parched oral surface with a white or yellow coating, pale sores or shiny appearance, could be an early warning sign of coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition when the body cannot tolerate gluten.
This prevents you from absorbing nutrients, so your tongue can be the first place it shows.
Other causes are vitamin B deficiency or oral thrush caused by Candida fungus.
Swollen feet
SOS: kidney disease
IF your hands and feet are puffy, your skin itches, you have trouble sleeping and experience severe fatigue, you may be experiencing the outward signs of an internal issue with your kidneys.
Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium, or salt, retention, which in turn causes oedema, or swelling, in your hands, feet and ankles.
Excess fluid is retained to keep the sodium-water ratio in your body in balance.
Heart problems and pregnancy can also cause swelling in these areas.
If you notice persistent symptoms, see your GP.
Groin bulge
SOS: hernia
ODD bulges around your back, tummy, thighs or groin area might indicate a hernia.
This happens when an internal part of your body pushes through weak muscle or tissues and protrudes externally (beneath the skin).
These lumps can usually be pushed in flat, or they might vanish when you lie down.
They are often painless, although they may hurt when you cough, sneeze or bend over.
Always see your GP if you suspect a hernia, especially if the lump is tender or painful.
Many hernias eventually require surgery.
Nail ridges
SOS: thyroid issues
WEAK, brittle nails with marks and ridges may well indicate something more than needing to get a manicure.
Lines that run vertically across your tips can be a warning sign of common nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of calcium, protein and vitamin A.
Deeper horizontal crevices, known as Beau’s lines, can be caused by environmental factors or medical issues.
While these grooves may simply be the result of ageing, they might also be a red flag for anaemia or thyroid issues.
Bruises
SOS: poor clotting
THE occasional bruise from a knock is completely normal.
But if you notice your skin discolours frequently, for example large purple patches appear without an obvious reason, or you bleed frequently, it could suggest an underlying blood-clotting condition.
Discolouration is caused when your blood can’t clot as it should, which may be down to a lack of vitamins K and C in your diet.
More serious causes include clotting disorders such as haemophilia, although this is rare.
See your GP with any concerns.