It is an unfortunate fact that many health issues don’t produce obvious symptoms for quite some time, and some of those complications can be extremely dangerous when left untreated. That is one of the reasons why you need to keep an eye out for any unusual side effects or symptoms that might be the result of a serious medical condition that must be treated immediately. Here are 5 easy-to-miss health problems and suggested resources for treatment.
Nutritional Deficiency
Even if you stick to a nutritious diet, you might still develop a vitamin or mineral deficiency at some point over the years. Some of the most common signs of a nutritional deficiency include lethargy, brittle nails, hair loss, wounds that won’t heal, and swollen gums. In addition to eating nutrient-dense foods, you should also consider taking a high-quality multivitamin that contains a wide variety of important vitamins and minerals.
Eating Disorder
People tend to assume that eating disorders are always obvious or purposeful for those who deal with them. However, the truth is that eating disorders can creep in over time, making them difficult to recognize and even more difficult to overcome. Fixating on body size or weight, consciously or unconsciously restricting your food intake, and things like dizziness, mood swings, and weight fluctuations are all signs or eating disorders. If you think that you may have an eating disorder, you should look into eating disorder treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the easier it is to overcome.
Diabetes
Many people develop prediabetes years before they are officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. While your family’s medical history can increase your risk of this metabolic disease, an unhealthy diet is the single biggest risk factor. Adhering to a clean diet and avoiding sweet treats will greatly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and many other blood sugar issues. In the earliest stages of this disease, you might notice seemingly unrelated side effects such as increased thirst, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and blurred vision.
Sleep Apnea
This is a relatively common disorder in which a person repeatedly stops breathing while they are sleeping. When left untreated, sleep apnea can impact an individual’s quality of sleep, and that will eventually affect almost every aspect of their health. Most people find out that they have sleep apnea from a loved one who is sleeping next to them, but you might also notice issues like daytime drowsiness and morning headaches.
Celiac Disease
When an individual has celiac disease, their intestinal lining will swell up whenever they eat foods that contain gluten. That inflammation usually results in an upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. However, because these symptoms can oftentimes be brushed off or attributed to something else, it may take you a while to recognize it for what it is. There currently isn’t a cure for this condition, but the side effects can be mitigated by cutting gluten out of one’s diet. Luckily, many large food companies now offer a wide variety of delicious gluten-free products.
Succeeding in your battle against health issues like eating disorders and sleep apnea can be extremely challenging on your own. While it can be difficult to realize that you have a problem with your health and even harder to ask for help, doing so can legitimately save your life. The good news is that once you’ve pinpointed a problem and have asked for help, there are many different professionals on whom you can rely to get through this issue. Coping with a physical or mental health disorder can certainly be difficult, but with the right experts in your corner, you’ll have a better chance. Here are three experts that you’ll definitely need.
Mental Health Counselor
Eating disorders fall under the category of mental health issues, and that means that you’ll definitely need help from a mental health professional as you work to overcome this challenge. Preferably, you can find a counselor who specializes in eating disorders, as he or she will have the training and experience to more closely deal with your specific issues. Sessions with this counselor can help you to identify the cause and triggers of your condition, which you can then work to overcome. You can also find counselors who specialize in sleeping disorders and pretty much any other health issue that is causing strain on your mental health.
You may also want to join a support group, perhaps led by your mental health professional. This environment will give you an opportunity to meet other people who have struggled with the same issues as you, which can give you a considerable amount of support during this challenging time.
Nutritionist
Whether you’ve battled with headaches, fatigue, or other symptoms of an unknown illness, your relationship with food is typically a factor. To change that, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a nutritionist. Again, it’s ideal to find someone who has ample experience treating patients with your specific illness. Even though some illnesses, like eating disorders, are a mental condition, they take a physical toll—and your body may be extremely unhealthy due to a shortage of nutrients, for example. A nutritionist will help you to better understand nutrition, while also providing you with meal plans that can improve your body’s health.
Personal Trainer
Any medical disorder takes a toll on your physical body, too. If you’re a binge eater, for example, you might be overweight or obese. Conversely, you could be extremely underweight if you struggle with celiac disease or anorexia. Whatever the case, a personal trainer can work with you to help you improve your physical health. For an anorexic, gentle exercises that slowly build strength will be critical.
The most effective way to catch these issues early on is to schedule a comprehensive checkup with your doctor at least once every year. During those checkups, your doctor will be able to screen you for some of the most common health problems and help you come up with a long-term wellness plan. They can also refer you to specialists with more in-depth knowledge about your illness.
