After a bit of a hiatus due to many fun family adventures, I’m back to writing articles that will help you get and/or stay healthy!
Today I wanted to write about some ways to know if you’re generally healthy. Without having some foundational health parameters in place, it’s more difficult to handle specific issues. Below are five ways that can help you determine if you have some of the basics in place.
1 – You don’t need to use lip balm or moisturizer
If you don’t need to use lip balm or skin moisturizer, that’s a good sign that you are well-hydrated. Our bodies are mostly made up of water. And we need clean, pure water every day in order to function optimally. Dry lips and skin are an indication that you aren’t ingesting enough water, or you’re not able to adequately use/deliver the water you ingest for moisturizing your skin (the reasons behind the latter are too extensive for this article). With the cooler months ahead and the type of heating system or location on the earth you live; you may become more dry than others. However, that doesn’t change the fact that you need to drink enough water in order to stay hydrated. Using lip balm and moisturizer in the summer is a major red flag that you are dehydrated. Realize that your lips and skin can be a great barometer for your hydration status. If you are always moisturizing, you may be missing body’s signal to drink more water.
2 – You cut your fingernails weekly – or realize their growth weekly
Your fingernails are a representation of growth and regeneration. Optimal nail growth is one sign of adequate protein ingestion and metabolism. Protein is needed for many different tissues and biochemicals in your body. If your fingernails grow slowly, it may be a sign that you don’t have enough protein to spare. And when that happens, your body may break down muscle mass (resulting in a slower metabolism) in order to access more protein. Generally speaking, you should notice your fingernails growing at least weekly. What you decide to do with them is up to you. Besides growth, the health and appearance of your fingernails can indicate other imbalances in your body. I’ll save that for another future article as well…
3 – You have clear skin
Clear skin is a great sign that your organs of elimination are working well; and your hormones are likely well-balanced too. This isn’t the case for everybody, but it often reigns true. We have five major organs of elimination: the skin, intestines, lungs, kidneys, and liver. When organs other than the skin get overburdened, the skin often has to “take up the slack”. This can be seen in the form of pimples or acne and rashes. Also, hormonal imbalances can cause different patterns of unclear skin, as can infections. Just like your nails, your skin can be a good indicator of overall health.
4 – You don’t get “hangry” or tired after eating
Getting “hangry” (or angry when you’re hungry) is often a sign of low blood sugar. And getting tired after eating is often a sign of elevated blood sugar. Fatigue after eating can also be the result of faulty digestion and/or food sensitivities. One major key to health is having balanced blood sugar. Too high or too low blood sugar on a regular basis can cause a surprising number of health complications. The reasons for imbalanced blood sugar levels and the best way(s) to balance it are extensive. You can read more about blood sugar by clicking here.
5 – You wake up feeling well rested
Getting adequate rest and having energy throughout the day is a key sign you’re in good health. You can get plenty of hours of sleep (8-9 a night), but if you’re not waking up feeling rested, something is amiss. Click here to learn more on the many reasons you may not feel rested after sleeping an adequate amount.
Take notice and take care!
Dr. Rob D’Aquila – NYC Chiropractor – Diplomate and board-certified teacher of the International College of Applied Kinesiology – Member of the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation – Associates Degree in Homeopathy