7 Ways Your Body Tells You Something Isn't Right

Reviewed and approved by the nurse Leidy Mora Molina.

Written by Lorena González

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Mental and physical health is a fundamental part of having a good quality of life. Whether it’s because you’re afraid of going to the doctor or you’re just not taking care of yourself, you might be ignoring symptoms or warnings that your body is sending you to tell you that something isn’t right. 

When you finally decide to see a doctor, the problem is that it could be too late to treat the problem and you’re left with irreversible consequences. Nature is wise and your body can tell if something is wrong. One way or another, it tells you that something bad is happening.

Of course, we don’t want to turn you into a health maniac or hypochondriac. However, it’s good to know what symptoms and warnings signs to look out for.

7 warning signs that something isn’t right

1.  Weight changes

People usually diet or exercise to lose or maintain their weight. But if you’re not trying and have still been rapidly losing or gaining weight lately, it’s a wake-up call.

If you’ve lost too much weight without knowing why, it could be a symptom that something isn’t right in your body. It could be a hormonal imbalance, in which case it would be a good idea to see your doctor and get checked out.

2. Changes in Urination

Since you remove toxins from your body through urinating, changes in urination can say a lot about how your body is functioning. If the odor or color changes, see your doctor to find out what’s going on.

If you didn’t know, your urine should be a light yellow color and have a moderate odor. You shouldn’t wait too long before seeing your doctor if you notice any changes. It also shouldn’t hurt when you go to the bathroom. It’s important to drink enough water, and if the problem persists, talk to your doctor.

Most kidney problems are preventable by making moderate changes to your diet and lifestyle. However, if you don’t pay attention to the symptoms, small problems (like renal lithiasis) can become big problems (like kidney stones).

3. Changes in Stool

You should be having regular bowel movements, and although it’s not a pleasant topic, it’s something you should monitor in terms of color, texture, and frequency. 
Any change in your bowel movements are warning signs that your body isn’t working like it should. Good gut health is vital, so do not ignore the issue. Your overall well-being depends on it.

4. Changes in Appearance

Some changes are easy to overlook because you might dismiss them as just aesthetic, like changes in your skin. Your skin protects your insides, but can also tell you if there are any internal problems.

• If you notice any changes in your skin (dryness, spots, redness, rashes, irritation, allergies, eczema, etc.) be sure to figure out the cause.
• Monitor the appearance of your nails, hair, and lips too. Abnormalities could indicate that your levels of certain nutrients, vitamins, or minerals are too high or low. They could also indicate a hormonal imbalance.

5. Overall Discomfort

If you have pain, headaches, or digestive problems like diarrhea or nausea for no apparent reason, call your doctor as soon as possible. For example, constant dizziness and bad headaches could be a sign of a neurological problem.

6. Tiredness or Trouble Sleeping

If you feel tired or weak, or if you have trouble sleeping and wake up more tired than when you went to bed, you should see your doctor. Serious health issues, such as depression, chronic fatigue and anemia, often are mistaken for normal tiredness.

7. Wounds that Won’t Heal

Your skin has a powerful ability to heal itself. When you get a wound or cut, it should heal quickly. If it takes too long, it’s a sign that something’s wrong with your immune system, clotting, or another factor.

The most important thing is to know your body and learn to read the symptoms it sends you to say that something is not working properly. It’s your job to learn to pay attention to these signs.