Signs your body is telling you something: What to watch out for

Tired woman sitting next to window.

Our bodies have a lot to tell us, but if we’re not paying attention, we might miss what they have to say. Whether it’s because of nutrient deficiencies, allergies, hormones, or something else, the body often sends signals—some more subtle than others—that something is wrong. These signals can help us diagnose and correct a variety of health concerns.

If you’ve ever wondered what your body might be telling you, here are some common signs to watch out for and what they might mean. 

Nutrient deficiencies

If something doesn’t feel quite right, one of the first things you’ll want to look into is diet, especially what you’re not getting enough of. With ultra-processed foods making up a large chunk of the modern diet, nutrient deficiencies are fairly common worldwide and can contribute to a variety of health issues.

  • Fatigue and weakness. This is often associated with deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, or vitamin B12.
  • Hair loss. Not getting enough iron, zinc, or protein is one of many factors that can contribute to hair loss.
  • Brittle nails. Nails that constantly break or struggle to grow are often a sign of biotin deficiency.
  • Dry skin. You may not be getting enough vitamin A, vitamin E, or essential fatty acids (like omega-3s).
  • Muscle cramps. If you’re hit with cramps in the middle of a workout, it could mean you’re low on magnesium, calcium, or potassium.
  • Frequent infections. These can be tied back to low levels of vitamin C, zinc, or vitamin D.
  • Vision problems. If you have trouble seeing at night, you might have a vitamin A deficiency.

5 wooden spoons lined up in a row with different supplements in each.

Other diet issues

Diet can cause other problems as well, even if you’ve ruled out nutrient deficiencies. Some of these include:

  • Weight gain or loss. Sudden changes in weight can be a sign of metabolic issues or imbalances in caloric intake.
  • Digestive problems. Issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea may result from poor dietary choices, lack of fiber, or food intolerances or allergies.
  • Blood sugar fluctuations. A diet high in carbs and unhealthy fats can lead to metabolic health problems like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol. This usually happens when your diet is high in saturated fats and low in fiber.
  • Bone density loss. Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake can lead to bone density loss over time.

Hormone imbalances

Hormones affect everything from mood to metabolism to cognitive function. When they’re out of balance, your body will send some pretty clear signals.

  • Constant hunger and cravings. That persistent need for your favorite sugary snack could be driven by hormone imbalances, not lack of willpower.
  • High blood sugar. When hormones are out of balance, they can’t perform one of their most important jobs as well: regulating blood sugar levels.
  • Trouble losing weight. Imbalanced hormones can be a powerful foe if you have a weight-loss goal in mind.
  • Irregular periods. Monthly cycles can change for a lot of reasons, with hormonal imbalances being one of the most common ones.
  • Mood and sleep issues. When hormone levels are disrupted, the brain and nervous system don’t always communicate as they should, which can cause mood swings and make it harder to sleep.

Healthy foods (fruits, vegetables) on one side of pictures and unhealthy foods (donuts, treats) on the other side, separated by a pink ribbon.

Allergies and other intolerances

Sometimes our bodies react to things in abnormal ways. Of all the signals our bodies send, these are the easiest to spot.

  • Skin reactions. Hives, eczema, and rashes can all be signs of food allergies or intolerances.
  • Respiratory issues. Sneezing, coughing, and asthma-like symptoms may indicate allergies or reactions to environmental factors.
  • Gastrointestinal distress. Gut troubles can be a sign that your body is sensitive to certain foods.
  • Headaches and migraines. Certain foods or ingredients can trigger headaches in some people.
  • Swelling, particularly of the lips, face, or throat, can be a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Other health concerns

Health issues don’t always fit into a neat, tidy box. The messages your body is sending might have more than one root cause. 

  • Mood changes. Deficiencies in certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, or magnesium can affect mood and mental health.
  • Sleep issues. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, this could be linked to poor diet, a magnesium deficiency, or blood sugar imbalances.
  • Joint pain. Inflammation from poor diet or food sensitivities can lead to joint pain.
  • Brain fog. Increasingly common, brain fog is often associated with poor diet, dehydration, or nutrient deficiencies.

How to respond

Our bodies communicate with us constantly. If we know what our bodies are trying to say, we can work to lessen or eradicate symptoms. 

Start by making sure you’re eating a nutritious, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep consistently. You’d be surprised how effective these simple tips are in changing how you feel. 

If basic lifestyle changes don’t help, consider making an appointment with your doctor. They’ll review your medical history, symptoms, and order tests (if needed) to help narrow down the possible causes.