What’s your body trying to tell YOU?

1. Bloated tummy

Who hasn’t suffered from puffer-fish syndrome at some point in their lives? A staggering 70 per cent of us have reported suffering from regular bloating. A bloated tummy is that uncomfortable sensation you get when your stomach feels stretched and puffy. In essence, this happens when your stomach is full – full of food, fluid or gas.

Your body is basically trying to tell you you’re not digesting your food properly or that you have a food allergy or intolerance such as to wheat or lactose.

2. Red inflamed skin and acne

According to a 2013 review, the causes of skin inflammation and acne are many and will vary from person to person. However, the most common causes are often hormone-related. The review explains that testosterone is the hormone that promotes acne the most so acne is a big issue for males and teenage boys in particular.

But women also tend to get acne flare ups about one week before their menstruation starts due to a dip in oestrogen levels which, funnily enough, prevent the development of acne.

3. White coating on the tongue

A thin white coating on the tongue can be indicative of digestive disturbances such as microbiome imbalance, iron or B vitamin deficiency and possibly diabetes.

‘In the case of iron and vitamin B deficiency it is quite likely you will be feeling constantly tired,’ Mr Hay said.

‘Thick, white spots on the tongue that look like pus are more likely to be oral thrush (a yeast infection), leukoplakia (white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue and gums especially common in smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco), or oral lichen planus (a non-infectious itchy white rash that can affect many parts of the body including the inside of the mouth).

4. Vertical and horizontal nail ridges

Healthy looking nails should be smooth, curved, with a shine to them and have no spots.

The thing about nails is that they can cause potentially serious self-image and self-esteem harm.

Nail ridges themselves are nothing to be overly concerned about as far as physical health goes but if untreated, they can pose a social problem.

5. Cold sores and mouth ulcers

‘Okay, let’s get our facts straight first, cold sores and mouth ulcers are not the same thing,’ Mr Hay said.

‘For starters, mouth ulcers are found on the inside of the mouth on the gums, tongue and inner cheeks whereas cold sores develop on the outside on the lips.

‘Most importantly, whilst mouth ulcers are indicative of a weakening immune system, they are non-contagious.

‘Cold sores on the other hand are a manifestation of a dormant viral infection which flares up whenever our immune system becomes compromised for whatever reason. Daily Mail