Ever wondered to yourself, am I healthy? Lots of people consider their weight the best predictor of health, but that’s not necessarily true. It’s entirely possible to be at a so-called ‘normal-weight’ and still be unhealthy. Health is much more complex than that.
The real answer to the question, am I healthy? Is very individualized. To get the full story, you’ll need to visit your healthcare provider for a complete physical including blood work and other tests. But if you want a general idea of where you stand health-wise, without stepping on the scale or visiting the lab, we’ve gathered up some key signs to look for.
Am I healthy? See how many items you’ve nailed in our list below to get a general idea.
#1 You Eat Mostly Unprocessed Food.
There is no denying that the food you eat plays a key role in your overall health. If you skip the center aisles of the grocery store and stick to mostly whole, unprocessed foods; like meat, vegetables, healthy fats, fruit, nuts, eggs, etc., you’re on the path to good health. Bonus points if you eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full.
#2 You Can Wake Up Without An Alarm Clock.
Am I healthy? A better question might be, am I getting enough rest? Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential for our body to function properly.
Lack of sleep is not only physically and mentally draining during the day, but it can be a precursor to a host of health problems. If you can wake up around the same time every day, without the assistance of an alarm clock, you are likely well rested.
#3 Your Urine Is A Pale Or Straw Yellow Color.
Being well hydrated is part of overall good health. To know if you’re hydrated or not, check your urine color. A pale yellow or straw color is the color of a well-hydrated person. (Note, taking medication, vitamins or supplements can change the color or your urine, so be sure you are checking the color when you are not taking any of these).
Darker urine likely means you are not getting enough water, be sure to shoot for 8-10 glasses a day. Foamy urine could mean you are eating too much protein, more than what your body can absorb. If you have this on a regular basis, you should see a doctor as it can be an indication of gallbladder or kidney problems.
If there is blood in your urine, this could indicate a more serious problem. You should contact your doctor right away.
#4 You Move Your Body.
Am I healthy? Ask yourself, am I moving? You don’t need to be an olympic athlete, but if you’re getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, you’re on the track to health.
Healthy people also make movement in general a part of their lifestyle. They aren’t afraid to take the stairs, or park farther away and walk to the store. Your body is designed to move. Healthy people do it on the daily.
#5 You Can See It In Your Eyes.
Eyes and the eye area can tell a lot about your health. Below are some signs that might point to a health issue:
- Lumpy yellowish patches on your eyelid, this could be an indication of high cholesterol.
- The part of your eye that is white is slowly turning yellowish: this can be a symptom of jaundice.
- A brown spot on the eyelid could be a form of skin cancer.
- Eyes that appear to bulge could be an indication of an overactive thyroid.
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
#6 You Manage Stress And Have Support.
Am I healthy? Ask yourself this… am I stressed? Can you manage your day-to-day life, or feel like you have the kind of help you need to get by? Can you physically accomplish the things that are important to you?
If you feel low stress and highly supported you’re on your way. People who have social connections and balance in their lives have higher levels of emotional health. Which, in turn, leads to physical health.
#7 Stick Out Your Tongue
Your tongue is also another indication of overall health. So stick it out and look for the following:
- A thin white coating on your tongue – this is normal and healthy.
- A heavy coating could be fungus, infection or an over dosage of antibiotics.
- Pale color could be due to lack of hemoglobin.
- Bright red could be a lack of iron and vitamin B.
- Purple could either be high cholesterol or chronic bronchitis.
- If the texture shows raised red spots, it could be from a lack of vitamin C.
If you notice any change in color or coating on your tongue that can’t be explained by food or beverages, bring it up with your healthcare provider.
#8 Your Resting Heart Rate.
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate should be between 60-80 bpm (beats per minute). Athletes who are extremely fit may have a resting heart rate that is even lower.
If, however, your resting heart rate is higher than 80 bpm, you may want to up the exercise to improve your heart strength. If your resting heart rate is over 100 bpm, a condition known as tachycardia, this could be a sign of serious cardiac issue. You want to have your doctor check it out.
#9 Check For Creased Earlobes.
Am I healthy? Okay, this is a weird one, but a study in The American Journal of Medicine revealed a diagonal crease on the earlobe can up the risk of heart disease by a third. The risk goes up to 77% if both lobes are affected. The theory is the line shows a lack of elasticity, which also affects the arteries.
#10 You’ve Gained Belly Fat.
Am I healthy? Another question to ask, am I gaining belly fat? And it doesn’t have to be a full spare tire to count. Have you gained weight? Is it mostly around your middle? This could be a health concern.
The fat in your abdominal area is called visceral fat because it builds up in the spaces between and around your internal organs. Visceral fat poses more of a health risk than other types of fat because it makes toxins that affect the way your body works.
Among these toxins are cytokines that increase your chances of heart disease and make you less sensitive to insulin (which can lead to diabetes). Cytokines also cause inflammation, which can lead to certain cancers.
#11 You’ve Got Cold Feet (And Hands).
And when we say cold, we mean really cold, most of the time. Hands and feet are where circulation issues can show up first. For example, abnormally cold feet and hands are linked to Raynaud’s syndrome, where the blood supply drains from fingers and toes. And Raynaud’s is linked to several autoimmune conditions. So if cold extremities is an issue for you, it’s something you want to have checked out.
Am I healthy? It’s not for us to say. Watch for the signs above and talk to your doctor if anything feels off. Pay attention to your body. Report changes to your healthcare provider. They’ll work with you to find the answer.
Are your friends healthy? Share this article on Facebook and Pinterest by clicking the buttons below.
