Unusual Symptoms Can Indicate Health ProblemsMost people know that chest pain can indicate a heart attack or that a lump in the breast could be cancer. But other, less common symptoms also can indicate serious health problems, such as: Fatigue — Less subtle signs can herald a heart attack, especially in women. About 70 percent of women report unusual fatigue as a major symptom before their heart attack. Nail biting — Nails are composed calcium, and an urge to chew could be your body’s way of recouping calcium losses. Chronic cough — A chronic cough, even without wheezing, could indicate an undiagnosed case of asthma. Excessive sweating — Sweating could indicate either type of diabetes. Excessive sweating could signal a deficiency in chromium. Ear wax — Excessive ear wax could indicate a lack of essential fatty acids. Research indicates that essential fatty acids, such as the omega-3 oils found in fatty fish, protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dimpled “chicken skin” on upper arms — “Chicken skin” also indicates a deficiency of essential fatty acids. Stretch marks — Even though stretch marks are common during pregnancy and times of rapid body change (teenage years or weight gain), stretch marks also can indicate a lack of zinc, which helps produce the collagen that makes skin elastic. Standing or sitting cross-legged — Sitting or standing with legs crossed could be more than just a habit; it could be an indication of low blood pressure. Your body could be limiting the amount of blood circulating in your legs to make sure enough is available for your brain. Bleeding gums and nose bleeds — A lack of vitamin K, found in green vegetables, could keep your blood from clotting properly. Itching in the breast — An unexplained itching in the breast could indicate inflammatory breast cancer. A sudden increase in breast size as well as a change in skin texture (similar to orange peel) can also indicate this type of breast cancer. Rubbing eyes — If you rub your eyes when you’re not sleepy, you may be stressed. Rubbing the eyes stimulates a reflex in the body that lowers heart rate and tends to relieve stress. Sudden hearing loss — A sudden loss of hearing can indicate multiple sclerosis, but it can also be an uncommon symptom of migraines.
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