The body is an incredible machine and its function depends on a great number of factors, daily routines and lifestyle choices. It has the ability to send you a signal whenever you need to pay more attention about your health.

In this article we have covered five important signals that you should be concerned about, because sometimes even the tinies signal can save your life.

1. Urine

The first morning urine not only reveals signs of inflammation and pregnancy, but it also provides 70 percent of the markers that help you determine the condition of your body. Its color and smell can indicate certain health problems, so you may want to pay special attention to these signs:

Color

The color of your urine can help you determine how hydrated your body is. Lighter color indicates good health condition, while darker tones indicate dehydration and improper function of your kidneys.

These organs cleanse the blood from toxins and waste material. When your body lacks water, it does not send any signal that you should urinate. The less you urinate, the darker the color of your urine is.

“The color of the urine shows the level of hydration, and lighter color indicated good health condition.”

Frequency of urination

Frequent urination indicates that you may be dealing with specific health conditions, including diabetes, pregnancy, weak muscles or excessive consumption of alcohol or coffee.

Do the “Kegel exercises” to reduce the “stress incontinence” or unintentional loss of urine during sneezing, coughing, laughing, and other physical activities. These exercises are conscious contractions of the pelvic floor muscles.

“Changes in the smell, color, density of your urine can determine the state of our bodies and provide early warnings of certain diseases.”

Smell

The smell of your urine depends on the food you eat. For instance, asparagus intensifies the smell of the urine. If there are no other warning signs, like dark or dense urine, you should not be worried about the smell of your urine.

Blood in the urine

This could indicate a disease of the urinary tract or kidneys. It is sometimes caused by kidney stones that pass through the urethra and damage the membrane, and thus cause bleeding. If you notice some blood in your urine, make sure you do a thorough testing.

Healthy urinary organs require healthy lifestyle choices, proper diet rich in fruits and veggies, regular physical activity and plenty of water. Thirst is a sign that your body is dehydrated.

2. Teeth

Inflamed or bleeding gums while brushing may indicate that you have diabetes or gum disease. Studies have shown that diabetics have a higher risk of developing gum disease, when compared to people who do not have diabetes.

Gum disease is triggered by bacterial infections. Gums become sensitive to bacteria and microorganisms present in the oral cavity. Experts believe that proper oral hygiene does not mean that your gums will become resistant, but it sure reduces the risk of certain diseases or complications.

Teeth cracks

Cracks are part of the aging process, but they can also indicate acid reflux. In cases of acid reflux, stomach acids rise up to the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Chronic reflux damages tooth enamel and the teeth in general. Eventually, the teeth become too sensitive and crack easily. Acid reflux causes faster deterioration and teeth aging.

Chronic wounds in the oral cavity

Tiny wounds in the oral cavity are quite normal, especially if you bite your lips or the surrounding tissues. If these wounds do not heal within two weeks, you should most certainly consult your dentist. It does not necessarily mean that there is a problem, but in the most severe cases some individuals have ended up developing cancer in the oral cavity.

Statistics shows that the number or patients diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity increases every year, and smokers are at the highest risk. Unfortunately, the survival rate of oral cancer is  low. Check your oral cavity regularly to prevent or detect the cancer in its initial stage.

Gum recession and loose teeth

Your dentist can be the first expert to recognize the first symptoms of osteoporosis. Gum recession, loose and falling teeth are the first signs of osteoporosis. This condition is quite common in women older than 50.

Osteoporosis is hard to recognize, because it does not occur suddenly. The initial symptoms are pretty subtle, and by the time you get the diagnosis it is usually too late, because the bones have already become weak and brittle. But, your dentist can notice the very first symptoms on your teeth, and you will have enough time to stop the condition from getting much worse.

Plaque and sore gums

The plaque buildups on your teeth are the same that cause heart attacks and stroke. Scientists have revealed that gum inflammation is the most common cause of heart disease. Bacteria from the oral cavity end up in the blood stream and form blood clots and thickening of the arteries.

Your dentist can help you, and make sure you do regular check-ups. Your dentist can also recognize any infection and recommend you certain steps to treat your sore gums and reduce the plaque.

3. Weight

Changes in weight loss are quite common, and they depend mostly on your dietary and lifestyle choices, or stress. However, sudden and rapid weight gain is something you should not ignore.

Sudden weight gain may indicate hormonal imbalance, thyroid malfunction, water retention, problems with heart and kidneys, and pregnancy.

The same applies to rapid weight loss.

4. Skin

The skin is the largest organ and it is constantly exposed to different factors and influences. Carefully look for any possible changes on your skin. Before you apply your body lotion after you have had a shower, look at your skin closely. Use a mirror to check your back.

If you notice any color changes, growths, spots, or dark moles, make sure you consult a dermatologist and do some check-ups. These tests are super-easy and painless, and they can help you prevent many life-threatening diseases, including melanoma.

5. Nails

Your nails are an elegant decoration and a way to show your creativity to the world. But, you should pay more attention to their function. Regardless of whether they are small or severe, any change on your nails may indicate that you are dealing with a certain disease.

Pale nails

Bright nails mean that you have a light nail base or tissue under your nails. This could indicate anemia, and you should sure do a blood test.

Anemia is caused by iron deficiency, and you should introduce some changes in your diet and eat more leafy greens, beetroot and beans.

Brittle nails

Brittle nails may be a matter of genetics or calcium deficiency, but sometimes they indicate improper function of your thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and its proper function is essential for your metabolism, energy and growth.

Poor hormone secretion leads to hair loss, brittle nails, slow growth of the nails, or even splitting of the nail from the skin. If you notice any of these chances, consult your doctor to examine the function of your glands by doing a simple blood test.

Yellow and thick nails

Thick nails are more common on the toes, and they are usually yellow. These changes indicate fungal diseases that affects the entire surface of the nail.

Regular coatings and creams are not that effective, because the area you want to treat is under the nail, and such products cannot go through the nail. Treat these unsightly changes with special antifungal prescription drugs.

White lines

Horizontal white lines, also known as the Muehrcke lines, indicate lack of protein and other nutrients, kidney disease, or liver abnormalities.

Eat more protein, and if the condition does not change after a month, consult your doctor.

Bruised nails

Bruised nails mean that you lack oxygen. It may be a disease of the respiratory tract or even the cardiovascular system. Bruising nails are also caused by poor circulation or long-term exposure to low temperatures, but any significant change indicates that you should consult your doctor.