Sign number one: Thinning eyebrows. If you notice your outer third or quarter of your eyebrows thinning and you haven’t been plucking excessively, it could signal hypothyroidism. The thyroid plays a crucial role in hormone production, impacting every cell in your body. It regulates everything from heartbeat to metabolism. A slowing thyroid means a slower overall system, including digestion, heart rate, nerve impulses, and healing processes. If you have thinning eyebrows paired with weight gain, sluggishness, constipation, or a slow heart rate, you might want to consider hypothyroidism. While iodine or thyroid hormone might be prescribed, it's essential to know the root cause—such as an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Sign number two: Uncontrolled appetite paired with weight loss. If you're eating constantly but losing weight, it could point to hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. This can cause symptoms like a high heart rate, rapid digestion, bulging eyes, and excessive heat sensitivity. However, type 1 diabetes can also cause similar symptoms. If you’re losing weight despite eating and drinking, it’s crucial to get checked for both conditions.

Sign number three: Poor wound healing. If cuts, particularly on your feet, aren’t healing, this could indicate type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar can cause swelling in the tissues, disrupting circulation and nutrient flow. This stagnation affects oxygen delivery and prevents proper healing. Diabetes is also the leading cause of amputations and can lead to blindness and kidney failure due to damaged circulation.

Sign number four: Coated tongue. A thick, white or leathery coating on your tongue may be a sign of candida, an overgrowth of yeast that indicates an imbalance in your gut. This imbalance may stem from an unhealthy diet or disrupted gut flora, which can exacerbate conditions like yeast overgrowth. Treating the symptoms without addressing the root cause may only provide temporary relief.

Sign number five: Apple-shaped body. If you notice increased belly fat, particularly around the midsection, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalances, such as high levels of cortisol and insulin. This type of fat distribution, known as central obesity, is linked to stress and poor digestive health. Reducing stress, balancing insulin, and improving your diet can help reverse this issue.

Sign number six: Loss of arm swing. A lack of arm movement while walking can indicate a neurological issue, such as the early stages of Alzheimer's. This loss of coordination is one of the first signs of brain degeneration and may appear before any cognitive decline. Practicing symmetrical arm movement while walking can help retrain your nervous system and improve coordination.

Sign number seven: Loss of smell. If you gradually lose your sense of smell and it doesn't return, it could be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s impacts the brain's ability to control movement, often resulting in tremors, stiffness, and difficulty initiating movement. If you notice a change in your handwriting, known as micrographia (small, slow handwriting), it may be another indicator of Parkinson’s.

Sign number eight: Snoring. While many people snore occasionally, consistent or loud snoring may point to a neurological issue, like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can disrupt your breathing patterns during sleep, putting strain on your cardiovascular system and affecting overall health. If snoring is paired with excessive daytime fatigue, it may be worth exploring further.