If you’re not as healthy as you’d like to be, it can show on the inside as well as the outside. So what does a healthy body look like? If you’re feeling run down, out of shape, or not like yourself, we’ve rounded up some warning signs to watch for.
It takes more than working out to boost your outward appearance. A healthy outside starts with a healthy inside. Nourishment, sleep, and physical activity keeps your body in good health from the inside out.
With everything going on in the world, it’s easy to feel anxious, tired, and out of synch. Thankfully, with a few small changes, you can get your health back on track. Here’s everything you need to know about how to look healthy and feel even better.
Thick Hair and Nails: What Does a Healthy Scalp Look Like?
Unhealthy hair starts from the inside. What you eat and drink will show in the condition of your hair. Luckily, with hair vitamins and eating well, you can have healthy-looking hair in no time.
It can be tough to get enough vitamins and nutrients from food alone. This is where vitamins come in to bridge the gap.
If your hair looks thinner and dryer, it could be a sign of dehydration as well. Brittle nails are also a warning sign. Make sure you’re drinking the recommended 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water a day.
When your hair is well hydrated and full of nutrients, you’ll see longer, stronger, healthier-looking hair. You’ll notice your hair is thicker and shinier as well. The same goes for your nails.
You Have a Good Energy Level
When you’re not taking care of yourself, your energy level is the first sign of trouble. If you’re not getting the nutrients, sleep, and physical activity you need, your energy levels will plummet.
When you aren’t eating well and sleeping, you’ll feel more sluggish. It’s hard to concentrate, stay awake, and have the motivation to get through the day. You’ll lose focus at work, skip workouts, or waste time on the couch.
Unfortunately, this is can lead to an unhealthy cycle. The more tired you feel, the more you’ll reach for unhealthy foods and drinks to get your energy levels back up. While endless coffee can go a long way, this isn’t a good long-term solution.
To keep your energy levels up throughout the day, look to whole, unprocessed foods. Eat plenty of leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Nuts, legumes, and fish are also great sources of protein. If you’re feeling a dip in energy throughout the day, reach for some nuts as a quick pick-me-up.
You Can Handle Emotions
Our body regulates our emotions throughout the day. When you’re well-rested and in a good mood, you can handle your emotions better.
Let’s say you’ve been up all night with a baby and your older child breaks your favorite coffee mug. If you had a full night of sleep, you’d shrug this off easily. When you’re running on fumes, this might push you over the edge.
The same goes for how you handle other people’s emotions. If a co-worker blows a small issue out of proportion, your reaction might change depending on your mood.
To keep yourself on a more even keel, make sure you’re eating well and getting plenty of rest. When you feel sluggish, unhealthy, and out of sorts, you’ll feel it in your reactions as well.
You’re Headache Free
Headaches are a sign of illness, dehydration, low blood sugar, and more. If you’re starting to get more frequent headaches, consult your doctor. You should also make some dietary changes.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water and fluids as well. Eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest. These changes will help ease your headaches.
Great Circulation
Circulation can tell us a lot about our overall health. If you’re feeling achy joints, restless legs, and sore muscles, it could be a sign of poor circulation.
Circulation affects our body’s ability to provide blood to the tissues in our body. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells. On the way, it’s grabbing waste, toxins, and carbon dioxide.
To boost your circulation, get plenty of physical activity. Stretch, walk and keep your body in motion. While a regular workout routine is great, even 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week will do the trick.
Even if you can’t go for a five-mile run, the most important thing is to get your body moving. The more you get your blood flowing, the better your circulation will be. This will boost your energy levels, heart health, and more.
Throughout the day, get up and move around. Go for a short walk, take a phone call on the road, or stretch. Stretch first thing in the morning to give your circulation a boost.
Fresh Breath and Good Oral Health
Bad breath is a sign of poor oral health. If you have chronic bad breath, it’s time to see a dentist. Professional teeth cleaning will do wonders for the look and feel of your teeth.
The number of dental visits you need will depend on the condition of your teeth. While some people only need to go once a year, others would benefit from frequent visits to the dentist.
Your Weight
Your weight says a lot about your overall health. If you’ve gained a lot of weight in a short period of time, this could be a sign of a serious health problem. Speak with your doctor about a recommended weight for you.
Excess weight puts more stress on our bodies. Everything will have to work harder to support your body. Most importantly, your heart and cardiovascular system will struggle to function, the more weight you have.
Remember, that feeling great is more than just the number on the scale. If you’re active, eating well, and getting sleep, you’ll feel better regardless of the size of your clothes.
Diabetes and Heart Health
Diabetes and poor heart health are unhealthy signs. Eating better, getting rest, and plenty of physical activity can turn things around.
When you consume too much sugar, carbohydrates, and processed foods, your body can’t absorb it all. Prolonged diabetes will cause unnecessary stress on your heart.
To get your blood flowing, balance your insulin levels, and improve your heart health, make good choices. Choose fresh foods, stay active, and keep your weight in line.
You’re Well Hydrated
If you’re well-hydrated it shows. Proper hydration affects almost everything in your body. You need water to make your body function at its best.
You can get hydration from more than just water. Other liquids and food contain water your body absorbs. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain especially high concentrations of liquid.
The more hydrated you are, the better your skin and hair will look on the outside as well. Your body needs water inside and out. If you’re feeling or looking sluggish, drink up.
You Wake Up Feeling Rested
When you wake up feeling rested, you know you got a good night of sleep. Sleeping poorly will change how you feel and look. You’ll notice bags under your eyes and find it hard to concentrate.
To get a good night of sleep, start your bedtime routine earlier. Put away your screens and give yourself plenty of time to wind down. Instead of watching television, working, or scrolling through social media, consider a screen-free activity.
Before bed, try reading a book, stretching, meditating, or taking a long shower. These activities will help your mind and body relax. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to shut down and sleep.
When you get the rest you need, your body has the energy to get you through the day. Sleep also helps your body inside do everything it needs to keep you going. Sleep impacts your immune system as well.
What Does a Healthy Body Look Like? Signs of an Unhealthy Body
You can see signs of an unhealthy body as much as you can feel them. But what does a healthy body look like? A healthy body looks well-rested, hydrated, and full of energy.
When your body feels great, you’ll look great. Make self-care a priority. Taking care of yourself on the inside means a healthier-looking you on the outside.
You only have one body. Treat it with respect and you’ll get the most out of it. For more health and fitness tips, check out the blog section for more great resources.
