7 Weird Clues Your Body Gives About Your Overall Health

Our bodies are pretty amazing. Even with all of the research and time spent studying them, there is still a lot we don’t know. Fortunately, all of this research has identified some interesting relationships between certain aspects of our body and our overall health.

As a reminder, these clues shouldn’t be taken as gospel.   It’s very common to see doctors and medical professionals disagree on some topics from time to time.  One journal may publish one thing and another report may challenge the findings.   The most important thing is to keep an open communication with your doctor.

1. Short Index Finger May Foreshadow Arthritis

A study shows that if a woman’s index finger is smaller than her ring finger, she may be twice as likely to develop osteoarthritis in her knees. This is because people with this characteristic tend to have lower levels of estrogen which play a role in the development of osteoarthritis.

Prevention:

You can help prevent osteoarthritis by building strong bones through weight-bearing exercises that strengthen the knee.

2. Can’t Smell Bananas?Your Brain May Be At Risk

Older adults that couldn’t identify the scent of certain foods including bananas, lemons and cinnamon were more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease within the next four years. Researchers from this 2008 study believe that the area in the brain responsible for smell may be the first one impacted by Parkinson’s.

Prevention:

Take fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help boost your brain’s resistance to MPTP, a toxic compound responsible for the disease.

3. Wrinkles On Your Earlobe Could Signal Heart Troubles

Studies have found that wrinkles on ear lobes may be a predictor of heart troubles or a heart attack. The researchers that were part of this study think that the loss of a certain type of fiber causes both the creases in the ear lobe and the hardening of arteries.

Prevention:

Stay active and fit. Work on getting your cholesterol and blood pressure under control.

4. Large Waists Have Been Linked To Dementia

Adults who have larger abdomens in their 40s are up to 3.6 times more likely to develop dementia in their 70s (even if they aren’t overweight). The researchers from this study think that the visceral fat (the non-visible fat that surrounds your organs) secretes more inflammatory hormones. Theses hormones are associated with cognitive decline.

Prevention:

Research shows that a Mediterranean type diet (one full of monounsaturated fatty acids from foods like olives, nuts, and seeds) can help prevent the build up of visceral fat.

5. A Big Bust May Foreshadow Diabetes

Research shows that young women with a “D” cup size were 1.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those women with an “A” cup size or smaller. The researchers think that the fat tissue in a woman’s breast may be more insulin resistant.

Prevention:

Keep active and incorporate high-intensity workouts into your routine. Studies show that even doing quick 30 second sprints as part of a regular exercise program can help reduce blood sugar levels.

6. Tiny Calf Size Could Indicate An Increased Risk of Stroke

A 2008 study concluded that women with small calves (13 inches around or less) were more likely to develop carotid plaques (a known risk factor for Strokes).

Prevention:

Harvard Heath identified 8 things you can do to help prevent a stroke. This includes exercising more and taking a baby aspirin.

7. Stocky And Short Legs Have Been Linked Liver Problems

Research shows that people with legs between 20 and 29 inches in length tended to have higher levels of enzymes that indicate liver disease.

Prevention:

Limit toxins that the liver has to process. One way is to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed daily to just one glass of wine or bottle of beer.