Don't ignore these 'signs' from your body: 'You feel fine, until you're not'

CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane speaks to fitness and wellness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen.

Listen below: 

Are you ignoring signs your body sends you?

Some people 'work through the pain' or push through, or ignore feelings of fatigue their body experiences, and just carry on. 

That might get you in worse shape, warns Van der Westhuizen. 

"Many dismiss fatigue, brain fog and bloating as part of life, but these are alerts, your body is alerting you to things", adds Van der Westhuizen.

In 2022, the South African Health Review noted that only 39% of adults feel confident in understanding their basic health symptoms. 

Some overrely on 'doctor Google or doctor ChatGPT', which could lead to an over- or underreaction to symptoms.

Symptoms to look for include:

• Frequent headaches, which are often linked to dehydration, vision issues or high blood pressure.
• Persistent fatigue or sleep disruptions might indicate a hormonal imbalance or problems with thyroid function.
• Digestive discomfort like bloating may indicate gut issues.
• Mood swings or irritability are often signs of adrenal fatigue or blood-sugar instability. 
• Unexplained joint pains or aches can also lead to bigger issues.

Van der Westhuizen spoke to Dr Jessica Hamuy Blanco from Dis-Chem, who explained that many life-threatening conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high 'bad' cholesterol, develop silently over time.

"You feel fine, until you're not... and then it can be serious," warns Blanco.

"People often think screenings are something you do when you're already sick, but by the time symptoms show up, the problem might have already progressed. We do not appreciate the critical importance of preventative care and its role in safeguarding our long-term well-being."

- Jessica Hamuy Blanco, Doctor - Dis-Chem

"Preventative care is key to protecting our health. Screenings give you the chance to detect health issues early... widely available at Dis-Chem clinics. Early detection makes these conditions preventable while reducing the risk of medical emergencies. Staying healthy means being proactive, not just reactive."

- Jessica Hamuy Blanco, Doctor - Dis-Chem

Van der Westhuizen also recommends noting patterns in your body by journaling or documenting your body check-ins digitally.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.