As we all know, prioritizing our health is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
However, sometimes we get so caught up in diets and exercise routines that we forget about the other subtle health indicators that can reveal a lot about our overall wellbeing. Here are 50 surprising health indicators to keep an eye on:.
1. Quality of Sleep
How well we sleep can affect our mood, our energy levels, and even our immune system. Keep an eye on your sleep quality using a sleep tracking app or a wearable device.
2. Resting Heart Rate
Your resting heart rate can indicate how well your cardiovascular system is functioning. Aim for a resting heart rate of 60-80 beats per minute.
3. Grip Strength
A strong grip can indicate good cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and even longevity. Use a hand grip dynamometer to measure your grip strength.
4. Posture
How we hold ourselves can affect our breathing, digestion, and even our mood. Aim for good posture throughout the day.
5. Skin Elasticity
Healthy skin should be elastic and bounce back when pinched. If your skin is losing elasticity, it could indicate dehydration or nutritional deficiencies.
6. Breath Odor
Bad breath can indicate poor oral hygiene or even digestive issues. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and stay hydrated throughout the day.
7. Urine Color
The color of your urine can indicate hydration levels and even liver function. Aim for a pale yellow urine color.
8. Nail Health
Your nails can indicate nutritional deficiencies or even underlying health issues. Keep an eye on your nail color, thickness, and texture.
9. Dental Health
Oral health can have a big impact on overall health. Make sure to floss and brush regularly, and see a dentist for regular cleanings.
10. Poop Color
The color of your poop can indicate digestive health and even liver function. Aim for a medium to dark brown poop color.
11. Muscle Mass
Muscle mass can indicate overall strength and even longevity. Use a body composition scale to measure your muscle mass.
12. Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can indicate cardiovascular issues. Aim for a blood pressure of 120/80 or lower.
13. Body Temperature
A consistently low body temperature can indicate thyroid issues, while a consistently high body temperature can indicate fever or infection.
14. Step Count
The number of steps you take each day can indicate overall activity levels. Aim for 10,000 steps per day.
15. Water Intake
Drinking enough water can improve digestion, kidney function, and even skin health. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.
16. Rest Days
Proper rest and recovery is important for muscle growth and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least one rest day per week.
17. Eye Health
Eye health can indicate overall health and even cardiovascular function. Make sure to see an eye doctor for regular checkups.
18. Hair Health
Healthy hair can indicate good nutrition and even stress levels. Keep an eye on your hair’s texture and thickness.
19. Joint Mobility
Good joint mobility can indicate overall flexibility and even cardiovascular function. Use stretching and foam rolling to improve joint mobility.
20. Brain Health
The health of your brain can impact memory, mood, and overall wellbeing. Exercise, healthy nutrition, and mental stimulation can improve brain health.
21. Balance
Good balance can help prevent falls and improve overall mobility. Practice balancing exercises such as single-leg stands or yoga poses.
22. Energy Levels
How we feel throughout the day can indicate overall energy levels and even mood. Exercise, proper sleep, and a healthy diet can improve energy levels.
23. Digestive Health
Digestive health can impact overall health and even mood. Keep an eye on your bowel movements and make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
24. Calorie Intake
Aim for a calorie intake that matches your activity levels and goals. Tracking your food intake with a food diary or app can help.
25. Protein Intake
Protein is important for muscle growth and overall health. Aim for 0.8-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
26. Carbohydrate Intake
Carbohydrates are important for energy levels and overall health. Aim for complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
27. Fat Intake
Fat is important for hormone function and overall health. Aim for healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.
28. Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is important for bone health and overall wellbeing. Get your vitamin D levels checked and aim for at least 600 IU per day.
29. Iron Levels
Iron is important for energy levels and overall health. Get your iron levels checked and aim for at least 8-18 mg per day.
30. Zinc Levels
Zinc is important for immune function and overall health. Get your zinc levels checked and aim for at least 8-11 mg per day.
31. Sodium Intake
Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
32. Sugar Intake
Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Aim for less than 25 grams of added sugar per day.
33. Caffeine Intake
Too much caffeine can lead to increased anxiety and sleep disturbances. Aim for less than 400 mg of caffeine per day.
34. Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver damage and other health issues. Aim for no more than 1-2 drinks per day.
35. Omega-3 Intake
Omega-3s are important for brain function and overall health. Aim for at least 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA per day.
36. Magnesium Intake
Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, and overall health. Aim for at least 320-420 mg per day.
37. Calcium Intake
Calcium is important for bone health and overall health. Aim for at least 1,000-1,200 mg per day.
38. Fiber Intake
Fiber is important for digestive health and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least 25-35 grams of fiber per day.
39. Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is important for immune function and overall health. Aim for at least 75-90 mg per day.
40. Vitamin E Intake
Vitamin E is important for skin health and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least 15 mg per day.
41. Vitamin K Intake
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health. Aim for at least 120 mcg per day.
42. Vitamin A Intake
Vitamin A is important for eye health and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least 700-900 mcg per day.
43. Vitamin B12 Intake
Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and overall health. Aim for at least 2.4 mcg per day.
44. Vitamin B6 Intake
Vitamin B6 is important for brain function and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least 1.3-1.7 mg per day.
45. Vitamin B2 Intake
Vitamin B2 is important for energy levels and overall health. Aim for at least 1.1-1.3 mg per day.
46. Vitamin B1 Intake
Vitamin B1 is important for nerve function and overall wellbeing. Aim for at least 1.1-1.2 mg per day.
47. Folate Intake
Folate is important for cell growth and overall health. Aim for at least 400-600 mcg per day.
48. Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular issues. Aim for LDL cholesterol levels of less than 100 mg/dL.
49. Triglyceride Levels
High triglyceride levels can also lead to cardiovascular issues. Aim for triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dL.
50. Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels can indicate diabetes or other health issues. Aim for fasting blood sugar levels of less than 100 mg/dL.