Most people are familiar with routine medical checkups, where doctors check heart rate, blood pressure, and ask about any symptoms or health concerns.

However, there are some visual clues that can reveal information about a person’s health that might not be immediately obvious. Your eyes, tongue, and nails can all provide important insight into your overall health. Here are some of the possible health conditions that can be indicated by these visual cues.

Eyes

Looking into a person’s eyes can reveal a lot about their health. For example, if the whites of the eyes have a yellowish tint, this could be a sign of jaundice, which is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body.

Red, bloodshot eyes can be a sign of fatigue or allergies, but they can also be caused by more serious conditions like glaucoma or uveitis. Bulging eyes can indicate hyperthyroidism, and drooping eyelids can be a sign of myasthenia gravis or a stroke.

Examining the pupils can also provide clues about a person’s health. If one pupil is larger than the other, this could be a sign of a brain injury or an aneurysm.

Dilated pupils can be caused by drugs or medications, but they can also be a sign of a brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. Small pupils can be caused by drug use or certain medications, but they can also be a sign of a head injury or a stroke.

Tongue

Looking at a person’s tongue can also provide insight into their overall health. A healthy tongue should be pink, moist, and slightly bumpy. Anything outside of these parameters could indicate a health issue.

For example, a white coating on the tongue could be a sign of oral thrush or a vitamin deficiency. A bright red tongue could be a sign of a bacterial infection or a vitamin deficiency. A tongue that is covered in fur can be caused by poor oral hygiene or a bacterial infection.

The texture of the tongue can also be revealing. A smooth tongue can be a sign of anemia, while a tongue with deep cracks can indicate a nutritional deficiency.

A tingling or burning sensation on the tongue can be caused by an allergic reaction or nerve damage. A swollen tongue can be caused by an injury or an allergic reaction, but it can also be a sign of an underlying condition like hypothyroidism or a salivary gland disorder.

Nails

The condition of a person’s nails can also reveal important information about their health. Nails that are brittle, thin, or constantly cracking can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency like iron or biotin.

White spots on the nails are often thought to be a sign of a calcium deficiency, but they are actually caused by minor trauma to the nail bed. Nails that are thick and yellow can be a sign of a fungal infection. Nails that are blue or purple can indicate a circulation problem or an injury.

Changes in the shape or texture of the nails can also be revealing. Clubbing, where the nails curve down around the fingertips, can be caused by lung disease or cardiovascular disease.

Spoon nails, where the nails are concave and shaped like a spoon, can be caused by an iron deficiency or hypothyroidism. Beau’s lines, where there are grooves or indentations in the nails, can indicate a severe illness or a traumatic event.

Conclusion

Your eyes, tongue, and nails can all provide important visual clues about your overall health.

While there are many possible causes for the visual cues discussed in this article, it’s important to pay attention to your body and seek medical attention if you notice any changes or abnormalities. By staying aware of the visual cues that your body is giving you, you can take a proactive approach to your health and catch potential health issues early on.