Do eyes tell us anything about overall health?

Sometimes I wish I didn’t assess people in the way I do, but that’s my job! Every line, wrinkle, black circle, change in hue or skin colour I pick up as second nature. Taking the time to look at someones outward appearance can be hugely important in not missing a health condition. When I see patients, I am assessing them as soon as they come through the door – do they look well? Do their eyes, skin, nails tell me anything about their overall health?

In our rushed 21st century society we have somehow lost the ability to truly look at people, rather more we are looking down at our smart phones. Starting with the eyes (often referred to as the windows of the soul) here are some symptoms that people suffer from and what they could mean (but not definitely mean so please don’t rush off to your GP unless you have real concerns!).

EYES
Glassy-eyed: excess adrenaline, exhaustion, prescription or recreational drug use.
Bloodshot: lack of vitamin B, tiredness, allergy, infection or it could mean you have shampoo in your eyes!
Itchy/dry: allergy, vitamin B deficiency or lack of tears (Sjogrens syndrome)
Dark circles: tiredness, anaemia, parasitic infections (often seen in children) Allergic shiners: again usually seen in children, allergy or food inhalant
Photophobia: lack of vitamin B, migraine/headache sufferer
Sunken eyes: dehydration/exhaustion Pallor under the eyes: anaemia

NAILS
White spots: calcium/zinc deficiency – (often seen after illness)
Pitted nails: can indicate partial or total hair loss
Ridges: vertical can indicate poor health/horizontal can occur after severe stress

PULSE
Very slow: under 50 bpm is known as braccycardia, unless the person is super fit this can be a sign of hypothyroidism
Fast/irregular pulse: heart rythmn problems, anxiety/overactive thyroid

SKIN
Spots: there are so many reasons for spots/acne – round the chin and hairline can be hormonal
Rashes: allergy/fungal infection Dry and scaly: dehydrated, lack of vitamin A, or essential fatty acids
Athletes foot: fungal infection Easy bruising: can indicate a lack of vitamin C
Dandruff: usually a fungal infection Psoriasis: stress, lack of essential fatty acids, allergy
Eczema: stress, lack of essential fatty acids, allergy
Vitiligo: Autoimmune condition/lack of PABA’s

SKIN COLOUR
Lemon yellow: Lack of vitamin B12, pernicious anaemia
White: Anaemic, lack of zinc
Orange: can indicate liver problems or jaundice
Dark Pink/Red: high blood pressure/heart problems

LIPS
Cracked: lack of essential fatty acids, or lack of vitamin B
Sores at the corners of the mouth: lack of vitamin B3
Dry: lack of essential fatty acids

MOUTH
Dry mouth: dehydrated, medication, lack of saliva (sjogrens syndrome)
Ulcers on the tongue: run down or allergy
White coating on the tongue: oral candida
Bad breath: tooth decay or bad digestion

Headaches? Tired All the Time? IBS? Fuzzy thinking? Aches and Pains? Not feeling your best? I offer a two hour 1-1 MOT service. Call 01323 737814 or visit www.katearnoldnutrition.co.uk

Nutrition workshops: Come join us at The Cookshelf from 28th January. Topics: IBS/Gut disorders, The myths of a balanced diet, Stop dieting and start losing weight. www.thecookshelf.co.uk