What is your body saying?

The human body has delightful ways of sending out warning signals. Here are a few signs you wouldn't have seen coming The mystery of the human body never ceases to surprise. Did you know, laughing after meals is actually good for you, or that premature graying of hair could possibly be a malfunctioning thyroid glad? Here are a few interesting telling signs that the body sends out on a regular basis that we often miss out on. Take a closer look at what it's telling you. Painful ankles could signify cholesterol problems According to researchers, painful ankles can be an early warning of inherited high-cholesterol levels. It hurts as cholesterol builds up around the Achilles tendon. What to do: If your ankles regularly hurt for three days or more, see your doctor for a cholesterol check, especially if other family members have heart problems. Strong lungs lower the risk of alzheimer's disease Studies show that poor lung functioning leads to the brain receiving less oxygen which increases the risk of dementia. What to do: Strengthen lungs by inhaling for five seconds then exhaling hard for the same. Repeat six times daily to boost lung strength by almost 20 percent. Grey hair before 30 can signify thyroid problems Trichologists say, thyroid imbalances can interfere with colour production in hair follicles. What to do: If you've got early greying hair, plus other possible symptoms such as weight loss/ gain, depression and period problems, visit your doctor for a thorough checkup. Treating gum disease cuts the risk of giving birth prematurely Bacteria in infected gums may cause a reaction that triggers the cervix to open early. What to do: Floss daily. And if you're pregnant, make the most of your dental check ups - getting problems treated early in pregnancy cuts premature labour risk by 70 per cent, says research. Keeping your feet warm cuts chances of catching a cold When feet are cold the blood vessels in the nose constrict, which stops infection-fighting white blood cells from getting around. What to do: Wear socks! Keeping things warm ensures your defences work at full power. Laughing after meals reduces blood sugar levels It's believed the muscles we use to giggle burn blood sugar for energy, reducing your risk of diabetes, obesity and some cancers. What to do: Relax in front of your favourite sitcom after dinner. Talking and walking at the same time can lead to back pain Walking and talking prevents us from synchronising our breathing with our feet hitting the ground, which normally absorbs some of the shock of walking. What to do: Next time your mobile rings while you're shopping, sit down! Clenching your buttocks can stop you from fainting If you get dizzy after standing up too quickly, or feel yourself getting light-headed, this simple move causes blood to surge to the brain stopping the fainting. What to do: Keeping both feet on the floor, cross one leg over the other, squeeze your legs and buttocks together as hard as you can. Hold position for 30 seconds. Ignoring back aches is bad for your brain Doctors found that people who had back aches for more than a year, had up to 11 percent fewer brain cells in the areas of their brain that control learning. It's believed the stress of dealing with the pain adversely affects cells. What to do: Get help from doctors immediately. If treated early, most back problems can be cured. Being fat doubles your risk of headaches Excess weight causes inflammation of blood vessels in the head that are known to cause pain. What to do: Start slimming down to reduce pain, and switch to a natural headache remedies. Taking painkillers every day can actually cause headaches. If your penis isn't performing, your heart might not be either According to latest research, erectile dysfunction might be an early sign of narrowing blood vessels. What to do: Don't go online and order Viagra, instead, see your doctor and get a full health check. Trust us, they've seen it all before. Slouching makes you crave sugar even more Doctors believe slouching reduces bloodflow to the brain, triggering sugar cravings (as less glucose reaches the appetite centre of the brain). What to do: Sit up straight. Keep your feet flat on the floor, lengthen your spine and tighten your tummy to push your back against the chair. Treating colds could adversely affect your fertility Medicines that dry up nasal secretions can also reduce the amount of cervical mucus you secrete, making it harder for sperm to reach your cervix, say doctors. What to do: Avoid decongestants. Try topical remedies such as Vicks to un-bung things instead.