What are the most important at-home health checks for men and women? No one knows your body like you do—often it will give you warning signs when something is not quite right.

Doctors agree that carrying out a few simple health checks on a monthly basis can make all the difference when it comes to catching diseases early. All you need to do is look for the clues. The best way of doing this is by giving yourself regular, monthly checks in the privacy of your own home.

Your Weight

Unexplained weight gain and weight loss can also signal a major issue with your health. Don’t ignore them. If you unexpectedly gain a lot of weight, this can signify hypothyroidism, adrenal disorders like Cushing’s syndrome, fluid retention as in congestive heart failure or renal disease, and pregnancy.

If you unexpectedly lose a lot of weight, this can signify cancer, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases, and depression.

Your Urine

Your first trip to the toilet in the morning can detect a lot more than pregnancy or a urinary tract infection. More than 70 markers in your urine can determine how your entire body is functioning and are key to preventing degenerative diseases, unknown gluten intolerance, low antioxidant levels that make you vulnerable to oxidative stress, and more.

For instance, accumulation of specific organic acids in urine often signals a metabolic inhibition or block. The abnormality could mean that you’re vitamin deficient.

Your Bowels

Don’t be shy; peering into the toilet can save your life.  Check for any changes in bowel habits and go to your doctor if constipation or diarrhea continues for more than two weeks. Examine stools for signs of blood (although this can be due to piles).

Read more about what tests you should do at home at BlackDoctor.Org.

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