Life has a funny way of throwing surprises our way, doesn’t it? A few months ago, I found myself dealing with a puzzling set of bodily symptoms that came seemingly out of nowhere. I woke up one morning with wth a bloody blister on one of my fingers, just below my fingernail. I found it strange, but didn’t really think much about at that time. It healed, and everything seemed fine.
A few weeks later, the symptoms returned, but this time they were more severe. Several of my fingers were affected, along with noticeable redness and rash-like spots. These appeared not only on my fingers but also spread to parts of my limbs and even my back.
At first, I thought, “Maybe I touched something weird? Maybe it’s some reaction to something?” But then, the blisters and “raches” healed only to leave my fingertips dry, peeling, and strangely cold and numb. At times it was very painful as if my fingers were to explode. The numbness wasn’t just an annoyance – it made me feel clumsy, like my fingers were disconnected from the rest of me. Opening jars, and even typing on my laptop, felt like a Herculean task. And as the days and weeks passed, I felt more and more drained and lacking energy. I seeked medical advice, and apparently, I had some kind of infection in my body, and got some medication to clear it.
Recently, at an obligated visit to the doctor (work-related) revealed that my blood pressure was higher than it should be. Then I caught the flu and cold, my heart showed signs of not being at ease, the blisters, rashes, and dryness on my fingers reappeared…
Now, I’m the kind of person who likes to stay positive no matter what life throws my way, but let me tell you – this was a wake-up call! Something was clearly off. These “hidden messages” were my body signaling that it needed attention.
And I’m a firm believer in listening to its cues. But I have to admit, I’m not one of those who visit the doctor on a regular basis. Not that I don’t believe in medicine and the professionals, I simply believe that the best healing comes from within and that the body has the power to restore itself.
Facing the "Hiccup" Head-On
While I’m someone who deeply values professional advice, my go-to for health challenges has most of my life been natural remedies and a positive mindset. I’ve learned that the body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right tools. But first, I had to face reality: this wasn’t something I could brush off. My fingertips weren’t just numb for fun, and my blood pressure wasn’t just a number to ignore. So, I started digging deeper into my health issues – including the known changes females goes through around my age, and it turns out, my body is lacking vitamin B1, which can be one of the reasons for my high blood pressure. This was an eye-opening for me, and I decided to dive deeper into my trusted sources for natural solutions.
The Vitamin B1 Connection
As I mentioned above, many of my symptoms – skin issues, feeling fatigue, and my blood pressure, even the feelings of clumsiness – pointed to a potential deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. This was confirmed by a blood test at the doctor’s office. Thiamine is one of those unsung heroes in the world of vitamins, quietly doing its job to keep our nervous system, energy levels, and overall health in check. When you’re low on it, your body lets you know in surprising ways.
Thiamine is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy. Without it, our cells struggle to function optimally, leading to a cascade of issues. Beyond just physical symptoms, a deficiency can impact your mental clarity and mood, leaving you feeling like a shadow of your vibrant self. It’s incredible how such a small vitamin can wield such significant power over our well-being.
I did some research on what the doctor told me, and here are some common symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency – all of which I experienced at some level:
Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes (hello, clumsy fingers!)
Dry, peeling skin
Muscle weakness
Fatigue and irritability
High blood pressure
Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
Thiamine deficiency can also affect the cardiovascular system, contributing to symptoms like elevated blood pressure, which was a red flag during my doctor’s visit.
While I hadn’t experienced severe symptoms like extreme fatigue or severe weakness, these subtler signs were my body’s way of waving a caution flag.
It was as if I had found the missing puzzle piece to explain my recent health hiccup. It’s fascinating and slightly alarming how the body communicates its needs. Ignoring these signs could have led to more severe health issues, but catching it early meant I could take immediate action to address the deficiency and restore balance to my body.
What Causes a B1 Deficiency?
Vitamin B1 deficiencies can happen for a variety of reasons. Stress, for example, can deplete your B1 stores because your body burns through more of it when you’re under pressure. (And I’ve been juggling a million things for several months) Diet plays a big role, too. As I’m living alone, I have to admit that my diet is not the best (I often joke with “can’t cook wont cook”), and it’s definitely nutritious enough. If you’re not eating enough whole grains, nuts, seeds, or lean proteins, you might not be getting enough thiamine (another eye-opener). And let’s not forget that caffeine (wowsy, 1-2 liters of coffee daily has been my norm for years) and alcohol (those who know me well know that I don’t shy away from my white wine, haha) can interfere with how your body absorbs this crucial vitamin.
Taking Back Control: My Game Plan
Once I knew that thiamine might be part of the problem, I took immediate action. Here’s how I’m tackling this health challenge head-on, armed with optimism and natural remedies:
Incorporating Thiamine-Rich Foods
I’ve made it a point to include more foods rich in vitamin B1 in my daily diet. Some of my favorites include sunflower seeds, lentils, brown rice, pork, and fortified cereals. These are not just nutrient-dense but also versatile, making it easy to incorporate them into meals. For instance, I’ve started adding sunflower seeds to my salads for a crunchy, thiamine-packed boost and swapping white rice for brown rice in my dinners.
Adding Supplements
To give my body an extra boost, I turned to a trusted B-complex supplement that includes thiamine.
Supplements can be a game-changer when your body is in need of quick support.
Knowing I’m meeting my daily needs gives me peace of mind while my body works on recovery.
This natural supplement is also a key part of my new health regimen, offering a balance of essential nutrients without unnecessary fillers.
Managing Stress
Stress management is non-negotiable for me now, and it has been for years. Recently, I’ve started practicing mindful healing meditation, where I not only focus on calming my mind but also visualize my body and its cells working harmoniously to heal and restore balance. I also make sure to set aside dedicated “me time” each day to release tension.
This could mean enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, journaling my thoughts, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of herbal tea, focusing on on my calm breathing and letting all thoughts go. It’s incredible how these small shifts have improved not just my mood but also my energy levels, creating a ripple effect on my overall health.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for nutrient absorption. I know that to be a fact! My thing is, I rarely feel thirsty, so some years back I implemented to cross out in my daily journal for each glass of water I drank – as to remind myself to actually drink water.
However, I do slip on this habit, so I’ve made another commitment to my hydration practice – no it is an alarm on my phone, 8 times per day, to remind me to drink some clean water.
Proper hydration doesn’t just support the internal systems but also gives my skin a natural glow, helping combat dryness from within. Bonus: it keeps my energy levels steady throughout the day.
Natural Remedies for Peeling Skin
Aloe vera-based products have been my go-to for years, and they’ve once again proven to be lifesavers.
The Aloe Propolis Creme has been particularly effective in soothing my dry and peeling skin. With its nourishing blend of aloe and bee propolis, it delivers intense hydration and supports the natural repair process of my skin.
I’ve also incorporated the Aloe Vera Jelly for a lighter, cooling effect on days when my skin feels especially sensitive.
The results have been phenomenal, with noticeable improvements in texture and hydration within days.
I’m still on the road to fully recover, but now, with a clearer understanding of what my body needs, I feel empowered. Knowing where I am and what adjustments to make feels like recalibrating my “health GPS” to head in the right direction. Each day is a step closer to better health, and with a positive mindset and a commitment to natural healing, I know I’m on the right path.
Positivity Over Everything
Throughout this journey, I’ve held on to my belief that the mind is more powerful than we often give it credit for. I’ve refused to let this “hiccup” define my outlook or my life. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to learn more about my body and what it needs to thrive.
While I’m working to restore balance, I’m celebrating the small victories – like waking up with less peeling skin or feeling a bit more dexterous with my fingers. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Why You Should Listen to Your Body?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your body is always talking to you. Well, I kinda knew this already – however, it’s one thing to know about it, another thing to be consciously aware of it – and then take necessary actions. Whether it’s skin issues, heart, lungs, or any other bodily signs, these are messages from within. Don’t ignore them!
Looking back, I can say with 100% certainty that my body was talking to me in different ways for an extended period of time, and as I kept ignoring the signs, my body had to strengthen the messages for me to listen and respond in a self-caring way.
This journey also led me to face a deeper truth: daring to look at myself with 100% honesty and taking 100% responsibility for my life. Some aspects of my life are thriving beyond what I once thought possible, yet there are still areas that need major attention. And to be honest, that’s not comfortable to be aware of.
Because I know, that’s why my body has been sending me all these signal. The thing is, it’s not about the outside world but my inside world. It’s time to stand in front of the mirror, acknowledge the real truth, and use this as an opportunity to make the changes I need. Facing my demons and truly doing the inner work to overcome them is one of the most transformative steps in my healing journey – however scary and uncomfortable they feel.
So, I urge you to take a moment to pause in your daily life, reflect, and investigate what might be going on if YOUR body is trying to tell you something. And remember, you’re not alone. There’s always a solution – sometimes, you just need to look beyond the surface. Ignoring your signals can potentially harm you in ways you could avoid if you are only willing to listen!
Have you ever experienced unusual symptoms that led to surprising discoveries about your health?
I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together – because every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Don’t forget to share this post with someone who might need a little inspiration to tackle their own health journey!
Disclaimer:
Individual results will vary, and results are NOT guaranteed.
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