We’ve all heard the phrase, “But, you don’t look sick.” There’s even a website about the experience of looking fine while feeling not-so-fine (www.ButYouDontLookSick.com).  Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and varying autoimmune conditions can all be classified as “invisible illnesses” because from the outside, we look fine.

Or, do we?

When our bodies are not working properly on the inside, telltale factors will eventually show up on the outside. The question of how long it takes and in what form they’ll appear depends on the individual. We’re each unique.

I’m by no means an expert on this, but I’ve developed a “sick sense” when it comes to scanning people in crowds. I can often tell by posture or gait if someone is in pain. Even without the obvious wrist/knee brace, canes, etc., people can reveal their pain levels by the way they walk and move. I used to walk that way, too — constantly protecting my neck/shoulders by not turning too far or moving too quickly. Facial expressions also reveal much.

And, there’s more. Besides pain levels, our digestive health tells a lot about how healthy we are. Taking a close look at the face can tell nutritional authorities a great deal. Facial characteristics, eyebrow thinning, the color of the whites of the eyes, etc. can indicate many nutritional deficiencies. The skin has many stories to tell! Sort of like your body’s billboard, the condition of your skin is a great indicator of the health of your digestive system (which is the center of your overall health).

Here are just a few skin conditions that make experts take note:

• Skin discoloration (blotches across cheeks and under the nose)

• Skin elasticity (sagginess)

• Skin shades (pallid or flush)

• Skin tones/uneven (rashes/red patches across cheeks/nose)

• Skin wrinkles (where they are and how they’re grouped – even wrinkles/creases on the earlobe have meaning)

• Skin blemishes (acne, etc.)

• Dark undereye circles and/or puffiness

• Skin tones (pasty complexion – the allergic-type person)

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And then there’s the mouth. Many health clues can be found by examining the health of your teeth, gums, and even the tongue. I went to a seminar in February that was entirely about the diagnostic clues that can be found from looking at a person’s tongue! The tongue’s color, shape, creases, ridges, and puffiness indicate many things including yeast overgrowth and organ dysfunction. I saw pictures of tongues with white or black lines, raised bumps, ruffled edges, and strange cracks and crevices galore. Oddities, yes, but oh, so interesting!

Health clues can also be found by looking at a person’s hair and nails, so keep in mind that your entire body provides an outward example of your inward health. As you can see (literally!), how you look does say a lot about you. When you begin to care for your digestive health, you establish a level of healing from the inside out — and it shows!