Harvard-trained doctor shares first signs of thyroid, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver

Slowing down mentally, forgetting small things, and feeling foggy are symptoms that should not be ignored. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Most people often misinterpret or overlook some of the early warning signs that their body sends. The subtle shifts shouldn’t be ignored, as they indicate the start of a potential health problem. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS and Harvard, warned his followers about some of the first signs of thyroid, fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases that may not be very obvious.

Thyroid dysfunction

Most people think the first sign of thyroid dysfunction is weight gain, but Dr Sethi clarified that it is slowing down mentally, forgetting small things, and feeling foggy. The brain reacts much before the weighing scale.

Type 2 diabetes

The truth is no different for Type 2 diabetes, where most assume that the first sign is high blood sugar. Instead, the gastroenterologist said that it’s post-meal exhaustion that hits much harder than it should. The consequence of glucose swings is tiredness first.

Fatty liver

Fatty liver doesn’t always show up as abdominal pain. It first becomes evident when you experience low stamina and feel completely exhausted from even small tasks. Dr. Sethi explained that the liver affects energy much before pain. If you experience unusual fatigue, don’t ignore the sign.

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Autoimmune issues

Many associate autoimmune disease with joint pain, but that’s not the case. The gastroenterologist pointed out that it is morning stiffness and a feeling of inflammation without a clear cause. Inflammation builds quietly before damage occurs.

B12 deficiency

The first signs of B12 deficiency are irritability and brain fog that creep in gradually. Dr. Sethi said, “The nerves send signals early.” He also shared that the first sign is not neuropathy, which is commonly assumed.

Chronic dehydration

It is most commonly associated with thirst, which is not true. Some of the first signs include headaches and poor focus despite sleeping well. Yet again, the brain senses the problem first. Thus, it is often stressed not to ignore your liquids during the day.

High cortisol

The first sign of high cortisol is thought to be belly fat. But Dr Sethi said it is waking up anxious before your day even starts. Cortisol, the stress hormone, disrupts mood before it affects metabolism.