I like to think of the human body like it is a walking diary: it communicates a lot about how someone takes care of their fitness and health overall. Here are some ways your body tells a story that you may or may not be comfortable sharing with people around you:

Hair: Hair can become limp and really dry because of various chemical and physical processes that people do their hair on a daily or weekly basis. However, an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism can lead to thinning, weaker hair and can actually change the hair's texture as well. 

Have you ever heard someone say, "You can tell a lot about someone's health by examining a hair strand?" That statement is true, in the sense that you can figure out what types of drugs or medications someone is taking by scientifically examining hair strands. Also, certain drugs and medications can alter the hair's appearance, and can make it weaker, thinner, and a lot more vulnerable to breakage. Furthermore, certain chemicals that your body absorbs can heavily impact how your hair reacts to certain chemical processes, like hair relaxers. 

Belly fat: Many health hazards are associated with visceral belly fat (fat not just under the skin), including: breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, as well as breast cancer. According to Dr. Chris Illiades, "it is known that this type of fat produces chemicals called cytokines and other substances that affect insulin sensitivity, blood clotting, and the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, deep belly fat is very close to a large abdominal vein called the portal vein. When fatty acids from visceral fat enter this vein, they travel directly to the liver and can have a negative effect on cholesterol levels."

Skin: The skin, your most visible organ, tells a lot about your health and how you take care of yourself. For example, sudden spots on skin are often due to stress. According to Self Magazine, "That stress can be chronic (like ongoing job-related angst), or it can be situational, acute stress, like a break-up or the passing of a loved one." In addition, "Positive things (like getting engaged or married) can also be stressful," explains Dr. Valerie Goldburt. Furthermore, a breakout can indicate a compromise in one's immune system, or that your diet needs to change. Regarding the diet issue, Dr. Goldburt explains that "breakouts can be caused by milk products and products with a high glycemic index, like white breads and processed foods." 

Also, your skin can indicate whether you get a sufficient amount of sleep. For example, many people who have puffy eyes, dry or irritated skin, may very well need an additional dosage of sleep at night. In addition, dry, puffy, or skin with a little discoloration can indicate that someone drinks too much alcohol. According to Dr. Goldburt, "the older you get, the longer it takes your pretty face to recuperate from a cocktail hour that lasted into the wee hours." 

If you want to put your best face (and body) forward everyday, invest more time in your health and fitness and also maintain regular visits with your primary care physician to make sure that your health is in tip top shape. 

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Fitness and Health Barista