We all know the telltale signs of aging – crow’s feet, wrinkles, age spots. But those are just on the surface. What really matters for your long-term health is how your body is aging on the inside.
Here, Dr. Oz reveals the seven red flags that offer clues that your body is aging too fast. Catch them early and it may not just save you some discomfort – it could save your life!
Warning Sign 1: Cotton Mouth
Cotton mouth in the morning may be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. To figure out if you have it, determine your “snore score” by answering the following questions. For every “yes” answer, give yourself a point:
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you’re at risk for sleep apnea and you should see your doctor. In the mean time, be sure to sleep on your side! Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway. Taping a tennis ball under your back or placing a pillow between your legs can be helpful way to ensure a safer night’s sleep by ensuring you stay on your side the entire night.
Warning Sign 2: Red Eyes
Inflamed eyes could be a sign of arthritis – the painful inflammation and stiffening of joints. The same cellular process that causes inflammation in your joints can cause inflammation in your eyes, turning them red.