7 Current and Common Health Problems That Could Be Bogging You down ...

Celiac's disease has become a mainstream medical condition and one of the common health problems that involves an autoimmune response to a particular food - in this case, the ingestion of gluten. To be diagnosed with celiac's, a patient must have actual damage to the villi lining the small intestine. This differs from the more common "gluten sensitivity". A person suffering from celiac's will be malnourished as the intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients. Symptoms vary from moderate to severe digestive problems, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, anemia, and dermatitis. I'm sure you've taken noticed that many grocery stores are carrying more and more gluten free products as gluten sensitivities are on the rise!

Lactose intolerance is another digestive disorder and involves the small intestine. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. When the small intestine doesn't produce enough Lactase (the enzyme needed to digest lactose), an intolerance occurs in the form of painful gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you suspect you might be lactose intolerant, apart from talking to your doctor, try cutting out all dairy products to see if the symptoms subside. Then slowly reintroduce them in small amounts. Luckily, there are various levels of lactose intolerance and most sufferers can eat some dairy products like yogurt with cultures.

If you constantly feel exhausted, have high stress, low sex drive, and keep taking in caffeine for energy, then you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue! The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating stress triggers in your body by producing the hormone cortisol, among other hormones like androgens and estrogens. Chronic stress sufferers may also experience adrenal fatigue because quite literally their adrenal glands are working in overdrive to keep the body in balance with chronic high stress and anxiety. Too much cortisol or too little will negatively impact other bodily systems. Really the best method for adrenal stability when chronic stress is to blame, is to learn how to manage your stress better and eliminate the triggers that you're able to control.

Candida is a naturally occurring fungus in the body that stimulates digestion and nutrient absorption. When it overgrows, it causes many health issues like skin infections, fatigue, digestive issues, and sugar cravings. Luckily, once you're tested positive for Candida overgrowth you can subdue the fungal growth through diet, probiotics and an anti fungal supplement. I have a couple friends who have this and are relieved to know how they can manage and reverse it!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in women where there is a hormone imbalance between your sex hormones and the the hormones that release your eggs. Symptoms include polycystic ovaries, obesity, irregular and heavy periods, acne, excessive bodily hair, and possible infertility. I actually have this and strangely enough, the only symptom I have besides harmless cysts (they're actually egg sacs) on one of my ovaries, is occasional acne. There isn't a treatment but you can talk to your doctor about how to manage the symptoms better. Hormone imbalances are no fun!

Hyperthyroidism, a.k.a. overactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland secretes too much of the metabolism-stimulating hormone thyroxine. Symptoms include a rapid heart beat, sudden weight loss, and nervousness/irritability. Fortunately, once diagnosed, hyperthyroidism is easily treated.

Fibromyalgia is a condition where a person suffers primarily from widespread pain in muscles and joints. Extreme fatigue is a result, as sleep doesn't come easily, IBS, headaches/migraines, and skin conditions are just a few of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. It is relatively unknown what causes fibromyalgia to occur, although it's agreed upon that there is a problem with sensory processing in the central nervous system. There is no cure and this remains one of the most common chronic pain disorders in the US. Symptoms can however be managed through medical care!

These are just a few of the current and relatively common health problems we may face on a daily basis. Luckily, they are pretty treatable and not fatal! Do any of you ladies suffer from one or more of these conditions? How has it been discovering and managing your condition?

Sources: mindbodygreen.com, fmaware.org, webmd.com, webmd.com, adrenalfatigue.org