Life
10 Body Issues That You Shouldn't Worry About
Feeling embarrassed about certain body parts is totally normal, but whether or not the issues or harmful or simply a nuisance is what really matters. While most of us have had body issues at some point or another, what truly matters is whatever or not it's safe. Knowing which embarrassing body issues that are harmless can help you find a greater peace, acceptance, and love with your body, as while it's annoying to look at perhaps, it's not hurting your health and wellbeing at large.
As a certified health coach, I work with clients on accepting their bodies and learning to appreciate them for all they do. If it weren't for legs, you couldn't move like you do. You couldn't sit, work out, commute to the office, or dance with friends with ease, without thinking about it. It shouldn't matter if there's a patch of cellulite or a wrinkle on your skin, as there's still so much beauty in your body and its capabilities. Instead of weighing in on the negatives and feeling embarrassed about yourself, think positively and praise your body for all its gifts. Unless there's a dangerous health condition due to a body issue, put worries aside and focus on love. Here are 11 embarrassing body issues that are not worth worrying about.
1. Gas
It sucks to be the one who's farting at a dinner out. Duh. However, many healthy foods that are good for you are also high in fiber, to release gas, explains Elizabeth Ann Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT over email with Bustle. "There's a reason we (RDNS) recommend more fiber, because it's good for you! Unfortunately, sometimes that may come with a little extra gas," says Shaw.
2. Overactive Bladder
According to internist Marc Siegel, MD, medical director of a new NYU-Sirius Radio program, Doctor Radio over interview with WebMD, having an overactive bladder, where you're constantly rushing to the bathroom, can be embarrassing; however, it's not necessarily a problem. Speak to a doctor if you're worried and want to address it (you can get medication), but don't let anxiety mess with you.
3. Tummy Grumbles
You know when you're taking an exam or sitting in a business meeting (that's totally quiet), and your stomach starts to make weird, uncomfortable noises that of course everyone around you hears? Yeah. The worst. It's embarrassing. Yet, it just means you're hungry, so acknowledge it, say excuse me, grab a bite to eat, and don't worry about it, advised Virginia Sadock, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine in New York City over interview with WebMD.
4. Excessive Sweating
Siegel also discussed how excessive sweating can occur in some people due to overactive sweat glands and increased presence of stress. Sweat production will become more prevalent when you're tense, and it's pretty embarrassing at times. However, it's just a bodily reaction that is not dangerous, so you shouldn't be scared.
5. Blisters & Flaky Skin
If your skin is dry (especially in the winter) or you're pretty athletic, where your hands take a beating from machine to machine, then you might find your hands to be flaky, filled with blisters and callouses, or tough with dry, hard patches of skin, advised George Allen, professional health and fitness coach, and the co-founder of MensAnswer.com, on his website. Ask a derm for a good moisturizer.
6. Burping Too Much
Burping can come from gas or sucking in too much air, such as when you're chewing gum. While it's pretty embarrassing to belch in public, it's not a serious health issue, and you got to just say, "What the hell," and go with it. Michael Roizen, M.D., coauthor of You: The Smart Patient (Free Press) and cofounder of RealAge.com said over interview with Family Circle that slowing down on meals and choosing non-carbonated beverages could help.
7. Dryness Down There
If you're getting a bit dry down there (aka: your vagina), it might mean that you're in need of a bit of lube or more foreplay to increase your sex drive. As you get older, you might experience dryness in your vagina and if you're low in estrogen or have a yeast infection, it could cause pain, explained Laura Berman, PhD, over interview with Everyday Health. Berman also recommends limiting alcohol and forgoing cigarettes in order to boost circulation and prevent dryness.
8. Smelly Feet
On his blog, Dr. Axe advised that smelly feet, which can come from sweaty shoes and bacteria, can be embarrassing, but can be easily fixed with good foot hygiene, foot soaks, and rotation of shoes and socks, among other things. You can also soak your feet in Epsom salts, advised Dr. Axe. A change in diet for more anti-inflammatory foods can also help, as noted.
9. Bad Breath
Over interview with Shape, Richard Price, D.M.D., a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, cautioned against bad breath, which can be embarrassing and make those around you a bit distant at times (who can blame them?). Brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and drinking a lot of water could help with chronic bad breath, recommended Price, as it will eliminate bacteria. It's also not a bad idea to carry out breath mints in your purse. For emergencies.
10. Loose Bowels During Your Period
If you're getting loose bowels, such as diarrhea, and excessive gas and bloating, during your period (which is super common), it's nothing to worry about. While it's embarrassing when at work or a friend's home, perhaps, it's not dangerous, advised Suzanne Merrill-Nach, M.D, an ob-gyn in private practice in San Diego over interview with Family Circle. Unfortunately, diarrhea during your period is annoying to deal with, but taking ibuprofen or Imodium could help, explained Merrill-Nach.
If any of these situations seem familiar to you, you're not alone. Personally, I deal with quite a few of these myself. Look to cure these issues holistically or seek a doctor's help, for instance with prescribing a medication, or just go with it, and accept who you are and what your body does.
Images: Pixabay (12)
