Age 20 is often considered the healthiest period of life. Many young people focus on studying, work and social relationships, and believe that small health problems are only temporary. However, according to medical experts, this is also the time when the body begins to send early signals related to long-term health.
Dr. Basavaraj S. Kumbar, internist at Aster Whitefield Hospital (Bengaluru, India), said that many chronic diseases in middle age often originate from signs that are overlooked when young.
Prolonged fatigue even after rest
Feeling tired after a day's work is normal. However, if you often wake up sluggish even though you are getting enough sleep, this may be a sign of iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or thyroid disorder. Prolonged fatigue indicates that the body is imbalanced and needs to be checked.
Frequent digestive disorders
Bloating, indigestion, acid reflux or diarrhea should not be taken lightly. The digestive system clearly reflects the overall health status. When these symptoms appear continuously, the risk of chronic digestive diseases will increase over time.
Recurrent headache or migraines
Repeated headaches may be related to prolonged stress, dehydration, endocrine disorders, or inappropriate living posture. Abusing pain relievers without finding the root cause can worsen the condition.
Unexplained weight change
Rapid weight gain or loss even without changing diet or exercise is an important warning sign. This condition may be related to metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid disease.
Irregular menstrual cycle and prolonged acne
In women, menstrual cycles reflect endocrine health. Irregular cycles, severe menstrual pain or prolonged acne are often associated with hormone disorders. If not monitored early, this condition can affect reproductive health later.
Changes in mental health
Persistent anxiety, prolonged boredom, or loss of interest in familiar activities are not just temporary psychological problems. This may be an early sign of mental health disorders that need timely attention and support.
Persistent muscle and joint pain
At age 20, muscles and joints usually recover quickly. Therefore, prolonged back pain, neck pain, or joint pain is often associated with incorrect posture, lack of exercise, or overwork. If ignored, these symptoms can easily become chronic pain in older age.
Notes
According to experts, age 20 is not only a time to build a career but also a foundation for long-term health. Seemingly small signs are actually how the body warns early. Listening and handling them promptly will help you avoid many chronic diseases, protecting sustainable health for later stages of life.
