Stress, a Racing Heart, Brittle Nails and Evening Headaches: Clues Worth Checking
Do you get stressed quickly, feel your heart racing, and end most days with a headache? Dr. Amr Elyamany goes through seven complaints that often travel together and what may help each.
Complaint and what may help
- Getting stressed quickly with a fast heartbeat: magnesium helps calm the nervous system.
- A heavy, sluggish feeling in the body: potassium from food sources helps balance fluids and energy.
- Nails that break easily: silica and zinc support nail health.
- Pain from the back of the head down to the neck: a light massage of the neck and the back of the head eases muscle tension.
- Low concentration: omega-3 supports memory and brain function.
- A headache at the end of every day: a B-complex may help the nerves of the head.
- Bloating after every meal: probiotics help balance the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The neck-and-screen connection
Pain that runs from the back of the head into the neck, and headaches at the end of the day, are very often tension in the neck and shoulder muscles from hours at a desk or phone. Raising your screen to eye level, taking short movement breaks and stretching the neck are as important as any supplement.
A safe approach
- Ask for tests before you supplement, and get potassium and magnesium from food unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Have a racing heartbeat examined, especially if it is frequent.
- Take care of sleep, hydration and movement first.
Key takeaway: Many of these complaints are tied to stress and posture as much as to nutrients: fix the habits and check the numbers.
When to see a doctor
- A racing heartbeat with chest pain, fainting or breathlessness
- Severe or sudden headaches, or headaches with vision changes
- Headaches that occur most days
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.