7 Signs Your Body May Be Out of Balance, According to Dr Mayza Araújo

Rushing through day-to-day life, tiredness and poorly slept nights are often treated as simply part of the routine. At the same time, a balanced diet tends to slip down the priority list, and the body starts to show signs that something is not quite right. The issue is that these warnings do not always get the attention they deserve and, in many cases, end up being dealt with in isolation based on self-diagnosis.

According to Dr Mayza Araújo, a doctor specialising in Integrative Health and Weight Loss, with integrated practice across Functional Medicine, Performance and Health at the Integrative Clinic, many signals from the body should not be assessed on their own.

"In integrative health, we assess the patient as a whole. We do not look only at weight or at a specific symptom, but at metabolism, hormones, gut, sleep, diet, emotional health, body composition and lifestyle," she explains.

Below are signs that may point to imbalances in the body.

1. Frequent tiredness, even after resting

Feeling worn out after a few intense days is normal. However, if fatigue becomes ongoing-even after good nights of sleep or periods of rest-it is important to investigate. Dr Mayza Araújo says persistent tiredness may be linked to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, sleep disorders, chronic stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, or other metabolic imbalances.

2. Difficulty losing weight

Weight loss is not simply a matter of eating less and training more. Sleep, gut health, stress, body composition, thyroid function, metabolism and hormonal balance can also affect weight loss.

"When a patient struggles to lose weight, we need to understand what is preventing the body from responding. Often, the issue is not a lack of effort, but a combination of imbalances that must be addressed with a strategy," the doctor says.

For this reason, highly restrictive diets without professional guidance can lead to frustration and, in some cases, may further harm the body.

3. Poor-quality sleep

Waking up several times during the night, struggling to fall asleep, or getting up still feeling tired are signs that deserve attention. Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, muscle recovery, immunity, memory, energy levels and appetite control. When sleep is not restorative, metabolism and performance may also be affected.

4. Mood changes and irritability

Frequent emotional swings, anxiety, irritability and a sense of burnout may be connected to emotional factors, but also to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, sleep quality and gut health. In an integrative approach, body and mind are assessed together, because one can directly influence the other.

5. Hair loss and weak nails

Hair loss can have many causes, including stress, hormonal changes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, inflammation, thyroid problems, medication use or dietary changes. When the symptom is severe or ongoing, a professional assessment helps identify the cause and define the most appropriate plan.

6. Irregular bowel habits

Constipation, gas, abdominal bloating, recurrent diarrhoea and digestive discomfort may indicate imbalances in gut health. "The gut plays an important role in nutrient absorption, immunity, metabolism and even in producing substances linked to wellbeing. That is why frequent digestive symptoms should not be ignored," explains Dr Mayza Araújo.

7. Low immunity

Frequent infections, recurring colds, slow recovery and a constant sense of vulnerability may suggest that the immune system needs attention. Immunity is influenced by sleep, diet, stress levels, vitamins, minerals, gut health, physical activity and the presence of illness or inflammation.

Individualised assessment is essential

Although these signs can point to imbalances in the body, they should not be used for self-diagnosis. Each person has their own history, routine, body composition and specific needs. Dr Mayza Araújo says an individualised assessment makes it possible to investigate the causes of symptoms more accurately and to build safer, more effective care strategies. "The goal of integrative health is to promote health in a personalised way, combining science, prevention, professional follow-up and sustainable lifestyle changes," she emphasises.

If you notice ongoing symptoms, the best step is to seek specialist guidance. Taking a preventive approach to health can help improve quality of life, support healthy weight loss, enhance performance and stop small imbalances from developing into bigger problems.

By Camila Pessanha