Health complaints like bad breath, flatulence and thrush are more common than you might think but many of us are too embarrassed to talk about them with anyone else. If you're one of these people, you're probably still in the dark about how you can wave goodbye to your symptoms.

1. Bad breath

Bad breath may be an extremely undesirable health complaint, but you'd be surprised how many people are affected by it. According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), as many as 40 million Americans suffer from halitosis (or bad breath, as it's more commonly known).

Causes

Bad breath can stem from a number of causes, as ADHA President, Caryn Solie, explains. "Bad breath can be caused by many things, from food and drink to health conditions and medications that can cause dry mouth and sinus drainage, as well as bacteria and plaque in the mouth and on the teeth," she says.

Solutions

• Improve your oral hygiene. Solie advises brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush (either manual or electric), but she stresses that brushing alone isn't enough to get rid of all bacteria in your mouth. She also advocates flossing to tackle in between the teeth; using an anti-microbial mouth rinse; brushing or cleaning the tongue frequently (with a tongue scraper), and maintaining the recommended dental cleanings from your dental hygienist or dentist.
• Short term fixes. If you're looking for a more immediate solution to bad breath solutions, there are temporary fixes that you can reach for. "Temporary assistance may be obtained by chewing sugar-free gum or using mints after eating," says Solie.
• See your doctor. If the problem still persists after you've taken steps to improve your oral health, it's worth seeing a doctor to determine whether there might be an underlying medical cause.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive problem, which tends to affect women more than men. According to Kenny Tranquille, Nutritionist at the London based Nutritionists, UrBod Nutrition, the typical symptoms of IBS are "abdominal bloating and/or pain associated with or relieved by taking a bowel movement; an altered bowel function, constipation or diarrhea; flatulence; nausea, and varying degrees of anxiety or depression." Generally speaking, these symptoms need to last for at least six months before a doctor is likely to diagnose IBS.

Solutions

• Diet changes. Tranquille advises taking a good look at your diet. "Fibre intake is something we look at, as well as the type of fibre being consuming. We may discourage the intake of insoluble fibre (such as wheat bran) and if more fibre is indicated, for example in cases of constipation, we recommend foods that are high in soluble fibre such as fruits, vegetables and oats." For some sufferers, certain foods will be a big culprit. "Many clients with IBS find that food intolerance plays a part," says Tranquille. Another options can be to introduce probiotics and friendly bacteria into your diet. "Various studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects on IBS symptoms," highlights Tranquille. It's not just what you eat, but how you eat. "Sufferers will often need to stop skipping meals and to eat regularly. Be mindful when eating -- stop rushing around and sit down when eating," adds Tranquille.
• Drink more. Make sure that you're taking on board enough fluids as part of your diet. "IBS sufferers are often dehydrated, so I advise them to drink enough water -- around 1.5 litres per day -- and sometimes to restrict their coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks and tea," explains Tranquille.
• Get active. Exercising regularly can improve your bowel movements and lower stress levels Tranquille suggests taking moderate exercise on a daily basis.
• Reduce stress. If you suspect that stress is the main cause of your symptoms, take steps to tackle this. "Activities such as yoga, pilates or meditation may help," advises Tranquille.

3. Flatulence

It's normal to pass wind every now and again, but flatulence goes far beyond this. Passing excessive amounts of wind can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Causes

• Swallowing too much air. You won't necessarily be aware of it, but swallowing more air than usual can contribute to flatulence.
• Eating foods that aren't easily digested. Some carbohydrates are difficult for the body to easily digest. Problem foods can include apples, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, prunes and Brussel sprouts.
• Digestive problems like IBS. Flatulence can be one of the symptoms of IBS, so this can be the culprit if you have some of the other IBS symptoms.

Solutions

Flatulence isn't generally considered to be a cause for concern unless it's accompanied by symptoms like on-going abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea and/or constipation, weight loss and blood in the stools. These can be indications of a more serious bowel problem so it's a good idea to see a doctor in this situation.

4. Heavy and painful periods

How do you know when to define your periods as "heavy"? If you're soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for a few hours in a row, you fall into this bracket. Passing large blood clots isn't uncommon.

Heavy periods are often very uncomfortable too. "Having painful periods (or dysmenorrhoea, as it's medically known) is a common problem, especially in younger women," says Philip Weeks, who is an expert in natural medicine, a master herbalist and traditional acupuncturist. "Mild discomfort is normal, but around 1 in 10 woman experience significant enough pain to prevent normal day to day functioning."

Causes

Some of the causes of heavy periods can include:

• Endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the womb attaches itself to other areas like the pelvis. Diagnosis takes the form of a laparoscopy in which a camera is dispatched to examine the pelvic area.
• Uterine fibroids. Although they are not cancerous, these growths occur in the womb and can cause pelvic pain as well as heavy periods. A physical examination usually highlights their presence but an ultrasound can offer more detail and shape, size and location.
• Being fitted with an IUD device. Using an IUD contraceptive device can make your periods heavier and more painful, especially in the early months.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This chronic infection affects the pelvic area and can encourage heavy, painful periods. Other symptoms can include pelvic pain, fever and "spotting" (mild bleeding) after sex and between periods but these won't always be present. It can be treated with antibiotics.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Literally meaning “many cysts”, this condition is characterized by multiple benign cysts on the ovaries. Sufferers tend to experience highly irregular menstrual cycles, including periods that range from heavy and frequent to light and almost non-existent. Acne and excessive hair growth are other common symptoms of PCOS.
• Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid can also evoke symptoms of fatigue, constipation and sensitivity to cold. It can be linked to iron deficiency anemia, which is another potential cause of heavy periods.
• No obvious cause. For many women, there won't be a medical or hormonal factor at cause. "Severe pain can be caused by a number of conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease -- often this is the case when periods become more and more painful the older you get," says Weeks. "However, the vast majority of woman who have regular pain have nothing medically wrong, with medical tests coming back clear."

Solutions

• Medication. If there's no obvious medical reason for your heavy periods, this is the most likely form of treatment. Depending on the type of medication that's prescribed, your periods may become lighter or stop altogether. One option is the combined oral contraceptive pill (which contains the hormones estrogen and progestogen but you could also be prescribed oral progestogen by itself.
• Natural solutions. Weeks recommends a range of natural remedies to relieve painful periods. Essential fatty acids (think avocado, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and flaxseed oil) can be key. "Essential fatty acids help the production of prostaglandins in your body," he explains. "They relate directly to the levels of pain, muscle contractions, inflammation and blood clotting." Increasing your intake of vitamin B6 through bananas, beans and spinach can help, which Weeks suggests can be beneficial in breaking down excess estrogen. Magnesium is another option. "Magnesium has a major role in preventing menstrual cramping, and some women find that a regular intake can relieve the majority of their symptoms," advises Weeks. Ginger can increase blood flow to the pelvis, which Weeks suggests can also relieve cramping.
• Surgery. If there is an underlying medical factor behind your heavy periods, surgery may be carried out. Options can include endometrial ablation (destroying the lining of the womb), myomectomy (for minimizing and removing uterine fibroids) and hysterectomy (removing the womb, and sometimes the Fallopian tube, cervix and ovaries too).
• Iron supplements. Many women with heavy periods develop iron deficiency anemia due to the above average blood loss and this is more common if you don't get enough iron in your diet to replace what's being lost.

5. Thrush

Most women will experience at least one bout of thrush so this is a common complaint. Thrush is usually caused by the Candida fungus, which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina. Under some circumstances though, an imbalance can occur and this results in symptoms such as itching (inside the vagina and around the vulva), soreness and a vaginal discharge that looks a lot like cottage cheese. Some of the factors that can trigger a bout of thrush include:

• Medical factors. There are some health problems that can be a factor in developing thrush, especially if it is a recurring problem. "It is more likely to occur in women who have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus," says Dr. Sarah Brewer, author of The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements. "Some women suffer repeated bouts of thrush, which may be due to slightly reduced levels of iron (which is needed by the white blood cells to make the chemicals used to destroy opportunistic infections such as this). This can be diagnosed by a blood test that measures serum levels of ferritin -- an iron-binding protein. An inborn error of biotin metabolism may also be involved."
• Antibiotics. A course of antibiotics can sometimes result in thrush. "Candida often occurs after taking antibiotics which kill off the healthy bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus acidophilus) naturally found in the vagina which help to keep disease-causing organisms such as candida yeasts at bay," explains Dr. Brewer.
• Hormonal changes. Hormone changes (including an increase in estrogen) can pave the way for attacks of thrush. "Candidiasis is more likely to occur around the time of a period due to changes in the acidity of vaginal discharge," says Dr. Brewer. "It is also more common in women who are pregnant, or who use high dose oral contraceptives (although the latter is rare with modern low dose pills)."
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing. The lack of air flow can be a trigger for vaginal infections. "Candida spores thrive in warm moist places," says Dr. Brewer. "Getting hot (for example, wearing tight trousers or nylon tights) may trigger a vaginal infections if you are susceptible or run down."
• Sex. Although it's not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, Dr. Brewer warns that this can be a factor as spores may be passed to and fro through intercourse.
• Sunbeds. You might not associate sunbeds with vaginal infections, but Dr. Brewer highlights the possible link. "Candida are activated by exposure to ultraviolet light, so sun beds can increase the risk."/LI>
• Upsetting the vagina's delicate balance. Using feminine hygiene products can upset the pH balance "down there" and kill off the 'good' bacteria. The vagina can cleanse itself, so you don't need to give it a helping hand.

Solutions

• Self treatment. "If you are fairly certain of the diagnosis, treatments are available over the counter (usually in the form of creams, pessaries and capsules)," advises Dr. Brewer.
• Make sure you're self-diagnosing correctly. "If symptoms keep recurring, it's worth seeing a doctor," suggests Dr. Brewer. "There is a common condition called Bacterial Vaginosis (a bacterial imbalance), which can cause similar symptoms and is easily confused with thrush, so don't keep treating blindly without confirming diagnosis."
• Lifestyle changes. Making a few simple changes to your lifestyle can reduce your chances of developing thrush in the future. Dr. Brewer suggests a number of prevention techniques including wearing cotton underwear to help air to circulate more freely; wearing panty liners and changing them regularly; ironing the gussets of your underwear to kill spores (which won't be killed by modern low temperature washing machine cycles); ensuring an adequate iron intake; taking probiotic supplements, and avoiding perfumed bath products, vaginal deodorants and douches.

6. Excessive sweating

An estimated 2-3% of Americans suffer from some form of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), often in the underarms or on the hands and feet.

Causes

Excessive sweating can have several causes, explains Mark Whiteley, Consultant Surgeon and Clinic Director at the Whiteley Clinic, London.

Taking on board too much liquid can be a big contributor. "Physiological research shows that the average human needs about 1.5L of fluid per day (or 2L if hot), which includes all drinks and water hidden in food," he advises. "Presumably for commercial reasons, bottled water companies have managed to corrupt this message with the advice that people should drink 2-3L of water per day in addition to water gained from other drinks and food, so many people are actually drinking too much and not surprisingly, they sweat to lose excess fluid."

What you drink can also be a problem, especially if you're consuming caffeinated and hot drinks. "Caffeine is a diuretic and a stimulant, which can increase sweating," explains Whiteley. "Having hot drinks -- especially for social reasons and not to quench thirst -- increases body temperature as well as adding extra fluid to the body."

Anxiety and stress can be big culprits. As Whiteley points out, they can create a vicious circle that exaggerates the problem. "People who worry a lot (especially about excess sweating) drive their sweat glands to sweat more."

There can also be medical causes that contribute to excessive sweating. Whiteley points to hyperthyroidism as one of the most common medical explanations, but primary hyperhidrosis (a condition in which people sweat more than usual) can also be to blame. With the latter condition, Whiteley advises that sweating may occur all over the body or it may be restricted to certain areas such as the underarms, face, hands, feet or groin.

Some drugs can trigger excessive sweating. This notably includes anti-depressants, cocaine and amphetamine. Lastly, being overweight can also contribute as fat serves to retain heat, which then has to be lost.

Solutions

Whiteley has the following advice for dealing with excessive sweating in the short term.

• Don't drink too much. "The easiest check is your urine," says Whiteley. "It should be yellow. If it is clear and you have a sweating problem, you're probably drinking too much." In particular, he advises limiting your intake of hot and caffeinated drinks.
• Dress appropriately. If you're hiding underneath layers of clothing in a bid to hide your sweating, you're only going to make the problem worse. Instead, Whiteley suggests opting for loose cotton so that air has a better opportunity to circulate. If you're worried about sweat showing on your clothes, go for a color that won't make it so obvious.
• Lifestyle changes. If you're overweight, losing weight can help. Getting rid of stress and anxiety can also reduce nervous sweating. If you're on any drugs or tablets that can cause sweating, speaking to your doctor about changing them.
• Surgical and non-surgical options. Botox injections has been FDA-approved in the US for treating excessive sweating in the armpits and can provide relief that lasts for 6-9 months by blocking the sweat glands so that sweat can't get through. Iontophoresis uses water to conduct an electrical charge to the skin that fights sweat production. It shouldn't be painful but multiple sessions a week are usually required. Whiteley suggests that Endoscopic Thoraic Sympathectomy (ETS) is one of the best long-term cures for excessive sweating hands. This involves cutting the nerves so that they can no longer produce sweat. Outside of the US, Whiteley has been performing Laser Sweat Ablatation since 2009, which has shown an 80% reduction in underarm sweating.