A viral TikTok list of surprising health signals has prompted medical professionals to weigh in on which everyday abilities and bodily functions actually indicate good health. The list, created by Josh Fraser Young, includes everything from putting on socks while standing to passing gas regularly. Doctors Dr Donald Grant and Kelly Fisher have confirmed that many of these signs are backed by research and can serve as reassuring reminders that you're on the right track.
Why Your Balance and Mobility Matter
One of the most striking indicators is the ability to stand on one leg. A 2022 study found that older people who couldn't stand on one leg for 10 seconds had an 84% higher risk of dying within 10 years. Dr Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, calls this 'a genuinely useful marker rather than just a party trick,' explaining that balance relies on muscle strength, joint stability, and the nervous system working together.
Kelly Fisher, health and wellbeing Nurse at Benenden Health, adds that not being able to do this doesn't automatically mean you're unhealthy. 'There could be lots of reasons stopping you such as muscle tightness or joint stiffness,' she says, recommending gentle stretching and practicing single leg balances for 30 seconds on each leg while brushing your teeth.
Similarly, the ability to get up from the floor without using your hands is a strong indicator of overall fitness. 'This movement can be a really great indicator of your aerobic fitness, muscle and core strength, stability, flexibility and balance,' Fisher says. Dr Grant cautions that finding this harder than before is common with age, but if it's consistently difficult or accompanied by joint pain, it's worth checking.
Grip Strength and Other Surprising Indicators
Grip strength is another reliable marker, according to Dr Grant. 'It reflects overall muscle strength and neurological function, and research has linked weaker grip strength to a higher risk of frailty and even cognitive decline in later life,' he says. However, Fisher stresses that it shouldn't be used as a standalone value, and individual circumstances must be considered.
Other signs on the list include waking up before your alarm, which indicates a regulated circadian rhythm, and getting hungry at regular times, which Dr Grant says reflects 'settled blood sugar and eating patterns.' Fisher adds that hunger cues can be influenced by boredom, stress, or high caffeine intake.
Holding a deep, flat-footed squat is another positive sign. Dr Grant notes it says something about hip and ankle mobility, while Fisher suggests practicing deep squats with a sturdy doorframe for balance. Additionally, passing gas up to 25 times a day is completely normal and indicates an active gut microbiome, according to the original list.
Breathing, Sweating, and Stairs: More Health Clues
Breathing through your nose at rest is linked to better respiratory health and lower stress responses, while sweating early during exercise indicates sharp thermoregulation—contrary to assumptions that it means you're unfit. Another useful test, though not on the original list, is the four-flight stair climb test recommended by the European Society of Cardiology. Studies show that climbing about 60 steps in less than 90 seconds without stopping indicates lower risk of coronary artery disease.
Finally, waking up feeling rested is more important than waking up before your alarm, Fisher says. 'If you feel groggy when you wake up this can be a sign that you have had a poor quality sleep,' she notes, linking poor rest to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
These signs are not hard and fast rules, but they offer a broader perspective on health. As Fisher advises, 'Make sure during those busier times you spend a few minutes each day checking in with yourself so the messages don't go unanswered.'
