Smoking, alcohol and fast food: all of these things are obviously unhealthy. But there are also a lot of people who have unhealthy habits that they know nothing about. Why ? Because these things are generally considered to be healthy.
1. Brush your teeth
Brushing your teeth is important to protect them against cavities and periodontosis. However, brushing too frequently can also be harmful. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Doing it more often can irritate the gums and enamel and therefore lead to bacteria in the body.
advice : between the two, you can cool your mouth with a mouthwash or mouth spray.
2. Drink water
Many people have problems getting enough drink during the day. But if you’re overly ambitious with your water intake, it can be just as unhealthy. An increase in fluid intake leads to a sharp drop in sodium level in the blood. This can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and chills. These symptoms can appear especially during a very long and tiring run with a relatively high water supply.
advice : instead of drinking a large amount at a time, it is better to drink a glass of water or herbal tea several times throughout the day.
3. Tan
Everyone knows that intensive sunbathing and especially sunburns are unhealthy. What many people don’t realize, however, is that every minute you spend in the sun, with or without sunscreen, increases your risk for skin cancer. Going to the solarium is just as dangerous. Studies show that the risk of cancer is 20% higher for people who regularly go to a tanning salon.
advice : Sunscreen is a must if you spend a lot of time outdoors, even in winter. If you are looking for an alternative to sunbathing, you can use self-tanners.
4. Play sports
Exercise is a great way to find balance when working in an office and to relieve illnesses like migraines and depression. However, if you are not a professional athlete, you should not overdo it. Otherwise, you risk wearing down your bones and the body’s defense cells can atrophy. You should therefore plan for days of rest during which your body can regenerate.
advice : two to four training sessions per week are quite sufficient for an amateur athlete.
5. Painkillers
There is no doubt that pain relievers are a great invention. After all, they help relieve the pain that keeps you bedridden. However, pain relievers should not be taken too frequently. Because when the body gets used to taking it regularly, it asks for more. This situation is signaled by headaches, creating a vicious cycle. In addition, there are pain relievers that test the stomach and liver.
advice : If you have pain, you should always ask yourself whether taking painkillers is essential. For headaches, for example, taking a walk in the fresh air or using herbal alternatives can sometimes help.
6. Sleep in
The idea of sleeping in on weekends and being able to catch up on sleep is a dream. Unfortunately, it is quite unhealthy for the body. “Changing sleep times disrupts the body’s rhythm and can therefore also weaken the immune system,” says nutritionist Julianna Hever.
advice : To avoid disturbing the body, you must have the same sleep cycle every day. If you are working in a team, you can ask your doctor for advice on the best way to support your body.
7. Drink tea
The tea itself is a good thing. It provides fluid to the body, can be an herbal remedy, and it tastes just great. However, if you drink it before going to bed, you may have trouble falling asleep if the tea contains caffeine.
Advice : in the evening, you should use herbal teas to prepare your body for sleep.
8. Food supplements
You can buy a dietary supplement for almost every “little problem” in pharmacies and on the Internet. Vitamin tablets are probably among the most popular when it comes to protecting the immune system. However, the effect of these vitamin preparations on the immune system has not been scientifically proven. Excessive consumption of these supplements can even have negative effects on the body. For example, drinking too much can put a strain on your liver.
advice : you should always consult your doctor before taking regular food supplements.
9. Fresh fruit juices
Many people think that juices are a good way to incorporate more fruit into their diet. Besides the fact that purchased juices often contain added sugar, the health benefits of fruit are lost when squeezed.
advice : it is therefore better not to prepare a glass of juice but a delicious fruit salad.
10. Skip breakfast
Many people forgo breakfast to lose weight. While this saves the calories of an entire meal, it also promotes the desire to eat more. The body is hungry and thirsty after sleep. So if you deny him breakfast, he’ll only be hungrier. This manifests as an almost uncontrollable hunger, usually for unhealthy foods.
advice : if you don’t have time or can’t eat anything early in the morning, you should definitely make a bun or something and take it with you to work, school, etc.
Some points are really surprising. These routines are truly believed to be positive for the body. Which of the habits mentioned above are part of your daily life?
Cover images: © Flickr / Alan Light © Flickr / Eden, Janine and Jim