12 'Healthy' Habits That Can Actually Be Harmful
A healthy lifestyle is a goal for many people, but some common practices can actually do more harm than good. Whether it's getting too much of a good thing or buying stuff you probably don't need, here are some allegedly healthy habits that may not be all that great in the long run.
OVERDOING EXERCISE
Exercise is crucial for overall health, but overdoing it can lead to strains, sprains, or other injuries. Warm up, work out, cool down, and don't overextend to the point of injury in the name of good health.
TOO MANY ANTIBIOTICS
When you fall ill, there's an urge to head to the doctor and get medication. But over-prescribing of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance, which means some drugs are less effective than they used to be. Discuss the issue with a doctor and resist the urge to ask for an antibiotic if you don't need one.
HEAPING ON HAND SANITIZER
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hand sanitizer is the next best thing to washing with soap and water, the Food and Drug Administration has expressed doubts about the safety of the ingredients. There is also concern that using hand sanitizer too often can lead germs to develop resistance. If possible, scrub well with soap and water instead.
DRINKING TOO MUCH WATER
Water is necessary for life, but it really is possible to overdo it. Too much water can dilute electrolytes in the blood, which can be fatal. People who do a lot of athletic training (such as marathon runners) are at greater risk.
SKIPPING MEALS
Eschewing breakfast may seem like a good weight-loss tactic, but it can lead to impaired glucose tolerance and may actually result in more weight gain down the road.
SLEEPING TOO MUCH
Getting enough sleep is vital to physical and mental health. If you think you're being even healthier by sleeping in, think again studies show increased body fat and other health problems (particularly psychiatric issues) in people who get more Z's than they should.
TAKING VITAMINS
Vitamins can help fill the gaps in a not-so-perfect diet, but the jury is still out on whether they prevent chronic disease. Instead of investing in several individual supplements, try an inexpensive multivitamin instead.
BRUSHING AFTER EVERY MEAL
Although experts recommend frequent brushing, you may be damaging tooth enamel if you brush right after consuming acidic drinks or foods, such as sweets and citrus fruits. Wait up to an hour.
TOO MUCH SOY
For those trying to eat more non-meat protein, soy is often seen as a good substitute. Some soy can be part of a healthy diet, but intake should be moderate. Animal studies reveal that too much soy may have detrimental effects on the reproductive system.
GOING GLUTEN-FREE
Those who have a medical need to avoid gluten (such as celiac disease) should avoid it, of course. But the gluten-free fad, which suggests that people should abstain from gluten to be healthier, can have the opposite effect for those who eat prepackaged, high-calorie substitutes, such as gluten-free cookies and snacks.
SUGAR SUBSTITUTES
Reducing sugar intake is a healthy habit, but switching to diet soda or artificial sweeteners in other foods isn't the way to go. Studies have shown that sugar substitutes can lead to more weight gain.
HARDCORE DIETING
Making a healthy change in eating habits is a good thing, but going on a hardcore crash diet is not. Crash diets can deplete nutrients and lead to severe health problems.
Article Source: https://blog.cheapism.com/healthy-habits-that-can-be-bad-15947/
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Allegedly (adv.) ~ used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof
2. Overextend (v.) ~ impose on (someone) an excessive burden of work or commitments
3. Dilute (v.) ~ make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it
4. Eschew (v.) ~ deliberately avoid using abstain from
5. Jury is still out (idiom) ~ people do not yet know the answer or have not yet decided if it is good or bad
6. Detrimental (adj.) ~ tending to cause harm
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What are the habits mentioned in the article? Which ones are you guilty of?
2. How often do you skip meals? What are negative effects of this habit?
3. Do you think you have a healthy habit? Describe your eating and exercise routine.
