Lifestyle
Doctors Reveal Surprising Habits That May Be Harming Your Health
Navigating the landscape of health advice can be challenging, especially when well-intentioned habits might not be as beneficial as they appear. While striving for a healthy lifestyle, it’s crucial to be aware of certain practices that may inadvertently harm your body. Here are eight habits that may need reevaluation:
Exercise is undeniably beneficial, enhancing heart health, maintaining a healthy weight, and boosting energy and mood. However, overdoing it can lead to issues. “There is absolutely such a thing as too much of a good thing,” says Dr. Laura Purdy, a board-certified family physician. Overtraining can result in injuries like tendinitis and stress fractures. Dr. Purdy advises moderation and ensuring that any exercise routine is safe and approved by a healthcare provider.
Sugar, particularly refined sugar, is another area of concern. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests limiting added sugars to 6% of daily calories. Amy Goodson, RD, notes that the body doesn’t differentiate between sugar sources. However, Keri Gans, RDN, highlights that naturally occurring sugars in fruit offer nutritional benefits and should be included in your diet.
Carbohydrates often get a bad rap, but they are essential for energy, particularly for brain function. “Carbs are not the enemy and we need to stop treating them as such,” says Gans. The CDC recommends opting for complex carbs like whole wheat bread and quinoa, which are high in fiber and don’t cause blood sugar spikes.
The notion that a glass of red wine is heart-healthy is under scrutiny. A study in JAMA Network Open found that any alcohol consumption poses health risks. Marissa Esser, PhD, emphasizes that even moderate drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Intermittent fasting is popular, but skipping meals, especially breakfast, might not be beneficial. Trista Best, RD, explains that skipping breakfast can lead to increased hunger and overeating later in the day. This can trigger cravings for high-calorie foods and potentially lead to weight gain.
Many believe that sleeping in on weekends compensates for lost sleep during the week. However, Dr. Purdy points out the importance of a consistent sleep schedule: “Our brains, our bodies, our systems, and our hormones function best when we give them a very predictable cycle of the right amount of wake and sleep time.”
Juice cleanses are often seen as a quick fix for weight loss or energy boosts. Yet, a study in Nutrients warns that even a three-day juice cleanse can disrupt the body’s beneficial bacteria and alter the microbiome, potentially leading to inflammation and gut health issues.
In conclusion, while these habits may seem healthy, it’s essential to approach them with caution and seek professional advice. Moderation and balance are key to maintaining optimal health and wellness.
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