Rodent feces and remains were found in multiple outbuildings
Everyone knows that certain habits and lifestyle choices, like eating fast food and smoking, are seriously bad for your health. However, there are probably many habits you don't give much thought to, but that eventually impact your health. The good news is that it's not too late to change this.
Find out which common health mistakes you might be making in the following gallery.
It's recommended to drink eight glasses of fluids a day. It's also important to take into account several external factors, including exercise, climate, and intake of sodium, and other dehydrating foods and beverages.
Skipping meals can alter the metabolic process, leading to insulin resistance, a precursor of diabetes known as prediabetes. It's better to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of skipping meals.
Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean cuts and scrapes can be irritating to the skin, delay healing, and harm the tissue. Instead, clean a wound by running it under water for three to five minutes, it will get rid of debris and bacteria.
Even if something is organic, it doesn't mean it's healthy. For example, processed foods like macaroni and cheese or even candy might be organic, but it's still unhealthy.
If you're eating something healthy, like yogurt, but with added sugar, you might end up with a nutritional deficit. In the case of yogurt, which has a great source of probiotics, the added sugar can negate the benefits of the probiotics.
When physical issues arise, don't forget about the mind-body connection. For example, serotonin, also known as the happiness chemical, is responsible for our well-being and is also found in the gut. So it's no surprise that when issues of mental health improve, patients often find that their stomach issues improve too.
Restricting calories can lower your metabolic rate and result in a number of adverse side effects, including causing your body to store more fat. Speak to a dietician if you need help losing weight in a healthy, sustainable way.
Vaping can produce formaldehyde and other chemicals that can lead to cancer, and some flavorings can produce chemicals that damage lung tissue.
Sitting all day at your desk or in front of your TV not only ruins your posture, it can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. A way to prevent this is by being active during the day, even if it's just a short walk during lunch or after work.
Even after you drink all the water, there are still tiny particles left in the bottle. If left to sit for more than a couple of days, harmful bacteria can begin to multiply and lurk there until the next time you fill up the bottle. Wash your bottle in between uses!
Sunscreen for your face is a year-round must. Daily exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes the skin to age prematurely and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Mouth breathing is common for people with allergies, but it's not ideal. Breathing through your nose will help to eliminate symptoms, increase essential nutrients in the body, and even keep your gut lining healthier.
Wheat products are often considered healthy because of their high fiber and vitamin content. However, not all wheat products are whole-grain, so pay attention before you buy.
If you suffer a stroke, getting to the hospital as soon as possible can save your life. Know the symptoms in order to seek help as soon as possible.
Everybody is different, and therefore any diet you're on should be personalized to your biochemical needs. Consult a healthcare provider to strive for optimal health.
Eating fruit is part of a healthy diet, but certain fruits are higher in sugar than others. Fruits that are higher in the glycemic index, like grapes, are very high in sugar and should be eaten in moderation. Consume more fruit that's high in fiber, such as cherries, grapefruit, apples, and pears.
Any amount of exercise is beneficial to your health, but doing it outside is even better. Breathing fresh air increases oxygen and nutrient levels, while exposing your skin to the sun helps synthesize vitamin D.
One big mistake women make is to over-supplement with calcium without balancing it with magnesium. Doing this puts the body under stress as the excess calcium will not be used up correctly and may become toxic. Magnesium is essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium.
Vaginal douching is a long-practiced ritual that is totally pointless. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that keeps itself healthy through secretions, a proper pH balance, and good bacteria. Douching can upset the delicate ecosystem and make you more prone to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Skipping your oral hygiene can have a long-term negative impact on your health. Brushing and flossing, at least twice a day, is important to reduce chronic inflammation of the gums and support the structures of your teeth.
Getting enough sleep is crucial as it can seriously impact your overall physical and mental health. Lack of sleep affects your energy levels, concentration levels, and cognitive functioning.
Inserting a q-tip into your ear can actually pack the wax deeper, causing an impaction, which can decrease your hearing and cause pain.
Hands pick up germs throughout the day, and some of those germs can make us sick. Always wash your hands with water and soap before you eat and after using the bathroom.
Most people wait for the ache to begin before taking action. However, preventative care for back pain can help prevent degenerative arthritis. Try chiropractic care, massage therapy, and regular stretching to protect muscles and tendons.
Antibiotics only work on bacteria and are useless against viruses. Taking antibiotics when you have a viral infection can cause unpleasant side effects like diarrhea and breed bacterial resistance.
When medications are prescribed by different doctors, it's important to check with your pharmacist to ensure they don't clash with each other. Some drugs shouldn't be combined.
Many people believe that the flu shot actually gives you the flu. This is false because vaccines are made with an inactive form of the virus that can't cause infection. Be incredibly careful where you get your health information from.
We often confuse hunger with thirst. Drinking water before eating can decrease overeating and snacking, which assist with weight loss. So when you feel like snacking, hydrate first.
A beeping carbon monoxide detector is super annoying, but it can indicate that it needs new batteries or can signify high carbon monoxide levels. Carbon monoxide is odorless, but high levels can be fatal. So, try changing the batteries.
Applying heat to an injury actually promotes an increase in inflammation. It's better to ice injuries immediately to prevent further damage.
Sources: (Eat This, Not That!) (The Healthy)
See also: The biggest women's health myths
Common health mistakes you might be overlooking
Get your health on track by modifying these habits
HEALTH Habits
Everyone knows that certain habits and lifestyle choices, like eating fast food and smoking, are seriously bad for your health. However, there are probably many habits you don't give much thought to, but that eventually impact your health. The good news is that it's not too late to change this.
Find out which common health mistakes you might be making in the following gallery.