Most of us try new health habits because they sound good for us. But some do more harm than good, even though they might seem like quick fixes. Here are thirteen wellness habits that harm your body, supported by research. Which of these habits did you trust without questioning it?
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Mouth taping during sleep
Some people tape their mouths shut at night because they think it’ll force them to breathe through their nose. However, it’s a terrible idea for anyone who’s congested or has sleep apnea. That tape could literally block your backup breathing route, and experts say there’s no solid proof it helps. There’s really no need to risk it.
Nasal rinsing with tap water
While using a neti pot feels soothing, tap water isn’t sterile, and there have even been a few tragic cases of brain infections linked to it. These have been traced back to people rinsing their sinuses with water straight from the faucet. The only safe bet? According to doctors, that’s distilled or boiled water.
“Detox” products with activated charcoal
Charcoal binds things in your gut, which is why ERs use it for poisonings. But that same stickiness doesn’t necessarily stop with toxins, as it’ll affect anyone taking prescription meds or vitamins. Charcoal drinks or powders may block these pills, too. Essentially, through this cleansing, you’re flushing away the stuff your body needs.
Kombucha
Kombucha is just tea…right? Well, sadly not, because its acidity is almost the same as soda & could damage your tooth enamel. There have also been case reports of kombucha causing rather scary issues like lactic acidosis. Something tells us that this drink may not be worth it.
High-dose biotin supplements
Biotin is often sold as a beauty vitamin. Unfortunately, hospitals have reported cases where they missed heart attacks, simply because biotin affected their patients’ troponin levels. These levels seemed low when they actually weren’t. In fact, it has become so bad that the FDA has actually put out safety alerts.
Turmeric/curcumin capsules
Turmeric lattes are probably fine. But super-concentrated turmeric supplements are a different story. Some patients have suffered from jaundice & liver damage due to high-dose curcumin pills, especially those made for better absorption. The symptoms went away once they stopped taking these capsules.
Wearing posture correctors all day
You’re not supposed to wear posture braces all day long, no matter what people might say online. When your core & back muscles stop holding you up, they start getting lazy, and that’s why physical therapists usually suggest only short stints. You should wear a posture corrector only when you’re recovering from an injury or need a reminder to sit straighter.
Excessive foam rolling
Sure, foam rollers are handy, although they’re not magic wands. Spending too long grinding the same spot will make you feel more sore the next day, not less. Too much pressure may also leave bruises or irritate your nerves. Instead, a few light rolls here & there will do the trick far better than marathon sessions.
Overusing infrared sauna
Infrared saunas are everywhere now & yes, the heat feels relaxing. But the issue is when people stay in there forever. Your body can’t keep up with that level of fluid loss, which also causes your blood pressure to drop fast and will leave you feeling dizzy or shaky. Stick to a shorter sit. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water.
Doing ice baths daily
Sure, cold plunges look great on Instagram & do have some benefits. However, they’re not meant to be a daily ritual. Constant exposure to freezing temperatures will reduce your immune defenses, making you more likely to catch whatever’s going around. Every now & then is fine.
Intermittent fasting
Skipping meals on a set schedule works for some. Yet taking fasting too far throws off your body’s signals & many women have reported changes in their menstrual cycles. It could also affect your energy levels when the fasting windows get extreme, along with your thyroid function. Instead, try having a more flexible eating plan. It’ll keep your hormones steadier than rigid fasting regimes.
Excessive breathwork sessions
Breathwork circles are great…until someone decides more is always better. Pushing through too many rounds will cause your head to spin, which is because overbreathing drives down CO₂. This causes less oxygen to reach your brain. Soon enough, you’ll have tingling fingers & dizzy spells kick in, so it’s definitely not worth it.
Constant use of weighted blankets
Online, people claim weighted blankets are a guarantee to better sleep. But they aren’t for everyone. Anyone under one that’s too heavy or under one every single night could start to suffer. Your chest won’t expand the way it should, especially if you’re someone with asthma or sleep apnea. Sleep doctors often suggest going lighter or swapping nights.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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