7 Health-Habit Lies You Believe

Have you ever just started doing something because someone told you it was ‘good’ for you? Well, not so fast. These supposed ‘good’ habits can actually do more bad than good. Read on as we debunk these seemingly ‘good’ habits.

Early Morning Workout Warrior

Are you the roommate that gets up before work daily to burn through 5 miles? There’s no question that daily exercise is healthy for you.

However, a research study in England recently found that these heavy early morning workouts can increase the risk of viral or bacterial infections and compromise your immune system. It’s recommended you save these heavy workouts for the afternoons or evenings.

Getting Things Off Your Chest

Ever been told the more you talk about it, the better you’ll feel? It’s time to stop the prying. Studies have shown that continually reopening that traumatic event can have a negative impact. Rehashing these events can have the opposite effect leading to anxiety, depression, and stress disorders.  Focusing on the solution and avoiding dwelling on it is the best approach. Discuss it, do what you can, then move on.

Hand Holding Daily Supplement Pills

Substituting for Supplements

Are you one of those people who have a supplement for everything? Taking some vitamins is healthy for you, but it should not substitute for naturally getting these nutrients. Studies have found that high levels of some supplements can increase death risk in older women (Iron, magnesium, B6) and prostate cancer in men (vitamin E). There’s no substitute when it comes to eating all your vegetables. It’s critical to continue to get these nutrients in a well-balanced diet.

Early Morning Workout Warrior

Are you the roommate that gets up before work daily to burn through 5 miles? There’s no question that daily exercise is healthy for you. However, a research study in England recently found that these heavy early morning workouts can increase the risk of viral or bacterial infections and compromise your immune system. It’s recommended you save these heavy workouts for the afternoons or evenings.

Cocktails Not Mocktails

Think you’re making the healthy choice by ordering mixed drinks without the alcohol? Yes, cutting out the alcohol is beneficial and a responsible choice if you’ll be driving, but ordering what’s commonly known as mocktails is not the solution. Mocktails have high levels of refined sugar from the drink mix, which can be just as bad and addicting as alcohol. Next time settle for club soda or anything with pure fruit juices.

Woman sun tanning by the swimming pool

Fun in the Sun

Medical professionals have warned us of sun exposure for decades, causing many of us to cover up when in the sun. Research shows that continually preventing sun exposure leads to deficiencies in vitamin D. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression, rickets, and osteomalacia. It’s recommended that you get 10-15 minutes of midday sun without sunscreen daily.

Cut Out the Fat

Not so fast. While most diets’ goal is to cut the fat out, you need to make sure you’re not cutting out the ‘good’ fats. It’s crucial to get ‘good’ fats like Omega-3 to maintain a healthy diet. Good sources of Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, and some fish. These fatty acids provide various benefits, such as reducing wrinkles or brain and heart health.

8 Glasses of Water Myth

Have you ever been on a health kick finding yourself chugging water at the end of the day to get your eight glasses of water in? Well, stop force-feeding yourself water. New research shows there is no evidence to support this. Drinking tons of water can actually be harmful. It dilutes the amount of salt in your body. You should ease up on the bottled water too. Studies have proven that chemicals in plastic bottles can leach out and affect your hormone levels. You’re better off buying a water filter system.

Next time someone tells you ‘it’s good for you,’ do your own research. Just because someone says it is, doesn’t mean it’s true.