health and habits 4

10 bad habits that affect your health

Part 4

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You eat well. You exercise. You go to bed early. All in all, you’re trying your best to look after your health. If you want to lead a long, fruitful life, staying on top of all of the above is absolutely vital. But did you know there are many simple bad habits that could be destroying all your hard work? Without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 things that could be negatively affecting your wellness.

Eating processed meat

Bacon. Salami. Pepperoni. Your mouth may be watering at the thought of these treats, but that doesn’t mean you should be eating them. One study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that both red and processed meats could increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Cutting down or switching to a plant-based diet could help decrease the risk.

Losing and gaining weight

Weight cycling—that is, losing and gaining weight quickly—is no way to live. If you’re frequently dieting and trying to lose weight, you may find that this issue affects you. However, research from the Endocrine Society suggests that regular shifts in body weight could lead to a higher risk of premature death.

Failing to hit the gym

Exercise should be the core of your wellness routine. One of the bad habits that you ultimately want to avoid is leading a sedentary lifestyle. An animal study from Harvard University found that working out could make your heart younger. Becoming more active in your daily routine can only improve your health.

Avoiding yogurt

Craving a sweet treat after your main meal? You can’t go wrong with natural yogurt. Regularly eating yogurt could help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run, according to research published in the American Journal of Hypertension. This healthy snack could also help you ward off other conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance.

Wearing high heels

Slipping on a pair of high heels may be the ultimate fashion statement, but is it a smart idea for your health? One study from Iowa State University found that wearing this type of footwear could be linked to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. For that reason, you may want to resist wearing heels too often and choose more comfortable options.

Dying your hair

When you’re after a new look, dying your hair is one of the quickest and most dramatic ways to go. Despite this fact, research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health suggests that using oxidative hair dyes and products could lead to eczema, redness, blistering, and itchiness. Always read the label and get the advice of an expert.

Eating massive portions

Do you practise portion control? Research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that eating oversized meals is a genuine factor in the obesity crisis. When you’re cooking for yourself, make sure you keep your portions to a reasonable size. Check out the Dietitians of Canada portion-size guide for more information.

Drinking too much juice

While fruit juice is often packed with vitamin C, you should avoid drinking too much of the stuff. Information from Diabetes UK recommends avoiding overindulging in drinks such as fruit juice and smoothies. The reason is that these drinks tend to boast high levels of fructose, which could lead to tooth decay, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Staying inside

You should never underestimate the power of the great outdoors. You might be a homebody, but it’s worth pushing yourself to head outside now and then. Research from the University of East Anglia suggests that spending time in green space could lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.

Ignoring the mindfulness trend

Mindfulness is more than merely the latest wellness trend. If you struggle with stress or anxiety, it could be a simple solution. Research from Georgetown University Medical Center suggests that practising mindfulness could lower the body’s physiological response to stress. These responses include hormonal and inflammatory reactions to stress, among other symptoms.