FridayOL

Your Health is at Risk: 13 Everyday Habits Doctors Say You Need to Ditch Now

Yahoo Lifestyle Canada

• Is your daily routine secretly sabotaging your health? We spoke to medical professionals – dentists, doctors, and more – to uncover the common habits that are seriously impacting wellbeing. From sneaky food choices to overlooked hygiene practices, discover the 13 "bad" habits you need to break, and learn simple swaps for a healthier, happier you.
• The Smoking Elephant in the Room: Let's start with the obvious. Dentists are consistently seeing the devastating effects of smoking. It's not just about bad breath and stained teeth; smoking is a major contributor to oral cancers and a host of other serious health problems.
• Beyond the Mouth: But the impact of poor oral health extends far beyond your smile. Infections in the mouth can quickly spread, leading to blood infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining), cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and even complications during pregnancy. It's a domino effect you don't want to trigger.
• The Sugar Trap: Doctors are increasingly concerned about our sugar intake. Regularly consuming sugary drinks and processed foods doesn't just lead to weight gain; it fuels inflammation throughout the body, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Swap those sugary sodas for water or herbal tea.
• Sitting is the New Smoking: We all know we should be more active, but many of us spend hours each day glued to our desks or couches. Prolonged sitting has been linked to a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer. Get up and move around every 30 minutes!
• Skipping Breakfast: While intermittent fasting has its proponents, skipping breakfast consistently can disrupt your metabolism and lead to overeating later in the day. A nutritious breakfast sets the stage for stable energy levels and better food choices throughout the day.
• Not Enough Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, impairs cognitive function, and increases your risk of chronic diseases. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Ignoring Your Gut Health: Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health. A diet lacking in fibre and rich in processed foods can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive problems and potentially impacting your immune system.
• Neglecting Sunscreen: Sun damage is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Make sunscreen a daily habit, even on cloudy days.
• Poor Posture: Slouching can lead to back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day.
• Using Your Phone Before Bed: The blue light emitted from your phone can interfere with your sleep. Avoid using your phone for at least an hour before bedtime.
• Not Staying Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and impaired cognitive function. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Ignoring Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.