You already have an idea of what a healthy lifestyle looks like. However, there are times when you are already putting your health at risk without even realizing it. Those seemingly innocent and casual habits could already be wreaking havoc on your system and could be the reason behind those unwanted bulges, fatigue, and health problems.
Keep reading to learn more about four common habits that sabotage your nutrition.
1. Having Coffee First Thing in the Morning
Most people associate their mornings with a nice cup of joe. Many think that just because coffee has caffeine and can perk them up, it is the best way to start their day. However, having coffee on an empty stomach can lead to many digestive issues like heartburn and upset stomach.
Coffee can upset your stomach because it is a mild acidic drink. If you drink coffee on an empty stomach, the acids it contains can irritate your already stimulated digestive system. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration if you are not careful.
To avoid these problems, have a light breakfast before you enjoy your coffee. This can help to tide you over until lunchtime and will also help to reduce the acidity in your stomach.
2. Nursing Your Missing Teeth
If you are missing a tooth, it is essential to replace it as soon as possible. Not only does tooth loss impact your appearance, but it can also lead to several nutrition issues. When you are missing a tooth, the space left behind can cause problems with your bite. This can lead to difficulty chewing and digesting food properly. When you cannot chew your food properly, you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Talk to your dentist about the best way to replace your missing tooth. For one, there are dental bridges that use the surrounding teeth for support. There are also dentures which are false teeth that can replace an entire arch or just a few missing teeth. You can also opt for dental implants, where dentists place titanium posts into your jawbone to support replacement teeth.
Dental implants might be the best choice if you want the most natural-looking tooth replacement option and can retain good oral hygiene. Of course, you must ensure your dentist is reliable, qualified, and experienced to do the implant. You want someone with an excellent track record to avoid any complications.
3. Indulging in Supplements
There is no doubt that supplements can be beneficial to your health. However, remember that they are just that — a supplement. This means that they should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. Instead, you should only use these to supplement the nutrients you fail to get from your food.
You could do more harm than good if you overdo it with supplements. For instance, too much vitamin A can lead to liver damage and congenital disabilities. Too much vitamin D can lead to calcium deposits in your arteries and heart and kidney stones.
To avoid any problems, always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. This is especially important if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.
4. Yo-yo Dieting
The term “yo-yo dieting<" describes the act of losing and gaining weight in a short period of time. Many people think that this is an effective way to lose weight quickly. However, yo-yo dieting can be dangerous to your health. Numerous studies show that yo-yo dieting can lead to multiple health issues, including an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. This is because when you lose and gain weight quickly, your body goes through a lot of stress. This can cause your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to fluctuate, which can put a strain on your heart.
When you lose weight quickly, it is often due to water weight and muscle loss rather than fat loss. This means that the weight will quickly return as soon as you start eating normally again. Yo-yo dieting can also lead to binge eating and an unhealthy relationship with food.
If you want to lose weight, it is best to do it slowly and steadily. This way, you are more likely to keep the weight off in the long term. Try to make lifestyle changes that you can stick to rather than crash dieting for a short period.
If you cannot stop binge eating, it is best to consult the doctor as early as possible. There might be some underlying psychological issue causing this problematic relationship with food. The experts can help you get to the root of the problem and find a solution.
Your every day habits can have a big impact on your health—both good and bad. Make sure you’re aware of the potential risks associated with your habits to make informed decisions about what’s best for your health. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt about whether or not a habit is healthy, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for guidance.
