Home Additional Reading Four Things You’re Probably Doing That are Sabotaging Your Health

Four Things You’re Probably Doing That are Sabotaging Your Health


1. Eating on the Go

One of the worst things you can do for your health is to eat while you're on the go. This means eating in the car, eating while walking, or eating at your desk while you work or study.


This might be a great way to be productive, but it doesn't do your digestion any favors.


When you eat, it's ideal for your body to be in a parasympathetic state. This is also known as a rest and digest state.


Make your lunch break a true break. Step away from the computer, put your phone away, and focus on nothing but the food in front of you. Take a few deep breaths before you start to eat, too. This will send a signal to your body that it's time to calm down and prepare to digest and absorb the nutrients from your food.

2. Fearing Fat

For decades, people were afraid to eat high-fat foods. They assumed that these foods would clog their arteries, make them gain weight, and put them at risk for all kinds of diseases.


If you're still on the low-fat train because you think it's good for your health, think again. Fat is necessary for a variety of functions in the body, including healthy brain function. In fact, the brain is nearly 60 percent fat!


Now, before you run out and buy yourself a double cheeseburger and fries, it's important to remember that not all fats are created equal.


Healthy, natural fats — such as olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and animal fats — are what your body needs to function properly. Man-made, hydrogenated oils — such as canola or corn oil — are highly inflammatory and aren't going to do your body any favors. They've also been linked to a number of serious illnesses, including heart disease and some cancers.

3. Not Sleep enough

Nearly one-third of Americans do not get a sufficient amount of sleep each night. One of the reasons for this is the fact that they're exposing themselves to blue light (from phone, TV, and computer screens) before they head to bed.


When you expose yourself to this light, you send a signal to your body that it's still daytime and, therefore, you should be awake and alert.


The first step to getting better sleep is to cut off your blue light exposure a few hours before bed.


Having a consistent nighttime routine is also beneficial and helps your body know when it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.


There are also a number of supplements to aid you in getting enough sleep. Many of these supplements contain natural ingredients like herbs that will help you get the rest you need without causing any adverse side effects.

4. Drinking Diet Soda

Lots of people assume that drinking diet soda is good for them since they're not consuming any calories. In reality, relying on diet sodas for an extended period of time can also do a lot more harm than good.


There are a number of risks that come with drinking diet soda on a regular basis, including the following:


  • You may trigger an insulin release, even though you're not actually consuming any calories — this can lead to weight gain and extra fat storage, and it increases your risk of type 2 diabetes

  • You may make other poor food choices because you think you got a free pass with the diet soda

  • Some artificial sweeteners can trigger headaches and migraines

  • Citric acid in diet soda weakens your tooth enamel and increases your risk of tooth decay

  • Chronic soda consumption (both diet and regular) has been linked to a 30 percent increase in the risk of developing depression