7 positive habits that can harm your health
The everyday habits that we were so diligently instilled in childhood, it turns out, are not always beneficial. According to recent research, some habits that have long been considered beneficial and even necessary can cause serious discomfort. Here are seven of the most common ones.
Daily use of detergents
The fact that a shower taken at least twice a day cleanses the skin, invigorates, activates the immune system and has many other beneficial effects on the body, no one will argue. But with the frequent use of soap, shampoos and other detergents, the situation is not so simple. Scientists have found that daily use of hygiene products dries out the skin, depriving it of its natural grease. This can lead to a decrease in general immunity, as well as the appearance of peeling and even superficial cracks that open the path of infection.
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A "good" eight-hour sleep
When a person does not get enough sleep, his health deteriorates, his ability to work falls, and problems arise with the assimilation of new information. However, this does not mean that each of us should spend exactly eight hours on a night's rest, as was previously thought. According to many modern researchers, a six-hour night's sleep is sufficient. Longer rest can lead to the development of malaise, which is manifested by a constant feeling of weakness and fatigue.
It has been found that it is much more beneficial to sleep no more than six hours a night, adding to this an hour and a half of rest during the day. Daytime sleep, broken down into short periods, is effective. People who get used to falling asleep for 10-15 minutes several times a day are distinguished by high intellectual and physical activity, as well as weak susceptibility to seasonal infections.
Experts advise to listen to the signals that the body gives and follow the rhythm of life dictated by it, and not forcibly imposed stereotypes. For example, if you, falling asleep at 23.00, wake up at 5.00, do not try to fall asleep again to bring the night's rest to the prescribed eight hours. Better to get used to the new schedule and use the extra waking hours productively.
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Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth
When using the paste, a protective layer forms on the teeth, which must be preserved for at least half an hour after the procedure in order for the cleaning to be beneficial. This is especially true for pastes containing fluorine compounds. Therefore, doctors recommend refraining from rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing your teeth.
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Sitting on the toilet
The generally accepted method of emptying the intestines, sitting on a toilet seat today, has existed not so long ago. The first console-type toilets appeared only at the end of the 19th century, and before that people relieved themselves while squatting. According to many doctors, this posture, in contrast to the seated one, is natural and beneficial for the body. It is in this position that the intestines are emptied with minimal effort, which reduces the risk of developing colon diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.
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House cleaning
American scientists studied the health status of women and men who regularly performed the duty of cleaning their homes throughout the year. To the surprise of the researchers, it turned out that this useful activity negatively affects the state of health: almost all the subjects had an increase in blood pressure, and those of them who actively used household chemicals for cleaning had an increase in the number of allergic reactions.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to put things in order in the house. Experts have come to the conclusion that responsibilities of this kind cannot be blamed on one of the family members: they should be performed in turn or periodically cleaned the house with joint efforts.
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Breathing deeply
When an adult takes a deep breath, the muscles in the chest work, lifting the ribs and stretching the lungs. It has been clinically proven that this breathing method is not optimal, as it leads to a decrease in oxygen flow to the lower part of the lungs. Newborn babies breathe correctly (with the help of the abdominal muscles), but as they grow older, this useful skill is lost.
However, there are sets of exercises that allow you to learn proper belly breathing. Strengthening this ability leads to a healthier body, increased blood flow, increased immunity and other positive effects that are extremely important for maintaining health.
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Afternoon rest
The principle "eat - you can sleep" has many supporters. Meanwhile, lying down after eating is very harmful. The fact is that nutrients begin to enter the bloodstream even before the meal is over, the body receives additional energy and it has a need to use it up. Otherwise, the calories received will be converted into glycogen, and then stored "in reserve" in the form of fatty layers.
People who lead a healthy lifestyle eat the most high-calorie food in the morning in order to spend the received energy during the day. However, doctors do not believe that eating after 18.00 is strictly prohibited. It's just that after it you should not sit in front of the TV or go to bed right away. Better to take a walk in the fresh air, which will eliminate the likelihood of accumulating unnecessary pounds.
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The modern view of health preservation requires a critical rethinking of a number of familiar rules. Not all of them are fundamentally wrong, but a careful attitude towards certain good habits can save you a number of troubles.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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