Staying healthy is an important part of life, so it’s no surprise that people are always looking for ways to take better care of themselves. They watch videos full of fascinating wellness hacks, follow advice they come across online, and try out routines that promise to help them feel their best. The trouble is, something can sound perfectly reasonable and still end up doing more harm than good.
One Redditor recently asked users to share the supposedly healthy practices that can actually be damaging, and they came through with plenty of interesting replies. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones below. Scroll down to read them and weigh in in the comments. And, of course, if you have any concerns about your health, it’s always best to speak to a doctor.
#21
Thinking that all these healthy apps are going to improve your health while it’s the device in your hand and what it’s doing to your brain and attention span that is the real problem.
11points
#22
The disordered eating that has been normalised in an attempt to be "fit" and "healthy". No sir, calorie counting, macro(?) counting, proteinmaxxing, eating boiled chicken and rice seven days a week.. yeah that's all an eating disorder.
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11points
#23
Completely avoiding the sun. sunburns are bad, but people who get some rays have lower all cause mortality rates.
10points
#24
Caffeine addictions from pre-workout stuff.
Constantly tracking calories/macros can lead to eating disorders.
Trying to "fully optimize" every single thing for a 45 minute workout is mentally unhealthy IMHO.
Constantly tracking calories/macros can lead to eating disorders.
Trying to "fully optimize" every single thing for a 45 minute workout is mentally unhealthy IMHO.
10points
#25
I believe the extreme of any sides thing people have been exemplifying for years is definitely causing harm. I think it started with click-bate type articles and videos and now most people don’t have a balanced middle. You could take most topics and see that most have extreme sides and they might have the middle, but the middle stance is usually very overlooked like it’s not what most people’s beliefs are usually going to be closer to.
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10points
#26
Watching those "how I improve my self to get a better life" video. Most of them are liars. Wake up at 3 a.m for what? They all Chasing 'perfection'.
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10points
#27
Waking up at the crack of dawn every day even if it means not getting enough sleep.
9points
#28
Excessive amounts of powdered protein and creatine, especially without proper hydration and a very balanced diet.
Consuming protein and creatine without also getting nutrients, fiber, and vitamins is the same as hiring a 1,000-man building crew and not giving them any materials to work with. They will start breaking down other parts of your body to find the materials they need.
Consuming protein and creatine without also getting nutrients, fiber, and vitamins is the same as hiring a 1,000-man building crew and not giving them any materials to work with. They will start breaking down other parts of your body to find the materials they need.
9points
#29
Over training. There is a point at which keeping a healthy physical body through physical sport or training ensures healthy muscles and bones in the long term, overdo it and it becomes harmful, in the long term. If substances are used, it makes things worse... again, in the long term.
9points
#30
Drinking lemon water or salads with very acidic dressings every day on an empty stomach!!! water and vitamin c is great for you as is fiber but if you have reflux (like me) it can genuinely destroy your esophagus and stomach. Ask me how I know 🥲.
9points
#31
Brushing teeth aggressively, especially with an electric toothbrush. Reminder: electric toothbrushes are overpowered and can easily cause gum damage!
Gently rest the brushes on your gums for a few seconds, then move.
Gently rest the brushes on your gums for a few seconds, then move.
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8points
#32
Eating lots of meat! Plant-based diets significantly decrease risk of cancer and heart disease.
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8points
#33
Unregulated supplements that cause liver damage.
7points
#35
Sleeping too much.
Needing constant long stretches of sleep or constant need for naps is often seen as cute or just the way life is. But in reality it could be signs of health issues that need to be addressed (dehydration, sleep apnea, thyroid issues etc).
Needing constant long stretches of sleep or constant need for naps is often seen as cute or just the way life is. But in reality it could be signs of health issues that need to be addressed (dehydration, sleep apnea, thyroid issues etc).
7points
#36
Looksmaxxing or whatever it’s called.
7points
#37
Protein. The obsession with eating 100-200+ grams of protein per day. Shakes, powders, etc. Its dehydrating and causes digestive issues. It can also absolutely wreck your kidneys.
Ive often wondered if it is related to the rise in colon cancer, haven't looked into it tho.
Ive often wondered if it is related to the rise in colon cancer, haven't looked into it tho.
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6points
#38
I suspect peptides will reveal themselves to not be good for you.
5points
#39
Eating salad, apparently.
1point
#40
Spiritual bypassing. You gotta feel to heal man; it's ugly, painful, a process, and seemingly never ending since basically anything can "trigger" you.
And don't just blindly "trust the process". Be committed but not attached to the outcome.
And don't just blindly "trust the process". Be committed but not attached to the outcome.
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1point