Buzz
We are all familiar with the things that we know are bad for our health, and some things we once thought were harmful have turned out to be surprisingly good for us. But, there are also many activities we believe to be harmless or even normal that are secretly causing us damage. Here are ten ways we unknowingly harm ourselves without realizing it.
10. Chewing Ice or Popcorn
Buying overpriced popcorn, drenched in fake butter, and devouring a massive tub while watching a movie is a tradition many of us enjoy. But, it turns out, this might actually be quite detrimental to your health. Popcorn kernels can easily get lodged in your teeth, leading to infections, or worse, tooth damage and even cancer. And as for chewing ice, dentists are not too fond of it either. According to them, eating popcorn kernels is like chewing on stones, and ice is too brittle. If your teeth aren’t in their best condition, biting into ice or popcorn can be risky, potentially causing serious harm.
9. Consuming Excessive Water
Drinking water is often considered one of those simple, foolproof habits, but it turns out, it can go seriously wrong. Yes, you really can drink too much water, and it can even be deadly. This condition, called water intoxication, is a dangerous risk. While it’s unlikely to happen if you’re just relaxing at home, if you’re working out or running in hot weather and consume a lot of water, you could be in danger. The issue is that while you’re replenishing the water lost through sweat, you’re not replacing other essential electrolytes like sodium, which can cause your body to become dangerously imbalanced. To avoid this, especially when on the move, a sports drink can help restore both hydration and lost electrolytes. If you’re at home, try eating a banana to restore potassium levels and a salty snack to complement your water intake.
8. Teflon-Coated Cookware
Teflon has long been popular for its properties as a non-stick surface; however, it is not entirely safe. While scientists do not believe that Teflon causes cancer, it is still dangerous. In fact, Teflon has been found to be present in people’s blood and in dust, food and water in people’s houses. When Teflon is brought to a very high heat, the coating can release toxic chemicals, which can cause a nasty condition in humans that may be mistaken for the flu. It can damage the immune systems of animals and give them cancer, while scientists are unsure just how much damage it causes to humans, so far the outlook is not great and they have found that most Americans have some level of the toxic chemical in their bodies.
7. Sunscreen
While sunscreen is supposed to protect you from the dangers of the suns radiation, testing has continuously shown that most sunscreens have dangerous ingredients that make them not much better than the alternative, which is getting scorched by the sun. Many reports have found that these dangerous chemicals actually increase your chances of getting tumors on your skin and can mess with the hormonal balance of your body. There is also the fact that your body needs a certain amount of sunlight for the purpose of getting your body the proper nutrients it needs. However, it doesn’t need too much sun, and it’s a difficult balance to maintain. Some doctors suggest allowing yourself to get sunlight for about ten minutes before you lather the sunscreen on, and of course do a serious search to make sure the one you are using doesn’t contain anything toxic.
6. Citric Acid
While fruits containing natural citric acid can offer health benefits, citric acid itself can be harmful to your teeth. Dentists warn that it adheres to the enamel, slowly eroding it and compromising your oral health. The issue isn’t limited to eating foods with citric acid; even drinks containing citric acid can cause the same damage to your enamel. Sugar-free sodas, in particular, are known to be especially detrimental to your teeth and should be avoided whenever possible.
5. Pressed Wood
Formaldehyde is a colorless natural chemical found in a variety of products, including lipstick, toothpaste, and many other everyday items. It’s most notably used in pressed wood materials, which are common in products like cabinets, mobile homes, and various pieces of furniture. As a bonding agent, formaldehyde is also widely used in industrial glues. Although more research is needed, studies suggest that formaldehyde may be a human carcinogen and, in high concentrations, can lead to short-term health issues.
4. Mothballs
Mothballs are commonly used around the world to protect clothing and other items from mold and pests, particularly moths. They contain pesticides designed to eliminate unwanted insects. However, the chemicals in mothballs can be extremely hazardous, particularly to young children, and some countries have even banned mothballs containing naphthalene. These toxic ingredients are insecticides that should never be ingested or inhaled by humans. Simply inhaling the fumes from a mothball means you've already ingested harmful substances. If a child consumes a mothball, immediate medical attention is required.
3. Using a Computer
Right now you’re probably reading this on a computer, and this could be harmful to your health. Environmental groups have discovered that many computers and monitors are coated with dust that contains toxic properties, which can lead to serious neurological damage. Even more surprisingly, studies have shown that sitting for as little as three hours a day can shorten your lifespan by about two years. As for the computer itself, the way we sit and type negatively impacts our posture, the bright lights strain our eyes, and the hand positioning on the keyboard can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. To counteract these issues, doctors recommend standing up, stretching, and resting your eyes every 30 to 60 minutes when using your computer.
2. Jogging
While jogging can be beneficial in certain conditions, it may actually harm you in others. If you run too fast or over long distances, you’re at a higher risk of developing arthritis and other health issues. The real problem with jogging, however, lies in the surface many people choose to run on—hard surfaces like concrete that are hard on your joints, especially your knees. For individuals who are overweight, the pressure on your knees and joints when jogging could be detrimental, and it might be wiser to opt for walking until reaching a more manageable weight.
1. Skim Milk
While many people believe skim milk is a healthier option for obtaining milk’s vitamins without the fat, more and more researchers argue that skim milk may not be as beneficial as full-fat milk. When the fat is removed, so are the vitamins, and though synthetic vitamins are added back in, they aren’t as effective. Worse still, some manufacturers 'fortify' skim milk by using a powdered form of milk that can oxidize the cholesterol in the milk. While there has been limited testing on humans, animals that consumed oxidized cholesterol developed arterial plaque, which increases the risk of heart attacks. Interestingly, saturated fats are known to lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks, contrary to common belief, making full-fat milk a better option overall.
