Experts Warn These 5 Healthy Habits May Do More Harm Than Good

Everyone wants to live a long, happy life. That’s why people strive to drink enough water, prioritize sleep and make smart food choices.

But even good intentions can sometimes lead people astray, and some of the most popular lifestyles can end up doing more harm than good.

In addition, advice is often lacking in nuance. So what works for an elite athlete may be harmful for the average person.

Here are some common health trends that may have less than healthy consequences.

1. Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting has become a trendy diet, mainly because of its focus on when you eat rather than what you eat. It circulates between eating and fasting periods, giving the body a break from digesting food. The University of California, Davis, notes that these fasting windows allow insulin levels to drop enough for the body to burn fat.

Research suggests that it can improve thinking and memory, support heart health, improve physical performance and aid in weight loss. It may also fight type 2 diabetes and obesity by making tissues more sensitive to insulin.

But it’s not right for everyone. Skipping meals can lead to overeating later or unhealthy comfort food choices. It may also be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions, those taking certain medications or people with a history of eating disorders.

2. Choosing only healthy foods for your children

Prioritizing your children’s healthy diet may undermine your own diet. A study by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that children’s nutritious food choices can lead parents to overindulge in junk food themselves.

The researchers call this phenomenon “unexpected goal fulfillment.” When a parent chooses a healthy option for their child, they subconsciously feel that they have already met their health goals. That sense of accomplishment gives them permission to indulge in unhealthy choices.

The effect is greater when parents share food with their children. If a parent expects their child to eat some healthy food, they are more likely to order something that they enjoy.

They believe that a shared healthy bite balances the waste, but they end up destroying their bottoms unintentionally.

3. Sleeping with white noise

White noise machines have become a popular sleep aid, and for good reason. They create constant ambient noise that can block out sounds that might wake you up. By correcting the auditory environment, white noise helps the brain ignore that distraction, according to Harvard Health.

But the science behind these devices isn’t as solid as you might think. A review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews analyzed dozens of studies and concluded that the evidence supporting white noise as a sleep aid was “of very low quality.”

Researchers have noted that continuous noise may actually lead to more fragmented sleep or negatively affect the way the brain processes noise.

Harvard Health also warns that raising your voice too loudly can damage your hearing over time. If you use a white noise machine, it is best to keep the volume low and place it away from the bed.

To learn more, check out “3 Ways White Noise Can Damage Your Ears (Even Permanently).”

4. Drinking diet soda

It’s easy to think you’re making a healthy switch by trading in sugary soda for a diet — you’re avoiding sugar and calories. However, experts warn that zero-calorie sweeteners may trick your metabolism rather than help it.

According to University Hospitals, artificial sweeteners can interfere with the body’s response to insulin, which can lead to obesity and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

It’s not good for your mind either. As we recently noted, daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of stroke and dementia.

Long-term data suggests that diet sodas can accelerate brain aging and contribute to serious cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks.

5. Drinking lots of water

Although health professionals often urge us to drink more water, it is actually possible to overdo it. That’s called dehydration, and it disrupts your body’s electrolyte balance. In severe cases it can be life-threatening, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

This happens when you drink more water than your kidneys can filter – usually more than one liter per hour. Excess fluid dilutes the sodium in your blood, a condition called hyponatremia. When sodium levels drop too low, fluid rushes into your cells and causes them to swell.

That inflammation becomes dangerous when it affects the brain, which can lead to seizures or unconsciousness.

Although rare, certain groups face higher risks. Endurance athletes such as marathon runners are at risk because they tend to drink a lot of water during events. It also affects soldiers during training, people who work at high temperatures or those with certain mental conditions.

To stay safe, let thirst be your guide and check your urine color. It should look like pale lemonade, not pure water.