Many habits that are considered good for your health, like eating fiber, getting enough sleep, or exercising regularly, can improve your overall well-being. But just because something is healthy doesn't mean more of it is always better. In fact, doing these habits too much can sometimes backfire and hurt your health. Let's look at some of the habits that are great in moderation but might cause issues if you overdo them.
1. Scrubbing Your Skin Too Much
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities. It's great for helping your skincare products work better and giving your skin a smoother appearance. But over-scrubbing can lead to dry, irritated skin. If you have oily skin, exfoliating two to three times a week is usually fine. For dry or sensitive skin, once a week is enough. Be gentle, and don't scrub too hard to avoid damage.
2. Eating Too Much Fiber
Consuming more fiber is a good way to boost overall health and lose extra pounds, given that only five percent of Americans meet the recommended guidelines of 25 to 38 grams a day.
However, drastically increasing your fiber intake can lead to bloating and gas, especially if you increase fiber by consuming more fiber-fortified packaged foods but not fruits and veggies. Add one or two servings a day to your diet for a week.
Limit your consumption of white bread and use whole-wheat bread for your sandwich instead. You can also snack on fruits instead of potato chips. Let your body get used to fiber, then add another serving per day next week.
3. Sleeping Too Much
We've all heard that getting seven to eight hours of sleep is essential for good health. But what if you sleep too much? Studies show that sleeping more than eight hours a night on a regular basis can be harmful. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The key is balance — getting enough sleep is important, but consistently sleeping too much can have its own set of problems.
4. Drinking Wine for Heart Health
Scientists have found that wine is good for the heart, but when consumed in moderation. That is, one glass a day (about four ounces). Remember that drinking too much can do a number to your heart health, resulting in high blood pressure, weight gain from the extra calories, and a high risk of stroke.
5. Too Many Multivitamins
Multivitamins can help fill diet gaps, but too many can cause problems. Taking more than you need can mess with cell growth and metabolism. Stick to the recommended daily values unless your doctor says otherwise. Some vitamins, like A and D, can even be toxic in large amounts. So, remember — more isn't always better.
6. Over-Exercising
Exercise is great, but pushing yourself too hard can do more harm than good. Your body needs time to recover. Too much intense exercise without rest can lead to injuries and burnout. A good balance — like 30 minutes of brisk walking most days — is all you need to stay healthy without overdoing it.
7. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Over-brushing can wear down your tooth enamel and provoke gum recession. Receding gums can also contribute to other dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay on the roots of the teeth and might lead to the need for treatments like fillings, root canal, and tooth extraction.
Nearly 20 percent of adults have damaged their teeth due to over-brushing. To avoid this, look for a brush with softer bristles.
