By Healthy Living October 22, 2020 - 7:50am

During your life, you can face many health issues. It can be debilitating anxiety, unexpected pains, digestive problems, hearing loss, or something more serious. These issues can worsen your well-being and decrease the quality of your life. Fortunately, by following some rules you can lower your risk of health problems.

Keep reading to discover 12 things you should never do for your health. By avoiding these things you can ensure your health and the health of others.

1. You don’t read labels on the products you buy
Buying foods based on branding or package color is a wrong approach. By doing this, you risk opting for foods that are absolutely unhealthy. It is important to read labels on the products and choose the healthiest. Avoid buying products that contain a lot of chemicals or sugars.

You need to be especially careful with the foods you eat at breakfast. Eating light yogurt tfull of chemicals and sugars can be detrimental to your health. Instead, check the ingredients and opt for healthy foods.

2. You skimp on water
Water is an integral part of human life. Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. It is crucial for your well-being to drink enough water. All your muscles and organs need water to function properly. Poor hydration can trigger many health issues. Dehydration increases your risk of muscle cramps, heatstroke, and kidney failure. The most dangerous consequence of dehydration is coma.

You need to drink about 11 cups of water per day for proper hydration. If you are sick, increase your fluid intake, especially if you’re vomiting or having diarrhea. These conditions can contribute to severe dehydration.

3. You skip annual health screening
By skipping annual health screening you run the risk of serious health problems. Most severe diseases can be prevented with help of regular screenings. The doctor can determine your predisposition to heart disease or diabetes and prescribe treatment or recommend preventative measures. See your general practitioner at least once a year for an annual physical exam. This will help you ensure better health and quality of life.

4. You overmedicate your UTIs
Some women have a bad habit to take antibiotics before they even know they have a UTI. Regular use of antibiotics can kill good microflora in your body. This makes you even more prone to pelvic infections. The best way to prevent UTIs is proactive management.

Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist and ask about medications that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. It is important to undergo a pelvic exam before you start taking medications.

5. You avoid colonoscopy
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in both men and women in the U.S. Age is one of the main risk factors for this type of cancer. It is very important to get a colonoscopy as you age. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. During the procedure, the doctor can detect and remove them. Removal of colon polyps is key in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

The symptoms of colorectal cancer include thin stools, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. If you have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know about it.

6. You overcontrol your meals
Poor care about foods you consume can be detrimental to your health, but excessive care isn’t better. Many people become orthorexic. This term refers to becoming obsessed with foods and avoiding certain foods. Stressing about your foods releases hormones that increase your risk of many medical issues. It is important to have a balanced approach to health and wellness.

7. You don’t know your family health history
To ensure your health you need to know your family health history. The cancer history of your family is vital to understanding your personal cancer risk. Family health history can help your doctor choose genetic tests you need to take. If you find information that suggests you have a genetic tendency to develop breast cancer, contact your doctor, and request genetic testing.

8. You skip stretching exercises
Stretching exercises are good for your body. By stretching regularly you can decrease your risk of degenerative conditions including tendon injuries. When your muscles become less flexible, you run the risk to get injured during exercises. To promote better health and prevent injuries you need to make stretching exercises a part of your daily routine.

9. Your diet lacks fiber
Most people don’t eat enough fiber. A lack of fiber in your diet can contribute to an unhealthy digestive system and lead to long-term health complications. Low-fiber diets are associated with diseases like colon cancer, high cholesterol levels, and diverticulosis. By eating a small amount of fiber you become prone to constipation. Chronic constipation is one of the major causes of bleeding hemorrhoids.

Include in your diet more fiber to regulate the digestive system and to help move the food along the gastrointestinal tract.

10. You skip mammogram screening
Breast cancer is a serious health issue. About 13% of women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer e and 3% of women die from breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer reduces the risk of complications and breast cancer-related deaths. By doing annual mammograms you can lower the likelihood of cancer-related deaths by 40%.

A mammogram takes only a few minutes, so it’s easy to find some time and take this test. It can ensure the quality of your life in the future.

11. You have vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies. About 50% of the adult population lacks vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with diseases like cancer; diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and schizophrenia. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, depression, bone loss, hair loss, and muscle pain.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin D ranges from 800 to 2,000 IU. It can be hard to reach it without supplements. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask whether you need to take vitamin D supplements.

12. You consume too much protein
Protein supplements have become increasingly popular over the past couple of decades. But most people consume them without understanding the correct amount that can be taken or the side effects of an overdose. Excessive protein intake can cause metabolic stress to your bones, kidneys, and liver. This may contribute to fractures, kidney stones, and liver-function disorders.

It is very important to consult your doctor and take a test before using any supplements. The recommended daily value of protein for an adult is about 50 grams. However, that number can vary depending on each individual's health.