You might not realize it, but some small habits can really take a toll on your health. Let's explore a few of these surprising culprits.
1. Lying
Lying isn't just a moral issue; it can actually impact your physical health too. You know that uneasy feeling in your stomach after telling a fib? That might be your body reacting to the stress of the lie, possibly even triggering issues like gastritis. Research indicates that psychological stress can exacerbate conditions like gastritis, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract [1].
2. Caffeine
Caffeine can be your best friend when you need an energy boost. But here's the catch: too much of it can lead to increased blood pressure and disrupt your sleep cycle. In fact, excessive caffeine consumption has been associated with various gastrointestinal issues, including reflux and gastritis, particularly in sensitive individuals [2]. Try to keep your consumption under 300 mg a day to avoid these side effects.
3. Checking Your Inbox
It's not just the number of emails that affects you; it's the frequency with which you check your inbox. Constantly thinking about your emails can create unnecessary stress, which may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including increased acid secretion and discomfort [3]. Make it a habit to focus on other things, especially when you're at home.
4. Noise Pollution
Noise can be more damaging than you might think. Even soft background noise can affect your mood and is linked to heart problems. Chronic exposure to noise pollution has been shown to increase stress levels and may contribute to cardiovascular issues [4]. So, whenever you can, steer clear of noisy environments and listen to some calming tunes instead.
5. Commuting
Long drives can feel great on occasion, but if it's a daily grind, it might be draining your energy. Prolonged commuting has been linked to increased stress and fatigue, which can adversely affect your mental and physical health [5]. Try to make your commute enjoyable, whether through interesting podcasts or music, so you can actually look forward to it.
By becoming aware of these habits, you can take steps to improve your overall health. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out. After all, talking to a health professional can make a world of difference.
If you're curious about how to better manage your health, consider trying our online doctor consultation service. With the help of an AI doctor, you can easily chat and talk to a doctor online, making it convenient to get the advice you need. Why not check out our online AI doctor today?
References:
- Hua Zhu, Lei Xu, Peng Chen, Zhenhao Li, Wujin Yu, Peilong Sun, Jianyong Wu, Ming Cai. Structure characteristics, protective effect and mechanisms of ethanol-fractional polysaccharides from . PubMed. 2024.
- Sofian Al Shboul, Omar Maloul, Hamza Al-Trad, Yazan Maloul, Wa'ed AlHarahsheh, Doa'a Mosallam, Sondos Al-Sarayreh, Rania AlRashaydah, Aya AlSarayreh, Ashraf I Khasawneh, Tareq Saleh. Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated with NSAIDs and Caffeine Consumption in a Jordanian Subpopulation.. PubMed. 2024.
- Tejaswi Nagireddi, Venkatashiva Reddy B, Siva Santosh Kumar Pentapati, Sai Subhakar Desu, Rajeev Aravindakshan, Arti Gupta. Spice Intake Among Chronic Gastritis Patients and Its Relationship With Blood Lipid Levels in South India.. PubMed. 2022.
- Aditya Mehta, Anandbir Bath, Mohammad Umar Ahmed, Jagadeesh K Kalavakunta. Rare and unusual presentation of gastrocardiac syndrome.. PubMed. 2020.
- Takeshi Shimamoto, Nobutake Yamamichi, Shinya Kodashima, Yu Takahashi, Mitsuhiro Fujishiro, Masashi Oka, Toru Mitsushima, Kazuhiko Koike. No association of coffee consumption with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and non-erosive reflux disease: a cross-sectional study of 8,013 healthy subjects in Japan.. PubMed. 2013.