Surprisingly, there are many things in our everyday lives that we get exposed to that can be harmful to our health in the long term. Yes, it may take a little drive and willpower to cut these things out of our lives, but the fact of the matter is that we will feel a whole lot better for doing so. With this in mind, check out my list of the top 5 things to minimize in your life if you want to maximize your health.
Carbohydrates
If you take a peek at some of my other posts, you will see that I follow the Ketogenic diet. The Keto program is where you cut out carbs and get most of your fuel from fat. Up to 70% of your total daily intake, in fact.
Now, I know some folks think that fat is the enemy of health, but as this diet proves, they are mistaken. After all, why would so many people be losing weight and be able to keep it off if it was fat that was causing us to get fat in the first place?
With that in mind, my first recommendation for something to cut from your life, or at least minimize is carbohydrates. Carbs to cut include refined ones such as sugar, wheat flour, and pasta, as well as complex carbs such as the ones found in some fruits.
Of course, it won’t necessarily be easy at first, espically as many people go through a stage called Keto flu. An illness where the body is switching over from using carbohydrates for fuel to burning fat stores. This switchover makes the Keto flu a good thing, although it can feel far from it at the time! You can expect headaches and sugar cravings, but taking particular supplements like magnesium, can help reduce the symptoms and they should go entirely after a few days.
After this time you can expect to have a much more regulated appetite and be able to get that feeling of being full quicker. Both things that add to the effectiveness of Keto as a weight loss and maintenance program and demonstrate the health value of minimizing carbs in your life.
Alcohol
Alcohol is another product that it can be a smart move to minimize in your life, whether you are doing Keto or not. The reason for this is because alcohol is essential fermented sugars that act as a poison on the body. That is why if you drink too much you feel unwell, and get a hangover the next morning.
When putting this way, it seems silly that we regularly poison ourselves in the name of a good time! Also, the effect that alcohol has on the body isn’t good. In particular, it can put a strain on our liver and kidneys that is unnecessary, and it can also add to unwanted weight gain because our system is so busy trying filter out the drink that it can’t deal with the food we have eaten at the same time.
That is why if you are looking to boost your health, lowering your alcohol intake is a sensible action to take.
Parabens
Parabens are something else that most of us come into contact with every day but are not very good for us. Parabens are chemical compounds that are used as preservatives in beauty and makeup products. They are added to stop creams, shampoos, and powders going off or getting moldy.
However, some studies have linked paraben use to a possible increased risk of cancer. This concern has caused many people to eschew the use of products with these preservatives in, in favor of more natural options. Although, if you head to the drug store and start reading the ingredient labels you will notice that many widely sold, everyday products still contain these additives.
Luckily though, there are some forward-thinking companies that are producing health and beauty products that are now paraben free. In fact, you can get all sorts of items including shower gel, natural perfume, and even some makeup products that do not include parabens in their ingredients. Something that those concerned with maximizing their health would do well to consider as an alternative to the better-known brands on the market.
Household mold
Black mold, sometimes known as Stachybotrys Chartarum is an unwanted visitor that many of us have in our homes from time to time. Unfortunately, it is linked to certain health problems, meaning those wishing to stay in tip-top condition should remove it as soon as possible.
These health issues include problems with breathing, mucus production, and even skin irritation. Although it is important to note that it is not the black mold itself that is toxic, but it produces a toxic reaction in many humans.
To remove black mold from your house, you will need first to spray the area with water as this will prevent spores become airborne in your home. Then scrub with hot soapy water, and allow to dry thoroughly.
It is also helpful to note that dampness in the walls or air is the main cause of black mold. Therefore you can minimise any recurrence or prevent its development entirely by ensuring that you keep your home as dry inside as possible.
Screen time
One thing that nearly everyone seems to do, all day long is to check their phones. Whether it is a quick, peek on Facebook, reading a news article, or playing on of those mind-bending and addictive puzzle games.
Sadly, too much screen time could be something that is negatively affecting our health. Think of it this way; it is estimated that we see as many images in a day as our ancestors from the middle ages would in a year, and that has got to have some effect on our brain and levels of processing power and energy.
In fact, there are all sorts of new conditions like Selfitis popping up that are related to Smartphone use, not to mention a culture of bullying online, with some people trolling others for fun.
To this end, minimize phone usage by turning it off, or putting it out of reach for a few hours a day. An action that should pay off, especially, if our goal is to maximize our health in both a mental and physical capacity.
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