The terrifying side effects of healthy habits

You're taking vitamins, exercising, and consuming plenty of fiber. So why are you seeing things get worse?

It turns out that some healthy habits can have unwanted side effects. Excessive exercise, vegetable juices, and even antibacterial gels can cause some unintended consequences. Learn about and find ways to avoid these side effects.

Your skin turns orange after eating carrots.

Eating too many orange fruits and vegetables can lead to carotenemia, says nutritionist Amy Goodson. Carotenemia is a term derived from carotene, the substance that gives fruits and vegetables their yellow-orange color. While not harmful, carotenemia can cause the skin to appear yellow. The solution is simple: eat carrots along with other green, yellow, or other colored vegetables. The time it takes for this condition to disappear varies from person to person, but you should aim to eat one or two servings of orange fruits and vegetables along with greens daily. You will still get the nutrients you need.

Bloating caused by eating too much fiber

If you replace white rice with brown rice, or white bread with whole grains, you may experience bloating and discomfort. “Bloating is caused by the interaction between gut bacteria and fiber as it passes through the intestines,” says Patrick Takahashi, director of Gastroenterology at ST. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles. Bacteria in carbohydrates ferment in the gut without being absorbed in the small intestine, leading to bloating. Dr. Takahashi also recommends consuming only 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories to reduce bloating.

Red wine ruins your smile.

Martin Hogan, director of the dental medicine department at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, offered advice on removing stains from teeth after drinking alcohol.

Eat cheese or fruit.

Pay attention to the hygiene of your front teeth.

Drink water to clean your teeth.

If possible, brush your teeth.

Dark urine after excessive exercise

Photo: womandays.

Don't ignore this condition. High-intensity training can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a problem that occurs when substances in muscle tissue leak into the bloodstream, says David Kruse, a sports medicine specialist at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California. Symptoms may or may not include muscle soreness, but if you experience dark urine, general muscle pain, and an increased heart rate, you need to seek medical attention. To minimize these risks, stay hydrated and exercise within your capabilities. Exercise slowly and moderately; don't try to keep up with someone who is more advanced than you, advises Dr. Kruse.

Your toenails turn blue and black when you run.

Repeated pressure on the toes can lead to bleeding and blood pooling under the toenail, says Kibrom Asrat, a foot and ankle specialist from Tri-City Regional Medical Center. “Blood pooling under the nail can lead to discoloration of the toenail and cause severe pain.” See a doctor to learn about signs of infection, including inflammation, fever, and chills. Regularly trimming and cleaning your toenails and wearing shoes will help reduce the risk of blood pooling under the toenail.

Drinking too much water can make the body feel tired.

You know that the body needs plenty of water to function. However, excessive water intake can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood). Excess water dilutes sodium in the blood, says Dr. Takahashi. Hyponatremia can cause nausea, muscle cramps, loss of balance, and even death. On average, a woman needs about 2 liters of fluid per day; the amount consumed depends on activity level, health condition, and climate.

Eating too much protein can cause constipation.

Regularly eating convenient snacks instead of main meals can negatively impact your health. Fast food is not only low in fiber but also lacks the nutrients typically found in a full meal, even when fortified with vitamins and minerals. You should eat a wider variety of foods. Opt for fruit, peanut butter, or yogurt, which are low-fat options.

Overuse of hand sanitizer can harm the immune system.

It's convenient to use hand sanitizer for five minutes, especially during flu season. But using hand sanitizer too much can be harmful. “Frequent handwashing kills beneficial bacteria and weakens our immune system,” says Michael Schmidt, PhD, a microbiologist at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Charleston. In fact, a public health study from the University of Michigan showed that young people who were exposed to a lot of antibacterial soap were more likely to develop allergies or fevers. Avoid using hand sanitizer more than six times a day. Dr. Schmidt adds, “Soap and water is better.”

Your hands go numb when you cycle.

Long rides or indoor cycling can cause your fingers to cramp, tingle, or lose sensation. Numbness occurs when a nerve is irritated or injured. When cycling, the body is held in one position for an extended period, sometimes putting pressure on the nerves. Numbness will come and go, but if it persists, talk to your trainer about choosing the right type of bike. If the numbness doesn't go away, you may have a problem (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), and you need to see a doctor.

According to Vnexpress.net