7 Surprising Health Tips You Should Try Today

Lisa Franchi October 14, 2014

You probably know a few health practises that are important if you’re looking to stay fit, lean and disease-free – get enough sleep, exercise, drink more water, lose weight, and eat more greens. But aside from these, there more health tips that you will find mysterious or unbelievable the first time you’ll hear about or read them but are all scientifically proven.

Don’t brush after eating.

What? Teeth experts discourage brushing immediately after eating or drinking, especially if it’s acidic. Brushing your teeth at this stage can speed up acid’s effect on your enamel and erode the layer underneath. They recommend waiting 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.

Eat more to eat less.

When it comes to losing weight, smart food choices are very important. Grabbing a 100-calorie granola bar for an afternoon snack can leave you feeling hungrier in the evening, increasing your urge to eat more. What’s more, sugary stuff like this can cause you blood sugar spikes and boost your craving for more carbs. So for your snack, choose something that isn’t just low in calorie, but is also high in protein and nutrients. Protein-rich foods are very fulfilling and can contribute to stronger, leaner muscles.

Ditch diet drinks.

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that overweight and obese adults who drank diet beverages ate more calories from food than those who drank regular fizzy drinks. Another study by the University of Texas found that diet soda drinkers had a 70 per cent greater increase in waist circumference than non-drinkers over the course of about 10 years.

Drink more water to ease bloating.

When you’re feeling bloated, drinking water could be the last thing in your mind. But it can often help. The thing is that water mixes with soluble fibre and transforms it into a gel-like substance. It then affects the motility of the gut and reduces the symptom of bloating.

Exercise even when you’re tired.

When you’re physically tired, the last thing you probably want to do is work out. But fatigue, along with symptoms of depression, can be eased by a 30-minute moderate intensity exercise session. Meanwhile, regular exercise can keep your energy levels high all the time, giving you protection from fatigue.

Spend less time with your hubby to strengthen your relationship.

Spending some time alone can actually help improve your relationship. For instance, in times of conflicts, it helps you process thoughts without acting impulsively, and focus on the resolution rather than the issue. It also instils your sense of individuality. By spending time with other people, and allowing your partner to do the same, you can learn to grow as individual persons.

Drink coffee before napping.

They say don’t drink coffee if you want to sleep. But when it comes to napping, it can actually help. In one study, Japanese scientists found that participants who took about 200 milligrams of caffeine (the amount in one to two cups of coffee) before taking a 20-minute rest, felt more alert and performed better on computer tests than those who only took a nap.