The Moment When the 'Common Sense' You Knew Shatters

The Impact of My Small Habits Performed Unconsciously on My Body

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] Sometimes, the habits we unconsciously perform in daily life can harm our health. How about learning in advance about the negative effects that seemingly trivial habits, such as cracking finger joints or licking your lips, can have on our health and trying to correct them?

1. Showering with hot water

Many people take showers with hot water, right? Although it may feel refreshing at the moment as if it relieves muscle pain and soreness, it is actually not good for the skin. Hot water washes away essential moisture and beneficial fats from the body, causing the skin to become dry and cracked, and worsening skin conditions like eczema. Therefore, it is better to wash with lukewarm water.

2. Cracking finger joints

Many people crack their finger joints unconsciously. While it may temporarily feel relieving, it can reduce the elasticity of ligaments and cause the finger joints to thicken, leading to deformities. Repeatedly cracking joints to the point of hearing a popping sound can wear down the bones between the joints, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of arthritis.

3. Placing utensils on a napkin

It is common to habitually place utensils on a napkin. However, this can pose a risk of ingesting chemical substances such as fluorescent whitening agents used to keep the napkin white, combined with the utensils that have been used multiple times for various side dishes. Some restaurants use paper towels instead of napkins, but these may also be made from recycled paper, so caution is advised.

4. Sleeping face down

Some people find sleeping face down more comfortable. However, this sleeping posture can cause sleep apnea, indigestion, cervical disc problems, and spinal disorders. It can also increase intraocular pressure, potentially leading to glaucoma, and cause facial asymmetry due to pressure on one side of the cheeks or mouth.

5. Licking lips

Do you habitually lick your lips when they are dry or chapped? Although it may seem like your lips become moist temporarily, this is just an illusion. This behavior actually makes lips drier, causing cracks and allowing bacteria to easily penetrate the skin, leading to infections. Therefore, it is better to apply lip balm when your lips are dry.

6. Eating rice mixed with soup or water

Koreans often eat rice mixed with soup or water. However, this method of eating is said to hinder digestion. For food to be digested properly, it needs to be broken down finely by chewing and saliva in the mouth. When rice is mixed with soup or water, it quickly passes through the esophagus without proper breakdown or mastication, and digestive juices are diluted by the water or soup, making digestion less effective.

7. Drinking milk when experiencing stomach burning

Many people drink milk to soothe stomach burning caused by spicy food or stomach acid secretion on an empty stomach. However, milk does not protect the stomach lining. The calcium in milk can actually stimulate the secretion of stomach acid, making the burning sensation worse.

8. Brushing teeth immediately after meals

Brushing your teeth immediately after eating is not beneficial for dental health and can even be harmful. Instead of neutralizing the acidity from food that erodes tooth enamel, it damages the protective layer of the teeth. It is better to rinse your mouth with water first and brush your teeth about 40 minutes after eating.

9. Drinking carbonated drinks when feeling bloated

Carbonated drinks provide a refreshing fizz that may temporarily relieve bloating. However, this feeling is only temporary and carbonated drinks weaken stomach function. This can cause acid reflux and other digestive problems. Taking digestive medicine is more effective when experiencing indigestion.

10. Picking teeth after meals

Many people use toothpicks to remove food debris after meals. However, this habit can harm dental health. Using toothpicks can cause gum injuries, lead to inflammation, and widen the gaps between teeth. It is better to brush your teeth frequently and use interdental brushes to remove debris.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.