Im a doctor 5 healthy habits that can actually hurt you

It is possible to have too much of a good thing.Doctors will routinely tell you to eat healthy, exercise and load up on other good-for-you behaviors to improve your healthspan and lengthen you life.But Dr.Mitch Ghen, chief medical officer Access Medical Labs, warns that five seemingly “healthy” choices are actually unhealthier than you think.Reducing carbs can help you shed weight and manage blood sugar — but eliminating them entirely? Not fun — and also not a great idea.

“Carbohydrates are not the enemy.They give you energy,” Ghen said.All the good stuff that carbs are in — fresh fruit, some vegetables, whole grains — also provide a lot of great nutrients.

Skipping these can lead to deficiencies.“Remember, one of the best studied diets is the Mediterranean diet, which is considered very healthy — and it doesn’t restrict carbohydrates,” Ghen said.In fact, the Mediterranean diet is frequently cited as the best for dementia risk, diabetes and reduced cancer risk.Are you popping a laundry list of supplements every day a la Bryan Johnson? Consider cutting back.“Don’t assume more supplements automatically mean better health,” Ghen said.

For example, some supplements can interfere with each other.Calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron are all absorbed via the same pathways — and if they’re taken at the same time, it’s possible one or some will get absorbed while others might not at all.And taking some in combination can multiply their effects to what might become a dangerous level — like ginkgo biloba and omega-3, which can thin the blood to an extreme, especially if you’re on a blood thinning med already.Taking your unique needs into account is essential when considering supplements.

Ghen recommends talking to a doctor to check your kidney and liver function to know what supplements to take, and how much.As much as 20% of drug-induced liver injuries are due to supplements.In kidneys, some compounds can build up to dangerous levels...