It is widely recognized that consuming a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing saturated fat intake are essential. However, recent scientific research has unveiled a range of additional…and somewhat surprising…health tips and remedies.
Here, we explore some of the more unconventional recommendations for enhancing your well-being, including the benefits of chocolate milk and the reasons why wearing high heels may be advantageous…
Eliminate the moustache to reduce sneezing – If allergies affect you, it might be time to rethink that moustache.
A study indicates that men who regularly washed their moustaches with liquid soap twice daily relied less on antihistamines and decongestants. Why is that?
The cleansing process removed trapped pollen particles.
Dr. Rob Hicks, a general practitioner and author of Beat Your Allergy, states, ‘Just like clothing, skin, and hair, a moustache can gather pollen throughout the day.’
‘For men suffering from hay fever, considering a clean shave might be worth it to see if it alleviates their symptoms.’
‘This approach would likely be simpler and more effective than trying to remember to wash it twice daily.’
Inhale an apple aroma to alleviate migraines – An apple a day is beneficial, but it seems they may offer additional health advantages too.
A recent study conducted by The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, involving 50 participants, revealed that the scent of a green apple helped lessen the intensity of their migraines.
Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Somerville College, Oxford, explains, ‘This could be linked to how pleasant aromas help us relax and alleviate tension.’ He further notes, ‘The scent may also distract individuals from concentrating on their migraine pain.’
Another investigation found that the fragrance of apples could ease feelings of claustrophobia by creating the perception of larger spaces.
Particularly, apples are believed to be helpful because they evoke associations with the outdoors.
Wearing high heels could benefit your knees – This will undoubtedly delight women throughout the nation — high heels might actually be beneficial.
Researchers from Warwick and Oxford Brookes universities discovered that donning high heels might reduce the likelihood of women developing arthritic changes in their knee joints as they age.
At a minimum, their knee health was no worse than that of women who chose more flat footwear.
The study involved 111 women aged between 50 and 70 and was published earlier this year.
It is believed that by strengthening the leg muscles, those who wear heels may offer better support to their knees over time.
Professor Margaret Thorogood from Warwick University’s Medical School states, ‘Women who favor stiletto heels can take comfort in knowing that their preference for style over comfort shouldn’t lead to joint issues and could even be protective against them.’
A different study indicates that wearing heels might also enhance a woman’s sexual health. Italian urologist Dr. Maria Cerruto found that wearing ‘moderately high-heeled shoes’ significantly toned the legs and reinforced pelvic muscles.
‘These shoes target the pleasure muscles connected to orgasm,’ she notes.
Store medications in the linen closet – The bathroom is the least suitable place for keeping your medications. Consistent exposure to light, heat, or humidity—exactly what occurs in a humid bathroom—can lead to quicker degradation, diminishing the medication’s effectiveness.
Instead, opt for a dry, dark location to help maintain the potency of your pills.
Neal Patel, a pharmacist at the Royal Pharmaceutical…Society mentions: ‘A cool, dry, dark area such as the linen closet is the best choice.’
Adjust the radio for weight loss – It may be time to avoid talk radio altogether. Engaging in a different activity each day…even merely changing radio stations…can disrupt our usual patterns and help us break negative habits, as stated by Professor Ben Fletcher, a psychologist affiliated with Hertfordshire University.
‘Deeply ingrained habits of thought and behavior lead us to continue harmful practices, such as smoking, overeating, and succumbing to negative thinking, which negatively affects our well-being,’ he explains. ‘By making very minor adjustments, we can significantly improve our lives.’
Sanitize your hands after withdrawing cash – The next time you withdraw cash from an ATM, it might be wise to give your hands a thorough 
scrub afterward.
Cleanliness assessments have demonstrated that cash machines harbor germs similar to those found in public restrooms.
Experts collected samples from ATMs in urban centers across England. Results indicated that these machines were significantly contaminated with bacteria, including those linked to sickness and gastrointestinal issues.
Dr. Mark Fielder, a medical microbiologist, states, ‘If people fail to wash their hands thoroughly, various organisms can be transferred to the buttons on an ATM.
‘As it’s crucial to cleanse your hands post-toilet use, it equally makes sense to wash them after withdrawing cash.’
Close the lid when flushing to protect your teeth – Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist from the University of Arizona, cautions against flushing the toilet without lowering the seat lid.
If you neglect to do so, a contaminated spray of bacteria and water vapor bursts from the toilet. These microscopic water particles can linger in your bathroom for hours, settling on surfaces, including your toothbrush.
Dr. Gerba remarks, ‘Droplets carrying bacteria or viruses are ejected from the bowl during a flush and disperse throughout the bathroom.
‘Though it doesn’t happen consistently, E.coli and other fecal-based bacteria can make you sick. Therefore, unless you intend to brush your teeth with remnants from the toilet, it’s wise to close the lid.’
Microbiologist Dr. Anthony Hilton, who leads biology and biomedical science at Aston University in Birmingham, adds, ‘I have participated in studies utilizing ultra-violet dye in the toilet.
‘Post-flush, it can be traced throughout the bathroom. If you tend to keep the lid up, common sense suggests that storing toothbrushes near the toilet is likely unwise.’
Enjoy chocolate milk for fitness – Forget about water…two recent studies have indicated that a chocolate milkshake is the optimal recovery drink after a workout.
Researchers from the University of Texas in Austin discovered that athletes demonstrated significantly improved power when they consumed low-fat chocolate milk instead of a carbohydrate sports drink or a calorie-free alternative.
Ron Maughan, a professor specializing in sport and exercise nutrition at Loughborough University, states, ‘The underlying science is solid. There are two primary objectives you aim for post-exercise — recovery and strengthening the muscles you have exerted.
‘A small amount of protein offers the most efficient method for achieving this.
‘By drinking milk, you receive a dependable, consistent source of protein, along with hydration and electrolytes. The chocolate content adds beneficial carbohydrates as well.’The context makes the relatively high sugar content acceptable, serving as a way to replenish lost energy.
‘Why opt for a foul-tasting protein shake when you can enjoy something equally beneficial?’
Prefer soap over special handwash – While these products are widely found in our homes, scientists have cautioned that costly antibacterial washes are no more effective than regular soap…and may potentially encourage superbugs.
A study from the American journal Clinical Infectious Diseases identified that triclosan, a key ingredient in many antibacterial soaps, can lead some bacteria to become resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics like amoxicillin.
This occurs because it attacks bacteria similarly to how these antibiotics operate, by targeting essential components of their cells.
Nevertheless, bacteria exhibit a remarkable ability to adapt, and more prevalent strains like E.coli and salmonella…which are significant contributors to food poisoning and can result in kidney damage or even fatality…might develop resistance against this threat.
Dr. Hilton states, ‘These products cater to people’s insecurities, often leading to inappropriate use…for instance, washing for only a short moment or using cold water.’
‘To effectively wash your hands, you should spend several minutes doing so under warm, clean water. The washing action combined with the temperature is far more effective at removing bacteria than a fancy product.’
‘It’s all about the technique…evidence shows that in a home setting, expensive antibacterial items aren’t superior to regular soap.’
Dr. Hilton also cautions against becoming too reliant on antibacterial ‘dry soap’ gel hand sanitizers.
‘They are excellent when water isn’t available, but they can’t replace proper handwashing,’ he notes. ‘Moreover, if your hands are visibly dirty…like being covered in mud…these sanitizers become ineffective since they get bound up with organic matter.’
‘Thus, in numerous situations where they might be used…such as at a music festival…they won’t prove to be very helpful.’
by Susan Floyd
