By Diana Gerstacker
TheActiveTimes.com
You eat right, exercise frequently, spend time outdoors and get a whole lot of sleep -- that must mean you're the model of good health, right? Maybe not; if you're overdoing it you could actually be harming your health.
The old adage, "everything in moderation," seems to ring true in every aspect. It was once believed that only sweets and bad habits needed to be moderated, but we now know that some of the healthier foods and habits can be bad for our health in excess. From spinach to exercise and even water, these healthy staples can become health troubles when practiced or consumed too often.
Though some of the side effects are rare, these health concerns should be taken seriously. If you think you’re living a healthy lifestyle, you might want to look further into our list of healthy things you can have too much of.
Healthy Things You Can Have Too Much Of
Animal Protein
With the emphasis on protein as a healthy diet staple it seems the more you eat, the better off you are, right? Not necessarily -- over-consumption of protein has been linked to weight gain and stress on your kidneys. Further, lean animal protein like eggs and chicken breast may trigger harmful hormone production in the body that can increase your cancer risk.
Animal Protein
Vary the types of protein you eat, change it up with some nuts, beans and whole grains.
Spinach
Dark leafy greens are at the center of a healthy diet, but doctors warn against overdoing it on the spinach. High in oxalate, a compound that can lead to the formation of kidney stones, people already at risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones should take it easy.
Spinach
For most of us though, spinach is a great healthy food choice that offers fiber, vitamins and minerals and one we should eat regularly.
Freeze-Dried Fruit
Regular fruit has such a healthy reputation, it seems like dried fruit would also be a good choice, right? Not necessarily. Though it’s tasty and maintains many of the benefits of regular fruit, dried fruit can be a major source of sugar.
Freeze-Dried Fruit
Not only do people regularly eat too much dried fruit because it’s smaller, but many brands alter the dried fruit with added sugar and artificial coloring. Check the ingredients before you go sprinkling these all over your salad. A single quarter cup of Craisins from Ocean Spray contains 29 grams of sugar.
Water
We know that proper hydration comes with many benefits and, frankly, without water we would die, but it turns out that too much water can be a major health issue too. Though dangerously excessive water consumption is rare and most often happens to extreme athletes like ultrarunners, drinking too much can cause water intoxication.
Water
Excessive amounts of water dilute the sodium in the body, which can mean big problems for brain functions and in very rare cases, death. Related: How Much Water Should You Drink to Stay Hydrated?
Apples, Oranges and Tomatoes
Some of the healthiest food around -- apples, oranges and tomatoes can actually cause problems if you eat too much of them. High in acid, too many acidic foods can damage the esophagus and stomach lining, which, in the long run, can lead to Barrett's Esophagus, a disorder in which precancerous lesions form on esophageal lining.
Apples, Oranges and Tomatoes
Highly acidic diets can also cause reflux and erode tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. To avoid acid-related issues, limit your servings of apples, oranges and tomatoes to two per day.
Canned Tuna
This healthy, convenient canned food is known for its protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, but too much of this good food can yield bad results. Canned tuna contains high levels of mercury and when you have too much mercury in your system it can lead to vision problems, impaired hearing and speech, lack of coordination, and muscle weakness.
Canned Tuna
To avoid these problems, doctors suggest limiting yourself to three cans per week or trading tuna for a lower-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp or Pollock.
Sleep
You've probably heard that a lack of sleep can be bad for your health, leaving you susceptible to disease, weight gain and depression, but did you know too much sleep can be bad for your health too? According to doctors, most people don’t get enough sleep, but there are plenty of people who get too much.
Sleep
Too much sleep can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including America's No. 1 killer, heart disease. Your best shot at staying healthy is to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
For the complete list of the Healthy Things You Can Have Too Much Of, go to TheActiveTimes.com.
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-- Superfood Swaps: Healthy Alternatives that Won’t Break the Bank
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