Popular Health Myths- The Leading Physicians of the World

It is not a surprise that there is a lot of misleading information out there when it comes to health and wellness.  There are several myths out there about health, though some of these myths are not scientifically proven to be true. By having some of these myths at your fingertips, you can live smarter since you can avoid some common diseases and infections. 

In this article you will get a list of the most popular health myths supported by scientific research. Take a look!

12Health Myths Debunked

1.       Antiperspirants cause breast cancer

Antiperspirants are chemical sprays used to prevent sweating on the armpits. Some scientists believe that chemicals found in deodorants or antiperspirants can get absorbed through the soft skin of the armpit. According to these scientists, the chemicals end up in the breast tissue catalyzing development of breast tumors. This is contrary to the National Cancer Institute who says there is no scientific evidence that the products cause breast cancer. 

 2.       Eggs are not good for your heart

This information may be happiness for omelet lovers out there. Eating one or two eggs a day does not raise your risk of developing heart disease. The egg yolk has cholesterol but for many, the amount of cholesterol present in one or two eggs is not as bad as that found in a mix of everything eaten during a day. In addition, eggs have some special nutrients such as Omega-3s which lowers the risk of developing heart disease.

3.     Drink 8 ounces of water a day

According to scientific research, people should have a glass of water any time they feel thirsty enough to get them hydrated and healthy. However, water is very important for your health. There is no need to count the number of cups you drink daily. This is because water-rich foods we have every day such as fruits, soup, tea and coffee can help contribute to the amount of water needed by the body. However, you can never completely substitute water. You may drink more water in case you find the color of your urine dark yellow, when you produce little urine, or when in a hot climate.

4.       Staying in a cold place gives you a cold (cough)

No matter what your teacher or mom told you, spending time in the cold air does not make you sick at all. According to research conducted on healthy men, those who spent more hours in temperatures just above freezing had increased immune activity in fighting viruses. It is true that those who spend most time indoors get sick easily because disease causing micro-organisms are easily passed in closed environments.

5.       You can eat breakfast to lose weight

Eating breakfast cannot help you lose weight, but it can keep away hunger which might prevent you from eating later during the day. In case you don’t like breakfast, you can still slim down. According to a study conducted recently, people who do not eat breakfast usually overeat dinner and lunch. These people eat fewer 400 calories a day compared to those who take breakfast. Skipping breakfast can only help some people lose weight.

6.       You need a daily dose of multivitamin

You may have heard before that multivitamins can act as a supplement for nutrients that are absent in your diet. This myth is not seconded by researchers or scientists. However, if your doctor instructs you to take vitamins, do so. In case you are pregnant and you need to take folic acid to boost your blood cell count and avoid birth defects, it is ok. The best way you can get your nutrients is through your diet filled with nuts, whole grains, healthy oils, nuts and fruits.

7.       Eating carrots can help you see in the dark

Vitamin A present in carrots is of high benefit to your eye’s health but it cannot help you see in the dark.

8.       Sugar makes kids hyper 

Sugar is not at all good for kids, but reliable evidence shows that sweets wouldn’t cause harm to their school work or make them unable to focus. Many parents believe and may link bad behaviors in their kids with eating sugary foods.

9.       Green mucus signifies infection

Some contents produced from your body tissues cannot substitute lab tests. Some scientific studies show that yellow or green mucus means certain bacterial infections. However, it’s not a sure indication that you have bacterial infections and need antibiotics. Sinusitis or an infection of the sinus can cause clear mucus which can be turned green by common cold. 

10.       Sickness can be caused by a toilet seat

You should not be stressed if you don’t cover the toilet seat. Toilet seats care usually very clean. However, door handles, bathrooms doors and floors tend to have some organisms such as E. coli and Norovirus. You should use a paper towel before touching handles and doors, wash afterward or use a hand sanitizer to get rid of disease-causing microorganisms.

11.       Arthritis can be caused by cracking joints

The sounds from cracking joints may annoy everyone around you. However, that’s the extent of the harm it can cause. You may think the sound comes from rubbing between bones but that’s not the case. It is a result of gas bubble that forms between bones and pops. In case you enjoy doing it, enjoy to your fullest. According to studies, this gas bubble cannot cause arthritis in any way. In case you feel severe and regular pain when you do it, seek medical advice from your doctor.

12.       Reading in the dark can damage your eyes

Reading in poor or dim light can cause headache due to straining but not permanent eye damage. When reading in a dark environment, you should make sure there is shining light towards the page you are reading. Light coming directly above your shoulders can cause glare.

Bottom Line

Health myths may be misleading sometimes but some of them offer common health benefits increasing life expectancy. Some of them are true and are backed by scientific evidence while others may be misleading and fake.