Experts debunk the scariest health myths

almost everyone has Old wives’ tales about health problems, From a grandmother, best friend, or Internet “wisdom.”

In a recent survey of 1,000 doctors, More than 85 percent say they have faced misinformation from patients in the past five years.

“We’re often looking for a one-pill type solution, something we can do to deal with a problem or to simplify our lives to feel effective,” said Dr. Leonor Fernandez, a primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. told Harvard Medical School,

“But for most things health-related, the solution lies in the balance between what you do and what you eat, rather than one specific thing.”

Experts stress that it’s important to be able to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to your long-term health and well-being.

Nervous Knuckle-Crackers

Cracking your fingers is a bad habit, and an old wives’ tale claims that doing so can cause arthritis.

The source of this belief, which surrounds for decades remains unclear. But doctors say that this is not true.

Osteoarthritis – which Affects approximately 33 million American adults And this is by far the most common type of joint condition – caused by overuse and wear and tear over time.

“The truth is that there is no link between cracking your knuckles and arthritis — or any other long-term health problem,” says Dr. Eric Ruderman, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine. said,

worried about timing

over 100 million Americans Living with obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other life-threatening conditions.

A misconception is that eating dinner at night can make you gain weight. Celebrities like Marvel star Chris Hemsworth, Allegedly Participate in intermittent fasting, and do not eat anything for hours before bed.

However, although your metabolism slows down at night, when you eat doesn’t really matter as much as the amount of food you eat.

“There may be some truth that our metabolism and insulin secretion change at night because we’re sleeping,” Fernandez said. “But I suspect that what you eat, and whether your eating is mindful, matters more.”

sticking around

An old playground saying states that chewing gum can remain in your stomach for up to seven years after you swallow it.

But while our bodies don’t have the enzymes to break down the gum base, which is made of polymers and wax, it actually leaves the body, says gastroenterologist Dr. Nancy McGreal. told Duke Health,

“In all the upper endoscopies I have done on both children and adults, I have yet to see a lump of gum lying in the stomach,” he said.

caffeine questions

The myth that coffee stunts growth stems from a business plan from the 1930s. A 1933 advertisement for Postum, a caffeine-free coffee alternative by tycoon and grape nuts-maker C.W. Post, warned about a cup of joe.

The ad claims “Coffee is the reason to eliminate milk from children’s diets.” eat half fullIt robs children of their rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. It reduces their vitality, lowers their resistance to disease, and hinders proper growth and development,” according to a report. atlantic,

In fact, there is no scientific evidence that drinking coffee can stunt a child’s growth, Harvard Medical School said,

“Caffeine has no significant effect on a child’s height,” said pediatrician Dr. Roy Kim. cleveland clinic,

a shocking discovery

The myth that eating eggs increases cholesterol is another complicated truth, which is not the only one.

Although it cannot be denied that eggs are high in cholesterol – 186 mg in the yolk alone, or 62 percent As per the recommended daily allowance – will not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels Australian Health Alliance,

“Rather, it is excessive consumption of foods high in saturated fats And Sugar Who does this,” the coalition states.

According to one, eggs are also high in protein and other nutrients and eating them may actually improve heart health. Harvard University study,

have fun

The idea that ice can help heal a burn seems reasonable to people who are not medical experts. Ice helps soothe swelling and other injuries.

Still, doctors say that applying ice to a burn can do more harm than good. Ice can cause frostbite which causes further damage to the skin, Tulsa ER and hospital warned,

Instead, people should wash the affected area with cool water.

“On the burnt area, it is best to use running cold water, such as placing the burnt area under a running tap for several minutes,” Mount Elizabeth Hospital doctors recommend,

“Take some pain relievers, and apply an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the area from germs.”

Let go

The origins of the “5-second rule”, or the idea that food is still safe from bacteria after five seconds on the floor or any other surface, may be surprising. It can be traced back to the Mongolian warrior Genghis Khan. Who created his own “Khan regime”.

Any food that fell on the floor at their banquet was considered good enough to eat Because it was very special.

But according to doctors at Mount Elizabeth, as soon as food hits the ground, bacteria are transferred to it.

“To avoid getting sick, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw away spilled food, or at least wash it carefully first,” he wrote.