Introduction:
After so many years of research and awareness still there are many myths that refuse to die. These myths have passed from generation to generation and are believed by so many people even though they have no base and are completely wrong. These myths also have a significant impact on their health as well. In this article we will explore 8 medical myths that just won’t die. This blog will also reveal the truth behind each one of them. Whether you have heard these myths on a dining table or you have seen them online, it’s time we separate the fact from fiction.
Myth: You Should Drink Eight Glasses of Water Everyday:
The Truth:
We have seen many commercials and ads emphasizing on the fact that you should drink 8 glasses of water every day. Keep in mind that hydration is very important for your body but the myth that drinking 8 glasses is not for everyone. The 8 glasses rule is more of a guideline than a hard rule. The amount of water you should take on daily basis depends on many factors such as age, activity level, climate and diet.
Experts Opinion:
According to the National Academies of Sciences and Medicine, most of the people can keep themselves hydrated by drinking only when thirsty and consuming food (food also contains water). Forcing yourself to drink water excessively can lead to many problems such as hyponatremia also knows as water intoxication.
Key Takeaway: You should drink water by judging your body’s signals. If you are drinking more or less than usual or you are having a condition that is affecting your fluid balance it is wise to consult a doctor.
Myth: You Only Use 10% of Your Brain:
The Truth:
Everybody has heard this myth at some stage of their lives that we only use 10 percent of our brain which is completely debunked by the neurologist. Brain studies have showed that almost every part of our brain is active even when we are sleeping.
Why it Persist?
Using 10 percent of your brain is such a catchy notion which used by many people in examples, but it’s simply not true.
Scientific Evidence:
Functional MRI scans show that even when you are performing a simple task such as walking, eating or sleeping you are using many regions of your brain.
Key Takeaway: Keep in mind that you are using more than 10 percent of your brain. More likely you are using 100 percent of your brain just not all at once.
Myth: Going Out in Cold Weather Without a Jacket Will Make You Sick:
The Truth:
It’s not the weather but the viruses that cause the illness. In winter, people tend to spend most of their time indoors in close proximity to one another. This lifestyle increases the spread of respiratory viruses which can cause cold and flu.
Health Tip:
By keeping yourself warm you can protect your body but it does not ensure that you will not get sick at all. Remember good hygiene and vaccines are your best defenses against infections.
Myth: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis:
The Truth:
Cracking your knuckles might make an unsettling sound but it has nothing to do with arthritis.
What Actually Happens?
Our joints are filled with a liquid called the synovium. Gas bubbles are present in the synovium which burst when you crack a knuckle. The sound it made due to bursting of the gas bubbles and not due to gliding of bones and cartilages.
Studies Show:
In 2011 a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine denied any association between cracking knuckles and arthritis.
A female also started cracking knuckles of only one hand after many years it was discovered that she had the same amount of arthritis in both her hands.
Key Takeaway: It might be unpleasant for people around you but it won’t affect your joints in the long term.
Myth: Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive:
The Truth:
Many studies have been conducted and all of them have failed to provide a link between consumption of sugar and hyperactivity in children.
The Real Culprit:
Kids are given many sugary foods when they go to a party. Kids love partying and become hyperactive due to joy and excitement which is mistaken for hyperactivity due to sugar.
Research:
A review was published in JAMA which concluded that sugar has no influence over the cognitive performance of a children.
Parental Advice: Keep a check on your child’s balanced nutrition but don’t just blame sugar for your hyperactive child.
Myth: Vaccines Causes Autism:
The Truth:
In the 1990 a study was published that concluded that Vaccines Causes Autism. This study was later on discredited but left a big impact on the people who read it.
Scientific Consensus:
All the major health organizations such as CDC, WHO and American Academy of Pediatrics affirm the safety and importance of vaccines.
Why it Matters?
Such myths can lead to decreased vaccination rates. This will lead to outbreaks of diseases that can easily be prevented such as measles. Another example to this would be Polio a disease that has been eradicated from the whole world expect for few countries due to baseless myths about vaccinations.
Key Takeaway: Vaccines have prevented many diseases, it saves lives. If you have any concerns related to vaccines make sure to consult your health care provider.
Myth: Natural Remedies Are Always Safe:
The Truth:
Whenever we hear the word “natural” we automatically think of it as “safe”. Awareness should be spread among people about the dangerous interactions of herbal medications.
Example: A herb known as St. John’s Wort is given in ADHD and depression. This herb has been proven to interact with many antidepressants and birth controlling pills.
Regulatory Gaps:
Unfortunately in many countries herbal medications are not under proper regulations. Steroids are added in abundance which can lead to many problems in the long run.
Key Takeaway: If you are taking some herbal medication it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider especially if you are been prescribed some new medications.
Myth: Antibiotics Treat All Infections:
The Truth:
The use of antibiotics is on its peak because people think antibiotics can treat all kinds of infections. It should be understood that antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections when prescribed in the right form and right dosage. People commonly use antibiotics in flu and common cold which are actually viral infections.
Misuse Danger:
Self-medication with antibiotics unnecessarily leads to bacterial resistance. Bacterial resistance is a major health concern because many effective antibiotics are now obsolete.
Health Guidelines:
Do not self-medicate yourself with antibiotics. It has more alarming outcomes than benefits. Always take antibiotics when prescribed by proper healthcare professional and make sure to complete the full course.
Conclusion:
These top 8 medical myths refuse to die even after getting rejected by many researchers. These myth still influence people and shape the way the think about their health. It is an irony that the science have evolved so much yet our understanding fails to cope with it.
These medical myths may be persistent but they are of no match for facts. I am sure this blog has given you some idea that how you can separate fact from fiction and not believe everything you hear.
If you want to bust medical myths on your own you can go to any of the following sites mentioned below.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
If you liked this blog and want to know more about human body and medicine go to my website Medrizz.com.
FAQs:
Why do these medical myths keep spreading despite scientific evidence?
Many of these myths are passed down through generations, often reinforced by anecdotes, social media, or pop culture.
Is it dangerous to believe in these myths?
Yes, some myths can have serious health consequences. For example, believing that vaccines cause autism can lead to many problems.
How much water should I drink daily?
There is no universal rule. Your hydration needs depend on factors like age, activity level, climate, and diet. Just drink when you are thirsty.
Do we really use only 10% of our brain?
Brain scans have proven that we use virtually all parts of our brain, even when we are sleeping. The idea that 90% of the brain is dormant has been debunked by the neurologists.
Does cracking your knuckles lead to arthritis?
Cracking knuckles is caused by gas bubbles bursting in joint fluid and. Many studies have failed to show any significant associations between knuckle cracking and arthritis.