Common Health Myths - Busted

You may have heard it first from your Grandma, or it may have been passed on by word of mouth-but you’re sure it’s not true. Or maybe it is. Here are some common health myths-exposed. Fact or fabrication? You’ll know now!

Myth 1: If you go out with wet hair, you’ll catch cold

Wet hair and cold have very little in common. You’re more likely to catch cold if you’re exposed to the viruses and your immunity is low. In fact, studies show that staying wet for a couple of hours makes you feel chilly and sad, but it definitely has nothing to do with catching cold.

Myth 2: You can’t opt for a normal delivery once you’ve had a caesarean

Though most women having undergone a C-section previously, do opt for another one, studies have shown that more than 70% women trying a normal delivery after the caesarean, succeed. In some cases though, especially when the pelvis is contracted, opting for a C-section is wise.

However, if the previous C-section was performed due to other reasons like fetal distress, a normal delivery can be performed easily under supervision.

Myth 3: Eating less will make you slim

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This health myth has been making the rounds probably since the time size zero was ‘in’. However, indulging in this kind of behavior for long periods could be hard on your health. You’ll be more likely to suffer from low blood pressure and eating disorders if your follow these crazy diet plans you’ve picked up from some magazines or the TV. Also, studies show that following diet plans made for other people could aggravate your heart or kidney problems.

Remember that every person has a different body, a different metabolism rate and a different way to deal with foods. If that extra fat on your belly is your matter of concern, make an appointment with a dietician who will be better able to suggest which diet is right for you.

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Myth 4: If you sit too close to the TV, you’ll ruin your vision

Sitting too close to the TV is a sign of near-sightedness. You’ll need to get your eyes check for this if you have a habit of sitting close to the TV. However, studies have shown that there’s not enough proof to determine that watching TV from a short distance damages the eyes. In fact, sitting too far away may strain your eyes.

Myth 5: Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis

Cracking knuckles does not lead to arthritis. If your parents are concerned when you crack your knuckles, tell them not to worry. It is only people having arthritis that need to worry about it. It’s just that the nitrogen bubble between your knuckle bones burst into many more bubbles, giving that obsessive cracking noise that’s compelling you to do so.

Myth 6: Flossing regularly is good for your teeth

Research says that flossing is good for your teeth. It helps remove the extra bits of food stuck between your teeth that refuse to come out even after brushing. People with crooked or overlapping teeth should floss 1-2 times a week or as and when required. But flossing every day after brushing is definitely harmful for your teeth. The friction caused due to moving the string to and fro erodes the area between the teeth and increases the gap between them, making them look ugly and more susceptible to cavities in the long run.

Myth 7: The best way to lose weight is to skip oil

In the desperation to shed the few extra pounds, many have ended up losing oil in their daily diet. Completely skipping oil is not a good idea. Research shows that healthy oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are a rich source of MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids), PUFA (poly-unsaturated fatty acids), linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and many other heart healthy substances that contribute to dropping those kilos when consumed within certain limits.

Totally avoiding fats would cause several deficiency problems in the long run. Exercise moderation in your diet.

Myth 8: Herbal medicines are harmless

Too much of everything is bad. Even herbs. Though these are truly a gift of Nature, abusing them may lead to several disorders. Remember that some of the pills you’ve been popping too have herb extracts as their component, which when consumed in excess can lead to several physiological problems.

Pregnant women and heart and kidney patients need to be extra careful while opting for herbal medicines, especially when taking them without a prescription. It’s best to consult an Ayurvedic physician first before trying out any herbal formulas.

Myth 9: Shaved hair grows back faster

No matter what you do-shave, wax or thread, your hair will grow back at the same pace and will not turn darker or coarser. Shaved hair, when grown back appears darker due to its rough end. As it starts tapering, it will then appear normal. None of these hair epilating methods will affect your hair follicle, making your hair grow darker or coarser.

Myth 10: We use only 10% of our brain.

Brain imaging studies have discovered this presumption to be false. Images of the brain proved that at mediocre work, every part of the brain is fully functional. This myth is thought to be a by-product of the marketing ideas of people selling tonics to boost brain power.

Source-Medindia