We often come across health myths that make us question what we know about our bodies. It can be confusing, especially when we’re not sure which ones to believe and which ones to toss away. We’ve rounded up 15 of the most common health myths and debunked them to give you the facts. Read on to find out what you need to know.
Women Shouldn’t Lift Heavy Weights Because They’ll “Bulk Up”
Ladies, don’t be afraid of lifting heavy weights. It’s a fact that the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. However, it’s impossible for women to bulk up like bodybuilders naturally do. The female body doesn’t have the same hormone levels as men to achieve that kind of muscle mass.
Lifting weights will help you tone your body and achieve a strong physique.
You Can Get the Flu From the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine contains dead or weakened viruses that can’t cause the flu. It’s true that some people experience mild side effects like a low-grade fever or muscle aches after getting the shot, but it’s nothing compared to having the actual flu.
The flu can be deadly, especially for high-risk individuals such as seniors and young children.
Cutting Out Gluten Is a Good Way to Lose Weight
Gluten-free diets are meant for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. There is no evidence that cutting out gluten will help you lose weight. In fact, many gluten-free products are higher in calories and sugar than their gluten-containing counterparts. If you don’t have celiac disease, there’s no need to eliminate gluten from your diet.
You Can’t Get Pregnant if You’re Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control. It may lower your chances of getting pregnant, but it’s still possible to conceive while breastfeeding. It’s important to use contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Reading in Dim Light Will Damage Your Eyes
This myth has been around for decades, but it’s not true. Reading in dim light won’t damage your eyes. It may cause eye strain and fatigue, but it won’t cause permanent damage. However, it’s still a good idea to have sufficient lighting when reading to avoid eye strain.
Health-Food-Store Supplements Are Safer Than Prescription Drugs
Just because a supplement is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to do your research before taking any. Some supplements can interact with prescription drugs or cause adverse side effects. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Starve a Cold/Feed a Fever
The old saying “starve a cold, feed a fever” has no scientific basis. The body needs nutrients to recover from any illness. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential for your body to fight off any infection. This means feeding your body healthy foods and plenty of liquids.
Only People With Fair Skin Need to Use Sunscreen
Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs to use sunscreen. Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s especially important to protect your skin during peak sun hours and when participating in outdoor activities.
Sweating Helps Detoxify Your Body
Sweating doesn’t purge toxins from your body. Sweating is a natural cooling mechanism that helps regulate your body temperature. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to support your body’s natural detoxification process.
A Heart Attack Feels Like an Elephant Sitting on Your Chest
A heart attack can cause chest pain or pressure, but it can also cause other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and jaw or arm pain. Women may experience different symptoms than men, such as back pain or stomach discomfort. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
You Need to Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day
The amount of water you need to drink varies depending on your body weight, activity level, and climate. The “eight glasses a day” rule is a myth. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough water to keep your urine a light yellow color.
Pay attention to your body’s signals. It will tell you when it needs hydration. Signs like a headache or feeling tired are some signs to watch out for.
Eggs Cause High Cholesterol
Eggs are a healthy source of protein and other nutrients. They contain cholesterol, but the cholesterol in eggs doesn’t have a significant impact on cholesterol levels in most people. It’s important to eat eggs in moderation and balance them with other nutrient-dense foods.
Only Young People Need to Worry About STDs
STDs are becoming more prevalent in the older population. It’s important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly, regardless of your age. STDs can cause serious health problems and should be taken seriously.
No Pain, No Gain
Pain is not a good indicator of a successful workout. Pushing yourself too hard can cause injury or lead to burnout. It’s important to listen to your body and aim to challenge yourself without causing unnecessary stress or pain.
The Best Way to Get Vitamin D Is From Sun Exposure
While the sun is the best source of vitamin D, it’s not always safe or practical. Sun exposure can lead to skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. Vitamin D supplements or foods such as fatty fish and fortified milk are good alternatives to getting your daily dose of vitamin D.
Conclusion
Health myths can be confusing, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We hope we’ve debunked some common health myths that you’ve heard. Remember to always consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. Stay healthy and know the facts to make informed decisions about your health.
Is Ozempic Safe? What You Need to Know
Many women and men are flocking to their doctors to join the latest weight loss craze – Ozempic. But how safe is it?
7 Simple Tips to Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
As we age, it gets harder and harder to get in a full good night’s sleep. These 7 tips will help you sleep better and hopefully throughout the night.
