10 Health Myths

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1. You can catch up on missed sleep. False.

Trying to catch up on sleep by sleeping in on weekends can actually sabotage you. Your sleep-deprived brain will be more prone to mistakes and cognitive dysfunction. Give your body several days to catch up by consistently going to bed and waking up at the same time and getting at least 6-7 quality hours of sleep.

2. Cold weather causes you to get sick. False.

While it is true the cold/flu season runs October-March, we become sick because we spend more time indoors where there is a decrease in humidity and increase in indoor temperature, making our mucous membranes vulnerable to germs, the real cause of illness.

3. You’ll lose weight if you eat smaller meals throughout the day. False.

A recent study in Cell Metabolism indicated that restricting food to specific periods of day leads to less weight gain in comparison to grazing which caused obesity in test subjects, suggesting the traditional three meals a day plan is best for the average person.

4. If you swallow gum, it stays in your body for seven years. False.

Gum digests as quickly as any other foods – about three days.

5. Coffee is worse for you than soda. False.

A tall iced coffee may have more caffeine than a can of Coke but it won’t give you ulcers, it’s not full of artificial ingredients, it won’t destroy tooth enamel and it won’t lead to obesity and diabetes (unless you add a lot of sugar or artificial sweetener). Coffee is also one of the largest sources of life-extending antioxidants.

6. Cracking knuckles causes arthritis. False.

The popping sound is caused by an air bubble in the sinovial fluid that gathers in the cavities of digits and joints. It may cause some grip weakness later in life.

7. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. True.

Eating apples reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly. Apples contain the antioxidant poly-phenol that fights heart disease, prevents colds, protects against cancer and slows the aging process in cells.

8. Feed a cold and starve a fever. False.

Feed and drink both a cold and fever based on how the patient feels, focusing on keeping the patient hydrated. Avoid dairy, acidic juices or lemonade. Clear liquids like flat 7-up or Coke and electrolyte fluids such as Pedialyte are best. Avoid plain water. Start with light food like Jell-O and broth.

9. You lose 30% of body heat through your head. False.

An adult only loses about 10% of body heat from his/her head, the same amount lost from any exposed body part such as hands, neck or face.

10. Never swim one hour after eating. False.

Feel free to dive in after a huge buffet lunch. Because your blood is now directed towards your gastrointestinal system to digest you food, you don’t have to worry about muscular cramps. Don’t expect to win any Olympic medals in freestyle, but enjoy a relaxing game of water volleyball.

Where these myths come from? How do they even start? I don't think we will ever find out, but now we know the truth!

Here's to your wellness,

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