10 Public Health Myths Debunked

Eating popcorns is good for your teeth and bones vs. cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis: Myths or Facts? There are many health misconceptions that people swear by but aren’t close to the truth. Some health magazines or blogs often misguide us to sell out and, we believe in the bold letter headlines without much research. Public health specialists or doctors are the people who can make such statements. Don’t follow diets or make decisions based on health influencers who aren’t medical specialists.

Let’s explore some of the most commonly believed health myths.

MSG (Chinese salt) will make you ill

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a popular flavor enhancer used in Chinese food. In 1968 a doctor wrote a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine claiming it can alter brain cells. The symptoms like nausea, numbness, and dizziness were part of complaints received when eating at a Chinese restaurant. His findings were not backed up by research and so nullified.

The American Chemical Society claims that “When ingested in large quantities on an empty stomach, MSG can temporarily impair a small number of people. For the vast majority of people, though, it is safe.” MSG is just a common amino acid with a sodium atom in it, and it isn’t altering your brain cells. Many allegations are made on various types of foods, attaching their consumption to be cancer-causing. The public health sector needs to continue busting myths like these. You can get enrolled in the online MPH program to become a healthcare policy analyst, public health educator, research analyst, and be part of medical research.

Microwaving food is harmful

There are many health misconceptions around microwaving your food. Using a microwave to heat your food is declared to be dangerous, stating it causes cancer or heart problems. The microwave will only heat your food and nothing else. It even preserves nutrients better than any other cooking method; because the food in the microwave exposes to the heat for a shorter duration. The electromagnetic radiation a microwave emits is similar to those your cell phone also casts; it does not cause any health concerns. The radiation coming from X-Ray machines, cell phones, or any home appliances are not strong enough to alter cells in our bodies.

Cracking knuckles causes arthritis

The only harm you are doing by cracking your knuckles is annoying your peers. If you have a habit of cracking your knuckles and people have been telling you it causes joint problems, it’s a total myth. The creak, crack, or pop noises you get from cracking knuckles are just the harmless release of gases from fluid in your joints. If you have any pain while cracking those joints, it’s better to get your bone health checked.

Public toilet seats harbor infections and diseases

It’s not just the toilet seat you need to be careful about; the taps or door handles are just as bad. Chances of catching germs from the toilet seat are quite low. Don’t avoid public toilets if you need to because holding your urine is not good for your bladder. The best way to use the public toilet is to use sanitizer after it and avoid keeping your bag on the bathroom floor.

We need eight glasses of water every day

We all know about the unsaid rule of drinking at least 6 – 8 glasses of water daily. The more water you drink, the clearer your skin, or the more weight you lose. All of these aren’t close to facts but mere myths. The truth is our bodies tell us when we are thirsty, and that’s about it. Everyone has different hydration needs, and water is the best beverage to keep you hydrated. Fruits and vegetables also contain water and can help keep us hydrated. Your water intake depends on your activities and meals, so manage your consumption accordingly.

Eating chocolate causes acne

A myth busted after a ton of research gave less or no evidence in the connection between eating chocolate and acne. Sugar does impact your skin but, enjoying an occasional chocolate bar isn’t going to cause acne. Good skin condition comes with a balanced healthy diet, so don’t cut off chocolates. You can switch to dark chocolates as they contain less sugar. Meanwhile, make sure to consume collagen-producing nutrients like Vitamin C and fatty acids. 

Eating eggs causes high cholesterol

Scientists have long debunked this myth; in fact, an adult can eat eggs thrice a week in their healthy diet. Eggs don’t affect your cholesterol levels; the reality is eating eggs is good for your heart. Eggs are a good source of protein, saturated fats, vitamin B 6, B 12, and vitamin D. So go ahead and have a whole boiled egg in your diet.

Juice cleanse helps detox

The truth is you don’t need anything to detox; your body will naturally cleanse itself by removing harmful chemicals through the liver. Juicing up fruits and vegetables removes fiber from them. While adding sugar to juices makes them as bad as fizzy drinks. Some juices may be good for you but no better than the whole fruit itself.

Deodorants can cause breast cancer

The National Cancer Institute states there is little or no evidence linking deodorants with breast cancer. Antiperspirants are applied on the outer layer of the skin and aren’t going to cause harm to the cells. There is no need to sweat; deodorants don’t cause cancer.

Multivitamins are essential in a healthy diet

Multivitamins are not substitutes for the nutrients you have missed in your diet. Your doctor is the best person to suggest if you need to take multivitamins. However, pregnant women need Folic acid calcium iron. Otherwise, it’s better to stick to a healthy diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, meat, etc.

Conclusion

Myths and rumors will always be part of medical science, don’t follow anything blindly. To confirm a fact or bust a myth, do your research, or talk to a medical health specialist. It takes years of research and evidence to conclude facts. Often new studies nullify old findings. Keeping yourself well informed and updated by the source of your doctor is best.