When it comes to health, the old saying “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, is very true. There are some great health myths we cling to like lifeline, which in reality has no basis. So to make you more aware, here are some of those health myths we need to bust now:
1. You have to drink eight glasses of water every day: From your grandmother to the beauty websites, everyone implores you to eat eight glasses of water religiously every day. Yes, it is true that adequate amount of water is very important to our body for its proper functioning, but it is not necessary that it has to come from your glass of water! The juices that you drink and the vegetables/fruits that you eat also provide you with water. Even coffee, which is considered to dehydrate body actually provides water that is lost by our body. So the thumb rule is; you drink when you are thirsty and juices, tea, and milk can also be drunk for quenching your thirst. Remember, drinking too much water can lead to a fall in the sodium level in your body; which in turn can lead to electrolyte imbalance.
2. Don’t read in poor light or you will need glasses: Again another myth that you must have heard since your childhood. How many times did your parents scold you for reading comics under the blanket with a torch or trying to read in the moonlight? Well, you can stop scolding your children in future or turn on a big light every time you need to read. What happens when you read in poor light is you squint your eyes and that, in the most, adds crow’s feet! It also tires your eyes, but that can easily be overcome with a good night sleep. The same goes for watching television in low light!
3. Kids become hyper with sugar: Children who are very hyper are most often not given any kind of sugar products in the fear that it will make them more active. This is one myth that most parents adhere to but tests have shown that it is not true. But that does not mean you go ahead and give sugary treats to your children at free will; sugar leads to other problems like obesity and dental problems. So have them in moderation.
4. You need to have a bowl movement once every day: This is again another half truth everyone sincerely believes in. Many go the length of drinking laxatives every day to have a smooth bowel movement in the following morning. But doctors say that it is very normal for a healthy person to not have any movement in a day; alarm should be raised when it is three or less times a week.
5. Acne can be controlled by washing face regularly: Most teenagers who suffer from acne problem wash their face many times in a day to prevent a breakout. The fact is, acne is caused by effects of hormones (which are, unfortunately, on an overdrive at this age) on sebaceous glands. In fact, cleaning your face too much can lead to more acne as your body produces more oil to combat the drying up of your skin!
Being healthy is something everyone should aspire to. But don’t let half-truths or myths guide your schedule for a healthy living.
