There is a lot of health advice available, but not all of it is true. Many patients are surprised to learn that some of the oldest and widely repeated health tips are actually disputed by medical professionals. Here are five of the most frequently overheard health myths:
1) You need to drink eight glasses of water a day.
Scientists have found that simply drinking water when you’re thirsty is enough to stay healthily hydrated, in most cases. They have also found that you can get the same benefits from such sources of water as fruit, vegetables, soups, and juices. On the other hand, people who live in hot climates and/or are very physically active may actually need to drink more than eight cups to stay properly hydrated. One way to determine if you’re getting enough water is to check the color of your urine; if it’s pale, you’re likely getting enough, while dark urine means you need to drink more.
2) Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
According to medical authorities, what really happens is that popping or cracking knuckles pulls gas into the joints, and it takes about half an hour for that gas to dissipate. It doesn’t cause the cartilage damage that can result in arthritis, but it might make the joints less stable and thus weaken your grip.
3) You need less sleep as you get older.
Actually, the National Institute of Health states that older adults need the same amount of sleep as their younger counterparts do: seven to nine hours. Unfortunately, older adults tend to have more trouble falling and staying asleep, so they get less of the REM sleep needed to stay healthy. Some researchers believe there’s a link between sleeplessness and cognitive decline in older adults. If older adults could get more and better sleep, they would be less susceptible to cognitive decline.
4) You need to take a multivitamin every day.
Not necessarily. Most people don’t need to take multivitamins if they’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, pregnant women should take folic acid to reduce the chances of congenital defects. If your doctor recommends taking multivitamins, then do so.
5) Exercise makes joint pain worse.
Actually, the opposite is true. It’s lack of exercise that exacerbates stiff and sore joints. Exercise keeps the muscles working and can relieve the aches and fatigue associated with arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually recommends exercise for arthritis patients, because it can help them stay mobile and independent. It doesn’t have to be vigorous exercise, either. Low-impact exercises that emphasize flexibility and balance can be very helpful.
Top 5 Health Myths to Ignore
Posted On: 03-17-2017
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