Health myths to unlearn

Misinformation isn’t just a weird WhatsApp message that’s been forwarded a few hundred times or a funny (but patently untrue) story your friend heard from a cousin.

When it comes to your health, a myth can make all the difference between getting the right care in time or making a choice that puts your life at risk.

Good intentions – harmful outcomes

Many health myths start from a good place, that is, with good intentions to protect and keep people safe. However, as they spread and mix within cultures, other viewpoints, opinions, and actual facts, well, the result can be a mishmash of confusing information.

A few health myths to unlearn (starting now!)

We’ve always been told that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day. On the face of it, that’s not bad advice. We all need enough water each day to ensure our bodies function at their peak. However, forcing yourself to reach this daily goal can be harmful. Remember, some foods, like fruit, will naturally have water too. Don’t over-hydrate but do make sure you are getting enough water. A good rule of thumb is to check your urine colour: a pale colour usually means you’re adequately hydrated. Plus, listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, you need water!

Does all-natural mean it’s healthy? Not necessarily. We hear a lot about natural remedies and how these are far better for your body and immunity than over-the-counter medications. (And often far easier on your budget!). Natural remedies usually have fewer side-effects and there's no real risk of becoming addicted like you could with painkillers. Medically speaking though, the medicine your doctor or pharmacist prescribes has been thoroughly developed and tested to deal with your specific health problem. Also, plenty of natural products may simply not interact well with your body or existing health conditions. Natural or not, always read the fine print and get medical advice before taking anything.

You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold or the flu. Truthfully, sweating doesn’t cure viral infections. In fact, overexerting yourself when you’re sick can make things worse. When we say, “sweat it out”, we often take a hot bath or sit in a sauna, have a steam shower or do a heavy workout. Yes, these things can loosen mucus, make your nose run, and for an hour or two you feel less stuffed. That’s the temporary relief part. In the long-term, sweating doesn’t cure your cold. Think of it like this: sweat is basically your body’s aircon, mostly water with a tiny bit of electrolytes and vitamins. When your temperature goes up, your nerves tell sweat glands to pour water onto your skin; when that water evaporates you cool down. But sweat isn’t medicine. It doesn’t shorten how long the virus needs to run its course.

Speaking of colds and flu, what about antibiotics? People often turn to antibiotics to fight colds and flu, but this is harmful in the long run. Colds and flu are viral, and antibiotics are meant to fight bacteria. So, taking unnecessary antibiotics can cause side-effects and antibiotic resistance (they stop working when you really need them). Use antibiotics only when prescribed for a bacterial infection. With viral illnesses, you need rest, fluids and specific care for the various symptoms. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.