At some point in your life, you probably heard such items as "you must drink eight glasses of water every day." How true are these sayings? Are they urban myths?
Believe it or not, there are many health related urban myths. Some were debunked a long time ago and some are still being tested to see if there is any accuracy to them. Most of them won’t hurt you, though some could cause serious harm. Knowledge is your key.
Myth #1, Acne is caused by poor hygiene. Pretty much the opposite is likely to be true. Scouring your face frequently can cause damage, strip your skin of needed oils and clog your pores. Your best bet is to use a non-oil based soap, a toner and an oil-free moisturizer. The first two can be very expensive, but they don’t have to be. In your grocery store’s soap aisle, usually on the bottom shelf, you’ll find oat soap and distilled witch hazel. These are an inexpensive cleanser and toner.
Myth #2, All carbs are bad. Not only are there good carbohydrates, you will be at risk for several serious medical conditions if you skip them. Whole grains are a good example. They provide fiber, which has several purposes. Fiber helps keep you regular and it helps move less desirable substances from being absorbed. Fiber also helps you feel full faster and for a longer period of time.
Most fruits and vegetables are high in carbohydrates, but if you avoid them you are at risk for deficiency diseases. These also provide hydration and fiber. The closer to raw you eat them, the better the benefits.
Myth #3, Boosting milk supply is necessary. For most women, this is not true. Your body will produce what is needed as it’s needed. If you are having a problem with producing enough milk, speak to your doctor or an expert in proper breastfeeding techniques.
In the old days, women would regularly resort to herbs known to improve supply. Unfortunately, some of them can cause serious problems, especially in newborns. As an example, fennel consumption by the mom can lead to serious neurological problems in the infant. Fenugreek, another herb used for this purpose, could cause serious fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Myth #4, Butter on a burn. This is a really bad idea. Placing butter or any other substance that seals in the heat will make the burn worse. Before anything else, cool the burn. You can use cool water or a lint free cloth dipped in a solution of one part vinegar to six parts water. If the burn is deep, dark red or has black areas, go to the emergency room. That sort of burn requires immediate medical intervention.
Myth #5, Eight glasses of water a day. I’ve tried to drink eight glasses of water a day, and it just doesn’t happen. However, most of us don’t really require that amount. That’s because we get fluids in other ways, not just from water. Most of our foods have liquid in them, particularly if it is a fruit.
I suspect the reason this myth is out there is to make sure we at least try to remain hydrated. Remember that when you start to feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. If you are eating a sensible diet, you may require six or fewer glasses.
Myth #6) Feed a cold, starve a fever. A cold doesn’t mean you need to eat more and a fever doesn’t mean you should starve yourself. When you are ill, eat a sensible amount of easily digestible foods. Increase your liquids as well. You may find that grandma’s chicken soup is quite welcome in both of these conditions as it provides both nourishment and fluids.
Myth #7, Pickle cravings are a sure sign of pregnancy. Not necessarily, though pregnant women often crave specific things. Most experts agree that a pickle craving is probably being caused by a subconscious desire for salt. I found in my pregnancies that when I craved a specific food, it was a subtle indication I needed a certain category of nourishment. These were mostly for milk and oranges (not together…). Listen to what your body is really telling you.
In all of these myths there may be an element of truth. This is true of many myths, both urban and other types. When it comes to your health, if you’re not sure about something, ask your doctor. In this instance, an ounce of wisdom will definitely beat a pound of cure.
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