Healthy Living

Health Myths

Mom Wasn't Always Right

Let's face it, at some point your mother gave you health advice. Whether it was telling you that sitting too close to the television causes blindness or to "feed a cold, starve a fever," she was only looking out for your own good. When it comes right down to it though, a few are actually true while others should be taken with a grain of salt.

Sticky Situation

If you think it takes seven years to digest swallowed gum, think again. According to experts, after gum is ingested into your body, it will process the same way as other swallowed particles -- simply passing through your system within 24 hours. While the body has a challenging time breaking down the rubbery substance, it will exit your body the same way it entered, as an intact piece of gum.

Feed a Cold

Your mother may have given you advice to "feed a cold and starve a fever," but this is one of the few instances where she was actually wrong. While this myth does take into account that your body needs energy to fight a cold, you also need fuel in order to combat a fever. As for the doctor's orders? Stay at home, eat healthy food and take a lot of fluids.

Apple-licious

According to Holly Phillips, M.D., affiliated with Lenox Hospital in New York City and medical correspondent for WCBS-TV, the mantra "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is true ... sort of. "Apples are very healthful and contain antioxidants that help fight cancer, stroke and heart disease."

Dr. Phillips is an advocate of apples since they are packed with pectin, a soluble fiber which helps the body eliminate cholesterol and fends off environmental toxins. Though it's not guaranteed they'll keep the doctor away, they certainly can help.

Swimming Delay

Whether you've eaten a light snack or big meal, it matters not. Your mother's health advice of waiting an hour after eating before going swimming is, well, all washed up. "While it's healthy to wait a little while before swimming to avoid cramps, you don't necessarily need to wait an entire hour," advises Dr. Phillips. She points out that professional athletes often eat prior to training or competing and don't necessarily wait an entire hour before plunging in.

Acne Attack

Chocolate lovers will breathe a collective sigh of relief to know that unlike your mother's mantra, chocolate consumption will not cause acne. Quite the contrary, chocolate contains anti-oxidants which aid better skin complexion. The real cause of acne, experts say, encompasses a variety of factors such as bacteria in pores, stress levels, the accumulation of dead skin cells and hormonal activity. The next time you want to reach for a candy bar, go ahead; it won't have adverse effects on your skin.

TV Blindness

Sitting too close to the television will not cause blindness, although your mother may beg to differ. Rather, the underlying causes of blindness and visual impairment are linked to disease and malnutrition. For instance, cataracts and glaucoma are the most common ailments associated with blindness. However, if you sit closer than two feet away from the television, you may need to visit the eye doctor to test your eyes for nearsightedness.

Chicken Soup

"Eating chicken soup can indirectly help fight a cold," confirms John Corso, M.D., a board-certified internist for 20 years. While it's not necessarily a direct cure to the common cold, it indirectly helps fight the ailment. He notes that when we are sick, we become dehydrated. Hot soup restores two vital ingredients in our bodies: water and salt, which are needed to hydrate your body.

Knuckle Cracking

Contrary to popular belief, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis. Rather, arthritis is caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, age, weight, previous injury, high-level sports and joint infections. Experts say that cracking your knuckles by bending or pulling your fingers will stretch out the lubricant between joints, known as synovial fluid. Bubbles then form in the fluid and they burst, hence the pop sound. Essentially, knuckle cracking addicts may overextend their ligaments and lose some grip strength.