8 Health Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Body
Discover the truth behind common health myths that might be secretly sabotaging your well-being—and learn what really keeps your body thriving!
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Several commonly held health myths might be causing more harm than good, ranging from juice cleanses that rob your body of nutrients to the myth that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. Misinformation regarding hydration, fat intake, and exercise can result in unhealthy choices that affect your well-being. By disproving these myths with science-based facts, you can make wiser choices to nourish your body and live a healthier, more balanced life.
1. “You Need to Detox With Juice Cleanses”
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Your kidneys and liver already do a great job of detoxifying your body—no costly juice cleanse is needed. Most detox diets are low in nutrients and can cause muscle loss, fatigue, and even blood sugar crashes. Instead, eat a balanced diet with high-fiber foods and lots of water to keep your body’s natural detox system running smoothly.
2. “Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis”
Scheich Méshaël Zāhedd from Unsplash
Good news for chronic knuckle crackers—there is no scientific basis for it causing arthritis. The cracking noise is due to gas bubbles in the synovial fluid between your joints, not bones rubbing together. But excessive cracking may over time reduce grip strength, so moderation is advised.
3. “You Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days”
National Cancer Institute from Unsplash
UV rays travel through clouds, so your skin is still in danger even on cloudy days. Omitting sunscreen boosts your risk of premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Get SPF into your daily routine to keep your skin protected throughout the year.
4. “Eating Fat Makes You Fat”
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Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil are necessary for brain functioning, hormone balance, and energy. The true offender in the weight gain stakes is eating too many calories in general, not necessarily what they are. An even-balanced diet with healthy fats can actually help to maintain a healthy weight.
5. “You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day”
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Though hydration is very important, your water requirements are based on age, activity level, and climate. Most people are getting enough fluid from food, tea, and other drinks without reaching the 8-glass benchmark. Pay attention to your body—if you’re thirsty, drink!
6. “Microwaving Food Removes Nutrients”
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In practice, microwaving tends to retain more nutrients than boiling or frying since it employs shorter cooking times and reduced water usage. Nutrients such as vitamin C and B vitamins are more prone to be destroyed with extended heat exposure. So, zap those vegetables guilt-free!
7. “You Can ‘Sweat Out’ a Cold”
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Excessive perspiring won’t hasten your recuperation and may actually result in dehydration. Your immune system works most effectively against colds with rest, fluids, and adequate nutrition. Warming yourself up in anticipation of a cure can only make you worse.
8. “More Exercise Is Always Better”
Jonathan Borba from Unsplash
Excessive exercise can tire your muscles, deplete your immune system, and cause burnout or injury. Your body requires time to rest, rebuild, and grow stronger after exercise. Quality is more important than quantity—respect your body and include rest days.