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As children, we were often bombarded with advice about our health, some of which were passed down through generations. However, many of these notions we once held—or were told to believe—in our younger years were grounded in scientific evidence.
In this blog, we will debunk 11 health myths that you may have heard as a child, shedding light on the truth behind these misconceptions.
Common health myths from childhood
Myth 1: Eating carrots improves your eyesight.
Fact: While carrots are a nutritious vegetable and are rich in beta-carotene, they do not possess magical powers to enhance your vision. It takes a whole lot more to protect your eyesight, and if you have poor vision, carrots won’t ensure a future of crystal-clear vision. The belief stems from World War II propaganda, where the British government spread this myth to hide the development of radar technology.
Myth 2: Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years.
Fact: Folklore suggests that swallowed gum stays in your intestine for seven years before it can be digested. But this isn’t true. Rest assured, swallowed gum does not linger in your stomach for years. Although gum isn’t fully digested, it typically passes through the digestive system within a few days, similar to other food items.
Myth 3: Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis.
Fact: Many children are warned that cracking their knuckles will raise your risk for arthritis. However, research has consistently shown no evidence to support the claim. The sound you hear when cracking knuckles is caused by the release of gas bubbles, not by any harm or damage to the joints.
Myth 4: Going outside with wet hair will make you catch a cold.
Fact: Colds are caused by viruses, not by going out with damp hair. While being exposed to cold weather may slightly lower your immunity, it is less likely to increase your chances of catching a cold. However, it’s always a good idea to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid discomfort.
Myth 5: Sugar makes children hyperactive.
Fact: Despite popular belief, numerous scientific studies have failed to establish a direct link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. The sugar-hyperactivity perception of increased energy levels might be due to excitement or the environment, rather than sugar intake.
Myth 6: Sitting too close to the TV damages your eyes.
Fact: Sitting close to the TV may strain your eyes temporarily, but it does not cause permanent damage. However, it is advisable to maintain a reasonable distance to ensure optimal viewing comfort and reduce eye fatigue.
Myth 7: Swallowing watermelon seeds leads to watermelon growing in your stomach.
Fact: This legend claims that eating watermelon seeds can cause them to start sprouting fruits in your stomach. This is purely fictional. Watermelon seeds pass harmlessly through the digestive system without germinating inside the stomach. So, feel free to enjoy that juicy watermelon without any worries!
Myth 8: Going outside without a jacket will make you catch a cold.
Fact: From a scientific perspective, there is no substantial evidence that being exposed to cold temperatures may lower your immunity slightly, it is not the sole factor responsible for catching a cold. Proper hygiene and handwashing play a significant role in preventing illness.
Myth 9: You should wait for 30-60 minutes after eating a meal before swimming.
Fact: For generations, parents have warned their children not to swim for an hour after eating, citing the stomach’s inability to cope with both digestion and the exertion of swimming, resulting in stomach cramps that can cause the child to struggle in the water and drown. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Digestion diverts some blood flow to the stomach, but it is not enough to impair swimming abilities.
Myth 10: Shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker.
Fact: Despite popular misconception, shaving your hair does not cause it to grow back thicker or faster. In truth, this is a common misperception. Shaving hair does not change its texture or color. The regrowth may feel coarser due to the blunt tip, but it does not alter the fundamental characteristics of your hair.
Myth 11: Sitting on a pillow will lead to ulcers on your buttocks
Fact: This has absolutely no basis. It probably originated in olden times when pillows were made of cotton and parents wanted to prevent children from sitting on them and making them lose the fluffiness. Though sitting on a pillow for long may cause poor posture and cause discomfort or pain by causing the muscles in the back and legs to tense up.
It’s important to note that these reasons may not apply to everyone, and there may be people for whom sitting on a pillow is completely fine. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is best for your own needs and body.
Closing thoughts
Childhood is a time when we absorb information from various sources, including family, friends, and media. However, it is essential to critically evaluate these beliefs as we grow older and rely on scientific evidence to separate fact from fiction. By debunking these 10 health myths, we hope to encourage a more informed approach to our well-being and foster a greater understanding of how our bodies truly function.
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