Buzz
We live in a world of complexity, yet most of us are only experts in a handful of areas, if that. We encounter many claims, some of which sound odd and have been passed down through generations, even centuries. These beliefs often stem from gossip, superstition, tradition, misconceptions, marketing, and other unreliable sources.
Sadly, we rarely question these beliefs, some of which have become ingrained in our thinking, accepted because, seemingly, everyone else believes them too. This list highlights ten common myths about our bodies that many continue to hold onto.
10. Eyelash Loss Equals Bad Luck
Michael Van Der Ham starts his article on the topic of lost eyelashes with a curious question: Have you ever heard the old saying, 'If your eyelashes fall out, someone is talking badly about you'? If not, don't be surprised—it’s an old wives' tale that has existed for many years. Indeed, it's true that we lose our eyelashes.
Eyelashes occasionally fall out due to factors like genetics, age, medical conditions, eye rubbing, or the use of harsh makeup removers and mascaras. However, losing a lash now and then doesn’t mean we’ll go blind, or that our wishes will come true if we blow the eyelash away. Rest assured, those lost lashes will be replaced in time. In short, losing eyelashes doesn’t bring bad luck.
9. We Can Sweat Out Toxins and Lose Fat Through Sweat
Many people have heard, and may even still believe, that sweating can rid our bodies of toxins or melt away fat. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Sweating is a natural process designed to cool our bodies down. In fact, our sweat is made up of 99% water, leaving very little room for the body to expel harmful substances, as some wellness centers or saunas claim.
The idea that we can sweat out toxins or burn fat through sweating is a misconception. Only our liver, with help from the kidneys, can detoxify the body, and all we sweat off in the sauna or during exercise is water weight. As Dr. Pariser, a dermatology professor, explains, 'The next time you drink a glass of water, that weight will all be back.'
8. Fluoride Is Dangerous to Our Health
Even today, some people continue to believe that fluoride poses a health risk to both themselves and others. During the 1940s and 1950s, when water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States, conspiracy theories emerged, claiming that it was 'a communist plot' or a 'government mind-control scheme.'
According to Susan Goldhaber, who holds a master’s degree in public health and wrote an article for the American Council on Science and Health, lawsuits have now replaced those old conspiracy theories. When opposing sides couldn’t find common ground, a judge delayed the trial until the National Toxicology Program published its report on the 'Neurotoxicity of Fluoride.'
While the report did suggest a possible link between fluoride and reduced IQs, Goldhaber emphasizes that correlation doesn’t imply causation. She points out that not all studies support the idea that fluoridation lowers IQ, and many other factors must be considered before determining a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Matthew Solan, executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, rejects the claim that fluoride is harmful to health. He cites numerous studies that refute the idea that standard fluoride levels in drinking water cause heart disease, allergies, genetic mutations, or other health issues. However, he acknowledges that fluoride can be dangerous when consumed in excessive amounts, but only if someone were to drink '5,000 to 10,000 glasses of fluoridated water in one day.'
7. Varicose Veins Only Affect Women
Although varicose veins are more common in women, men can also suffer from this condition. According to the American Society for Vascular Surgery, over 20 million Americans are affected by varicose veins, and heredity, not gender, determines who will develop them. Both men and women are susceptible to these swollen or twisted blood vessels.
The idea that surgery is the only way to treat varicose veins is also a misconception. As noted by Piedmont Healthcare, noninvasive treatments, such as wearing compression stockings, engaging in regular exercise, cutting back on salt intake, elevating the legs, and losing weight, can also help manage the condition.
6. Cracking Knuckles Leads to Arthritis and Enlarges Them
So, eyelash loss doesn’t bring bad luck, and fluoride in drinking water is safe, but surely cracking knuckles leads to arthritis and makes the knuckles grow larger, right?
Not at all. This is another enduring misconception. The sound of knuckles cracking might seem painful or concerning, but it doesn’t cause any lasting harm. When you crack your knuckles, the knuckle joint capsule stretches, creating a vacuum that causes gases in the synovial fluid (a natural lubricant) to rush in and fill the space.
Although cracking your knuckles might seem like an annoying habit, it doesn’t actually lead to any joint damage, including arthritis, according to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. In fact, the sensation of cracked knuckles can feel relieving, as it temporarily increases mobility and makes the joints feel looser.
While some studies have shown that popping your knuckles could potentially reduce grip strength, others suggest that habitual knuckle cracking may actually improve the range of motion in the fingers.
The common belief that cracking your knuckles leads to bigger joints is likely a misconception. According to plastic surgeon Lara Devgan, there’s no evidence to support this claim. However, it’s possible that over time, knuckle cracking could result in some swelling, particularly as a person ages.
5. Our Ears Don't Need Frequent Cleaning
Many of us may feel the need to clean our ears regularly, but for the vast majority, this isn’t necessary. Registered nurse Lisa Hellwege explains that for 95% of people, the ears naturally clean themselves. Skin follicles in the ear canal act like a conveyor belt, moving dirt and earwax toward the outer ear, where it either falls out or washes away naturally over time.
Cleaning out our ears isn’t necessary unless we experience an unusual buildup of earwax. In the rare case this occurs, our bodies will signal us through symptoms such as hearing loss, a blocked feeling, tinnitus, itching, pain, discharge, odor, or even a cough, according to Hellwege.
4. Dandruff Doesn’t Stem from a Dry Scalp
Dandruff is a common nuisance that most people try to avoid. While many dandruff shampoos claim to hydrate and clean a dry scalp, dandruff itself, though it may be linked to a dry scalp, isn’t actually caused by dryness.
As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, dry scalp can be itchy and flaky and may result from contact dermatitis (often caused by a particular shampoo), low humidity, cold weather, aging, or more serious conditions like psoriasis, scalp ringworm, or actinic keratosis, a precancerous issue that requires a dermatologist’s attention. Symptoms such as constant itching, red rash, or a warm, swollen, or painful scalp should also prompt a visit to a professional. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Recommendations for dry scalp relief include using a mild, moisturizing shampoo, shampooing less frequently, managing stress, drinking more water, quitting smoking, and using a humidifier.
So what exactly causes dandruff? It’s often the result of an imbalance between too much oil and too little moisture, which leads to the buildup of skin cells. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, a red, oily, and scaly scalp will form as the skin flakes off, causing dandruff. Using a gentle, non-medicated shampoo for dry scalp can help reduce the dryness and flakes, providing relief from itching and flaking.
3. We Have Two Noses
In her article for Atlantic titled 'Everything I Thought I Knew About Nasal Congestion Is Wrong,' Sarah Zhang admits her mistake in believing she only had one nose. She came to realize that, just like everyone else, she actually has two noses. This lesson was taught to her by Ronald Eccles, a nasal expert who once led the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in Wales.
Upon examining the nose from the inside, it's clear that each nostril leads to a distinct nasal cavity, and these two cavities don't directly connect. As Eccles points out, they are 'two independent organs, as separate as your two ears or your two eyes,' operating in an alternating pattern that is mysteriously linked to our armpits.
Zhang also compares the nose to the penis, explaining that the nose contains erectile tissue that can become engorged with blood. When infection or allergies cause this tissue to swell excessively, the nasal passages can become entirely blocked. The true cause of a stuffy nose, she reveals, is this swelling, not mucus. Decongestants help by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, temporarily opening the blocked passages.
2. Wounds Need Air to Heal
We’ve all likely heard the phrase: 'Wounds won’t heal without air.' Many still believe this, but it’s as much of a misconception as some of the other myths on this list. Tim Newman’s article on Medical News Today debunks this belief, revealing that the truth is quite the opposite.
According to Hywel C. Williams, a professor of dermato-epidemiology, 'Wounds heal more effectively in a clean, moist environment.' Dr. Beth G. Goldstein, a dermatologist, further clarifies that during the early stages of healing, 'cells move more efficiently to start and continue the healing process in a moist setting.' The best approach is to keep a wound covered with Aquaphor or a similar ointment and bandage, assuming there’s no infection present.
1. Fat Is Harmful
We’re all aware that fat is bad for us. It contributes to heart disease, raises blood sugar, increases cholesterol levels, and leads to weight gain. Fat is unhealthy, right? Actually, this is a misconception. As outlined in The Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes article 'Debunking Myths About Fat,' one reason we misunderstand fat is that it comes in multiple types: saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fat.
In reality, fat is essential for our diet. As the article points out, fats provide energy, 'essential fatty acids that our bodies can't produce.' They also support various bodily functions, including hormone regulation, temperature control, immune response, reproduction, insulin signaling, and nutrient absorption. To avoid fat raising blood sugar, it's advised to replace carbs or saturated fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which don't increase overall cholesterol or LDL (bad cholesterol).
Trans fats are known to increase cholesterol levels, but it remains uncertain whether saturated fats have the same effect, though they might raise LDL cholesterol. For this reason, it is advisable to remove trans fats from your diet and to limit saturated fats. Moreover, studies have shown that individuals who consume moderate to high amounts of fat tend to lose the same or even more weight compared to those on a low-fat diet, suggesting that not all dietary fat turns into body fat.
