Top 10 Medical Myths: What Your Patients Should Know

How many of the following myths have you been told and retold throughout the years, only to discover that they’ve long been disproved? Misinformation, which involves spreading false or inaccurate information (often due to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or incomplete knowledge), can lead to unnecessary patient anxiety, potential treatment delays, and poor health outcomes for millions of people each year.

Let’s identify and explore ten of the most common medical myths:

1. Chewing Gum Stays In Your Stomach for 7 Years

To understand why this is a myth, it’s essential to know how the digestive process works. When you swallow gum, it travels down the esophagus to the stomach, just like any other food. The stomach uses acids and enzymes to break down what we eat. The human digestive system can only process the sugars and oils in this sweet treat, meaning that the gum base, a combination of elastomers, resins, and waxes, is resistant to digestive enzymes.

Despite this, chewing gum does not linger in the stomach for years and has even been considered by researchers as a way to deliver bioactive compounds like Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in turmeric, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been studied for its potential benefits in various health condition. The indigestible parts of gum move through the digestive tract relatively intact and are expelled from the body in the stool. The entire process typically takes a few days.

There are other fascinating misconceptions about other swallowed objects. For example, many people are led to believe that swallowing seeds leads to growing plants inside the body. This is, of course, impossible because the human digestive system lacks the conditions necessary for germination, such as soil and light, but the myth persists. Another common misconception is that swallowed objects will always cause significant harm. While small objects such as coins or buttons usually pass through the digestive system without issue, larger or irregularly shaped objects can pose risks and may require medical attention.

2. Being Exposed to Cold Weather Makes You Sick

Many of us have memories of being told to put on a coat when we ventured outdoors on a chilly day. And while cold weather itself isn’t what makes people sick, it’s a contributing factor to the spread of viruses and bacteria. When temperatures drop, we tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to others, facilitating the spread of disease. In addition, cold temperatures tend to dry out the nasal passages and respiratory tract, reducing the effectiveness of these natural infection barriers. Last, but not least, lower temperatures can preserve viruses for longer periods on surfaces and in the air. When you put all of these factors together; voila, a new wave of the flu spreads across the population.

To prevent illness during cold weather, several strategies can be employed:

Wash Your Hands Often: Regular hand washing with soap and water is crucial. Hand sanitizers can also be effective when soap and water are not available.
Stay Warm: Dress in layers to keep warm and dry. Cold extremities can divert blood flow away from the core, impacting immune function.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can strengthen the immune system.
Get vaccinated: An annual flu shot can significantly reduce the risk of contracting influenza, which is particularly important during the colder months. Just make sure to inform your patients about what to expect and possible side effects (see below).

3. Vaccines Cause the Flu and Autism

In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a study suggesting a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism. This study was later discredited due to serious methodological flaws, ethical violations, and undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Numerous large-scale studies since then have found no credible evidence supporting a connection between vaccines and autism.

Equally unfounded is the myth that flu vaccines give you the flu. After receiving a flu shot, some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches, which can be mistaken for the flu itself. However, those side effects usually resolve within a day or two.

The bottom line is that vaccines are crucial for public health. They protect individuals from infectious diseases and prevent outbreaks that can lead to severe illness, complications, and deaths. Herd immunity, achieved when a significant portion of the population is immunized, helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

4. Cracking Your Knuckles Gives You Arthritis

An unfounded myth, the joint cracking sound occurs due to the rapid release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid within the joint. This fluid lubricates the joints, and when the joint is stretched, the pressure decreases, causing gases to form bubbles that quickly collapse, creating the familiar popping noise.

Numerous studies have investigated the link between knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis. A notable study by Dr. Donald Unger, who cracked the knuckles of one hand for over 60 years while leaving the other uncracked, found no difference in arthritis between the two hands. Similarly, broader studies have shown no significant increase in arthritis risk among habitual knuckle crackers compared to those who do not crack their knuckles.

However, knuckle cracking isn’t entirely risk-free. Potential risks include temporary joint swelling and reduced grip strength due to repetitive motion. In rare cases, aggressive or frequent knuckle cracking can lead to ligament damage or joint injury.

5. Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive

The belief that sugar makes kids hyperactive is a long-standing myth, with roots dating back to the 1970s. The idea gained popularity largely due to anecdotal observations by parents and a study published by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, who suggested that artificial food additives and sugar could lead to hyperactivity in children.

However, additional scientific research has consistently debunked the sugar-hyperactivity myth. Numerous studies have shown no significant link between sugar consumption and increased hyperactivity in children. A notable review published in 1995 analyzed multiple studies and concluded that sugar does not affect the behavior or cognitive performance of children.

Other factors contribute to hyperactive behavior in children. Environmental stimuli, such as crowded and noisy settings, can increase activity levels. Emotional factors, including stress or excitement, also play a significant role. Additionally, underlying medical conditions, such as ADHD, can influence a child’s behavior. It’s important to consider these variables rather than attributing hyperactivity solely to sugar consumption.

6. Antiperspirant Gives You Breast Cancer

The concern that antiperspirant use can cause breast cancer has circulated widely, stemming from the idea that chemicals in antiperspirants, particularly aluminum compounds and parabens, can be absorbed through the skin and affect breast tissue. Some believe these chemicals could interfere with hormone function or cause mutations that lead to cancer.

However, scientific studies have consistently refuted the connection between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. A study published in 2002 specifically investigated the use of antiperspirants and deodorants and found no increase in breast cancer risk among users.

While it’s important to be informed about potential health risks, focusing on well-established risk factors for breast cancer is crucial. Regular breast cancer screenings are essential for early detection and effective treatment. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking—can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

7. You Need to Drink 64 Ounces of Water Daily

The “8 x 8” guideline is a widely accepted but somewhat simplistic approach to hydration. The origins of this guideline are unclear, but it is often attributed to a 1945 recommendation by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, which stated that a suitable water intake for adults is around 64 ounces, or 2.5 liters, per day. However, this total included all beverages and food, not just water.

Individual water needs vary significantly based on several factors, including body size, activity level, climate, health status, and diet. For instance, athletes and people who exercise regularly need more water to compensate for fluid lost through sweat. Similarly, individuals living in hot or humid climates require more water to stay hydrated.

Here are some tips to ensure adequate hydration:

Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a natural indicator that your body needs more fluids.
Consume Water-Rich Foods: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and contribute to overall hydration.
Drink Throughout the Day: Instead of drinking large amounts of water at once, sip water regularly throughout the day.
Adjust for Activity and Environment: Increase your water intake during hot weather, when exercising, or if you’re ill.
Limit Dehydrating Beverages: While beverages like coffee and tea can contribute to hydration, they should be balanced with water.

8. We Only Use 10% of Our Brains

The misconception that humans only use 10% of their brains is a persistent myth that’s been widely debunked. Its origins are somewhat murky, but it’s often misattributed to early 20th-century psychologist William James, who suggested that people only tap into a fraction of their mental potential.

Modern brain imaging studies have thoroughly disproved the notion that we use only 10% of our brains. Techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans show that even simple tasks require activity throughout almost all parts of the brain. These imaging techniques allow scientists to observe brain activity in real time, revealing that virtually every part of the brain has a known function.

The brain’s complexity is staggering. It comprises roughly 86 billion neurons, each connected to thousands of other neurons, creating a vast network of communication pathways. Different regions of the brain specialize in various functions—such as movement, language, emotion, and sensory processing—but they do not operate in isolation. Instead, these regions constantly interact, forming an intricate and dynamic system. Additionally, the brain’s plasticity—the ability to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—demonstrates its incredible versatility and efficiency.

9. Sitting Too Close to the Television Will Ruin Your Eyesight

So many concerned parents have inadvertently perpetuated this myth over the years! However, understanding how vision works and the factors contributing to eye strain can clarify fact from fiction. When we look at objects, light enters the eyes through the cornea and lens, focusing images on the retina. The distance from the screen can affect how hard the eye muscles work to maintain focus. Sitting too close to the television can cause eye strain, but it doesn’t cause permanent damage to vision.

Modern television technology has evolved significantly, with advancements that reduce the risk of eye strain. Today’s high-definition televisions offer sharper images and better contrast, which reduce the effort required by the eyes to focus. Additionally, modern screens typically have better refresh rates and reduced flicker, minimizing one of the potential sources of eye strain.

Despite this, it’s still important to practice good habits to maintain eye health while using electronic devices:

Maintain a Comfortable Distance: Sit at least an arm’s length away from the screen.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Adjust Lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit to reduce glare and contrast, which can strain the eyes.
Use Proper Screen Settings: Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color settings on your television to comfortable levels.

10. Ulcers Are Caused By Spicy Foods and Stress

It was long believed that the consumption of spicy foods or chronic stress causes the development of ulcers by increasing stomach acid production, which then erodes the stomach lining. This perspective was a widespread belief for both health professionals and patients until the groundbreaking discovery of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, revolutionizing the understanding of ulcer causes. In the early 1980s, Australian scientists Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren identified H. pylori as a major cause of peptic ulcers. Their work showed that this spiral-shaped bacterium could survive the acidic environment of the stomach and cause inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to ulcers.

Proper diagnosis and treatment of ulcers are crucial for effective management and recovery and often involve tests for H. pylori, such as blood, breath, stool, or an endoscopic biopsy. Treatment typically includes a combination of antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori and medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.

Conclusion

Encouraging patients to seek accurate medical information empowers them to make informed decisions about their health. By consulting reliable sources and asking questions, patients can better understand their conditions, treatments, and potential risks. This proactive approach fosters a collaborative relationship with healthcare providers, leading to improved trust and communication. Ongoing education and debunking of medical myths are essential for better healthcare outcomes. By staying updated with the latest research and dispelling misinformation, healthcare professionals can provide evidence-based care, prevent unnecessary treatments, and enhance patient safety.