Health myths

Are the allegations below true facts or false beliefs? Let’s find out…

1. It’s possible to get an air-conditioning cold – Myth
   Air conditioning does not cause colds. A cold is the manifestation of an infection, most often a virus (of which there are over 200!). Viruses are active all year round, even in summer! So a cold is not the result of a cold snap. It simply means you’ve been in contact with a virus.
2. Walking barefoot can cause a UTI – Myth.
   A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Although the system is generally well protected against outside bacteria, they can sometimes find their way in despite the body’s natural defenses. There is therefore no link between walking barefoot and urinary tract infections.
3. Sitting on a cold floor causes hemorrhoids – Myth.
   The main cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. The effort required to have a bowel movement when constipated puts intense pressure on the veins, causing them to swell with blood. Cold, therefore, has nothing to do with the onset of hemorrhoids. However, sitting for long periods can aggravate hemorrhoids, but is not the cause.
4. Waiting 1 hour after eating to swim – Myth.
   There’s no good reason why you shouldn’t swim after a meal. Of course, it’s best to avoid heavy meals, as these are accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and heaviness, regardless of the type of activity. What is the basis for such a belief? Some say it’s necessary to wait until digestion is complete. However, digestion is a process that lasts a minimum of 3 hours, depending on the nature of the meal.
5. Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for 7 years – Myth.
   It’s true that swallowing gum can involve certain risks, but it doesn’t stay intact in your stomach for several years. Our bodies are very efficient at evacuating what they can’t digest, so there’s no need to worry about swallowing gum by accident. Some components of gum will be digested and absorbed by the digestive system, such as the sugar, sweeteners and artificial flavors it contains, but it’s impossible for stomach enzymes and acids to dissolve the rubbery mass of gum. What happens to this mass? It goes straight to the intestines and makes its way down the toilet…
6. Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis – Myth.
   Contrary to popular belief, cracking your knuckles does not promote the development of osteoarthritis, for the simple reason that the bones are not involved. In fact, for finger cracking to have an impact on the development of osteoarthritis, the cartilage would have to rub against each other. However, it’s not the bones that snap together, but the gas bubble that explodes.
7. To heal a burn, you need butter – Myth.
   Butter has no beneficial effect on a burn: if some people experience relief, it’s only thanks to the freshness and the placebo effect. In fact, it can even be dangerous in the case of severe or chemical burns. It should therefore be avoided, just like potatoes or toothpaste. The first thing to do in the event of a burn is to run the affected area under cool water (around 15°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Antibiotics cure the flu – Myth.
   Antibiotics have no effect against a viral illness like the flu. In fact, antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. The flu, on the other hand, is caused by a virus. In case of flu, rest and plenty of fluids are recommended. However, medical assessment is sometimes required to rule out a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, which requires antibiotics. Some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should also seek medical advice.
9. Eating spicy food causes stomach ulcers – Myth.
   While it’s true that you shouldn’t eat spicy food if you suffer from gastric problems such as ulcers or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), spicy food can’t cause them. These pathologies are sometimes due to the presence of a bacterium (H Pylori) attacking the gastric walls. What is true, however, is that alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen), cigarettes and coffee can cause gastritis in some people, even in small quantities.
10. You can purify your body with a “detox diet” – Myth
    People are obsessed with the idea of finding a quick cure that will treat all their health problems, but unfortunately, there’s no such thing! So-called detox cures based on juices or other liquids don’t have the exceptional power to help you lose weight. A healthy, balanced diet and an active lifestyle over a long period remain the secret! As for purging your system of toxins, that’s your liver’s job. Avoiding alcohol, refined sugar and fat helps the liver function better.

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