With so much health information circulating online it can be confusing, here is a guest post by Lloyd’s pharmacy to dispel those everyday health myths:
When it comes to your health, it can sometimes be tricky to differentiate between what’s fact and what’s fiction. So, to ensure that you’re in tune with the truth about your well being, here are three health myths debunked.
1. The pill makes you put on weight
The link between modern versions of the combined pill and weight gain is a myth. It’s true that early versions of this contraceptive from the 1960s contained higher levels of oestrogen, and by increasing appetite and fluid retention, they could trigger weight gain in some women. However, the balance of hormones in these medicines has changed and the types of pill available now, including Cilest, Yasmin and Microgynon 30 pills, very rarely impact on weight.
If you feel bloated when you start taking the pill or you think you have gained weight and these symptoms don’t disappear after a few months, book an appointment with your doctor. They might advise you to switch to another pill or a different type of contraception.
2. Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight
If you’re looking to shift a few pounds, skipping meals is not the way to go. Depriving yourself of food throughout the day can do more harm than good. You’ll be missing out on the essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, and it’s likely you’ll feel tired and sluggish. Avoiding important meals may also mean that you’re more likely to snack on foods that are high in fat and sugar, which could mean you end up putting on weight. So if you’re keen to slim down, it’s important that you go about it in a healthy and sensible way. By eating a well-balanced diet consisting of healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs and starchy foods like pasta, bread and rice, as well as sticking to a regular exercise regime, you shouldn’t struggle to reach your target weight.
3. Cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis
There’s a belief among many that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis – a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in joints. However, whether you find this
strange habit oddly satisfying or annoying, it’s important to realise that this is simply not true. This was proved in a study conducted in 1990 by a group of researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit. The study compared those who consistently crack their knuckles against those who do not, finding that there was nothing to suggest the habit increases the occurrence of arthritis.
So, next time you hear a health finding, you might want to check out the facts before you believe it.
What health myths have you busted? I know since being a parent I’ve learnt that children and adults can definitely catch chicken pox more than once!
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