The new year is around the corner. Everyone around the world is wishing for a much better 2022 than 2021. You must also be hoping to leave the worst of this year behind and take only its learnings into the new year. 

It is also time to leave a lot of health misinformation behind in 2021, exactly where it belongs. You have learnt the truth, and now you know better than to believe these long-perpetuated health myths. 

Let’s have a look at 3 popular health myths and the facts behind them.

3 Health Myths And Facts

Myth 1: You must drink 8 glasses of water every day.

Fact: The truth is that everyone has different hydration needs. While your body needs adequate water intake to stay healthy, there is no rule that you must drink 8 glasses of water every day. 

Your body will tell you when it needs water, and drinking enough water whenever you are thirsty is enough to keep you healthy. You can also get water from food and drink items. You can aim to get your water intake high with fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy beverages. 

So, forget the magic number 8, and adjust your water intake based on your activity level and signs of dehydration.

Myth 2: All carbohydrates make you gain weight.

Fact: You would have heard people say that carbohydrates make you fat. This is not true. Carbohydrates are the main energy source of the human diet and are vital for your health and functioning. 

Carbohydrates are divided into simple and complex carbohydrates, and it is the type and quantity of the carbs you eat that could make you gain weight. Carbs that contain fibre (brown rice and fruits) or protein (legumes) raise blood glucose more slowly and keep you full for longer. 

These carbs are healthier alternatives to foods containing refined carbohydrates, no fibre, and added sugar, such as white bread, pasta, pastries, etc. So, you do not need to give up on carbohydrates, just choose the healthier sources and eat mindfully. 

Myth 3: Walking 10,000 steps a day is a must for your health.

Fact: Fitness trackers and the race to reach 10, 000 steps, is everywhere.  However, “10,000 steps” is not some magic number that you must achieve every day to remain healthy.  Daily exercise is important for health, and walking makes for great exercise.

However, everyone has a different lifestyle, activity levels, and fitness goals. Also, there is limited scientific research to back up the claim that taking 10,000 steps a day is necessary for health. Your focus should be on remaining physically active. 

Instead of being consumed with clocking 10,000 steps per day, choose any exercise you enjoy and set aside the recommended 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise per week for good health. It can be walking, running, swimming, resistance training, or any form of exercise you enjoy.

Remember, health and wellness is a life-long journey, built with consistency and effort. Aim to build everyday habits for your health, and educate yourself from credible scientific sources. 


References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Are Carbs Really That Bad for You — or Not?. [online] Available at: <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/good-carb-bad-carb-dont-buy-into-4-myths/> [Accessed 28 December 2021].

2. Mayo Clinic. 2021. How much water do you need to stay healthy?. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256> [Accessed 28 December 2021].


Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.