Many of the widely accepted beliefs about health in our daily lives are based on misinformation. For example, some people believe that red face and hot ears are a sign of being an expert drinker, or they believe that sleeping on a hard bed can "protect the waist" and prevent back pain. These ideas may sound scientifically substantiated, but when we dig deeper and analyze them, we find that they are far from the truth. Not only can these misconceptions lead us to make choices that are harmful to our health, but they can also hinder us from reaching a truly healthy state.
What are the possible effects on our bodies if we adjust our lifestyle habits based on these misconceptions about health over time?
It's often thought that blushing is a sign of being a good drinker, but this belief is not only unscientific, but it also hides health risks. Blushing, medically known as "alcoholic blushing," is actually caused by insufficient activity of an enzyme called ALDH2 in the body. The normal function of this enzyme is to help break down acetaldehyde in alcoholA substance that is harmful to the human body. When the ALDH2 enzyme activity is insufficient, acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood, resulting in flushing of the face. It's not a sign of a lot of alcohol, it's a warning sign that there's a problem with alcohol metabolism.
Studies have shown that people who regularly ignore this warning sign have a higher long-term risk of alcoholic liver disease, high blood pressure and even certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is a dangerous mistake to see blush as a sign of a strong alcohol drink. The correct course of action should be that once you find that you are prone to blush after drinking, you should limit your alcohol intake to avoid further harm to your body.
For a long time, many people believed that sleeping on a hard bed would help protect their lower back health and prevent low back pain. But in reality, this view is not fully supported by science. The human spine has an S-shaped curve and requires moderate support to maintain this natural state. If the mattress is too hard and does not adapt well to the curves of the body, it may lead to improper spinal support, causing or aggravating low back pain.
Scientific studies have shown that a more beneficial option for lower back health is to use a medium-firmness mattress. Such a mattress provides adequate support while avoiding the additional stress caused by being too hard, helping to promote the natural curve of the spine, which improves sleep quality and reduces the risk of low back pain. Therefore, when choosing a mattress, it should be decided according to the individual's physical condition and comfort, rather than blindly pursuing firmness.
In the pursuit of health, what we need is not superstition and misunderstanding, but a scientific and rational attitude. Blushing is not a sign of a good amount of alcohol, and a hard bed does not necessarily protect your waist. Healthy lifestyles and choices should be based on scientific research and personal realities in order to truly achieve healthy health management that is beneficial to the body and mind. Returning to science and paying attention to individual differences is the right attitude we should have when facing the concept of health.
Many people have long believed that eating fruit on an empty stomach hurts the stomach, a belief that stems from concerns that the natural fruit acids in fruit may irritate the stomach mucosa. But in reality, most fruits are not acidic enough to cause harm to a healthy stomach. In fact, the dietary fiber and vitamins in fruits are extremely beneficial for the body, promoting digestion and strengthening the immune system. Eating fruit on an empty stomach allows for better absorption of these nutrients. Of course, for a small number of individuals with excess stomach acid or sensitive stomachs, it is wise to choose fruits with low acidity and focus on individual reactions.
"Raw and cold food causes abdominal pain"?
"Raw and cold food causes abdominal pain" is another widespread health myth. This argument ignores individual physical differences and adaptability. Scientific studies have shown that in healthy people, a moderate amount of raw and cold food does not directly cause abdominal pain. The real cause of abdominal pain can be the presence of microorganisms in the food or the individual's intolerance to certain food components. Proper raw and cold foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can actually be of great health benefits, providing a wealth of nutrients and helping to replenish water in the body.
"Drinking more water can "detoxify""?
Drink plenty of water to detox" is an oversimplified health advice. While drinking water in moderation is essential for maintaining good health, helping to maintain fluid balance and boost metabolism, so-called "detoxification" requires a scientific explanation. The liver and kidneys are natural "detoxification" organs, which effectively filter and remove waste products from the body. Drinking too much water not only does not increase the efficiency of this process, but can lead to water intoxication, i.e., an electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, water intake should be adjusted according to the individual's activity level, health status, and ambient temperature.
"Quit sugar to get rid of abnormal sugar metabolism"?
Sugar abstinence is seen as a key to the prevention or control of abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes) However, this view ignores the complexity and multifactorial causes of abnormal glucose metabolism. While reducing excess sugar intake is beneficial for maintaining blood sugar balance, a single sugar abstinence strategy is far from sufficient. In addition to sugar, excessive total energy intake, lack of exercise, and genetic factors are all important factors in the abnormal development of glucose metabolism. Comprehensive lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and maintenance of a healthy weight, are effective ways to prevent and manage glucose metabolism.
By interpreting and correcting these popular health myths from a scientific perspective, we can not only care for our bodies more scientifically, but also promote the health literacy of the whole society. Healthy living should be based on correct knowledge and individualized practices, rather than blindly following unsubstantiated claims. Remember, everyone's physical condition and health needs are unique, and what's right for you is the best.