Download Ten Old Wives Tales- Myths and Realities

Ten Old Wives Tales- Myths and Realities
Old wives’ tales are similar to proverbs, and are generally passed down from generation to generation.
Most are fictitious, but some hold quite a bit of truth. Healthcare and medicine especially has its share of
old wives’ tales, and as a physician, I’m often asked if they’re true. Here’s a few of the more common
ones that come up.
Wait an hour after eating before swimming
Almost everyone has been told not to go swimming right after eating because you’ll get cramps. The
theory held that the process of digestion increases blood flow to the stomach and away from the
muscles needed for swimming. This would lead to cramps, increasing the risk of drowning. This
however, is not true. It’s not necessary to wait an hour after eating to swim. If you consume a large
meal and immediately start doing strenuous activity, such as swimming laps, you may experience
discomfort, but that’s about it.
Fish is brain food
Eating fish has been said to improve brain activity. This one is actually true. Fats and oils are
important for brain function, particularly polyunsaturated fats, such as those found inomega-3 fatty
acids in fish, which are called eicosa-pentenoic acid (EPA) and docosa-hexenoic acid (DHA). Omega3s also cut the risk of blood clots and may reduce the chance of a heart attack.
Eating carrots improves eyesight
This is another wives’ tale that is false. While carrots are a good source for vitamin A, which is
important for healthy eyesight, eating them will not improve your vision. This claim is said to have
started during World War II, when British intelligence spread a rumor that their pilots had remarkable
night vision because they ate lots of carrots. In reality, they didn't want the Germans to know they
were using new radar technology.
If you go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold
Cold weather and wet hair is not a recipe for a cold; again, it’s false. In reality, common colds are
caused by viruses. This thought may have started because people tend to get more colds during the
winter months. As people spend more time indoors, viruses are easily spread and more contact with
dry air can lower your resistance to infection.
Coffee stunts your growth
This tale is also false. As you know, coffee contains the stimulant caffeine, and while large amounts
of caffeine are not good for children, it will not affect one’s growth. This rumor may have started
because caffeine does prevent the absorption of calcium and other nutrients. Years ago, it was
thought that caffeine in coffee may be a risk for osteoporosis, and consequently lead to reduced bone
mass. But feel free to drink coffee in moderation.
Cranberry juice cures bladder infections
Here’s a health claim with some truth. 100% Cranberry Juice can be used to cure bladder and
urinary tract infections. The juice works to produces hippuric acid in the urine which acidifies the
urine and prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Remember to use 100%
cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail.
Eating chocolate causes acne
Teenagers will be happy to know that acne is not caused by any specific food. The real culprits for
acne include a buildup of dead skin cells within the pores, and excess amounts of skin oil, called
sebum, which can clog the pores. However, studies have shown that a nutritious diet can help skin
stay healthy. So, while it’s OK to eat chocolate, eating lots of fruits and vegetables will help maintain
better skin health for you in the long run.
Keeping a bar of soap in bed relieves leg cramps
I can’t point to any clinical evidence, and it’s unclear if this wives’ tale remedy really works, but some
folks swear by it. It has been said that if you experience nocturnal leg cramps, you should place a bar
of soap between your sheets to relieve the pain and discomfort that come along with the cramps.
Many people who suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS) insist this remedy is the real deal. Again,
there’s no scientific evidence that proves this remedy, but if it works for you, there’s no harm in it.
Swallowed chewing gum takes seven years to digest
This wives’ tale is a little hard to swallow. Chewing gum does not take seven years to pass through
your system and be digested; that’s just illogical. It in fact actually passes through the body similar to
other foods ingested. Since our bodies cannot break down the gum base, it exits the body in much
the same form it entered and its indigestible nature may be the origin of the wild claim.
Spicy foods cause stomach ulcers
If you already have a stomach ulcer (a small hole in the gastrointestinal tract), spicy foods may
aggravate your symptoms, but spicy foods themselves will not cause stomach ulcers. Ulcers are
usually caused by bacterial infections, overuse of pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, or
the body’s over-production of stomach acids.
While our mothers may not have been right all the time about some of their wives’ tales, we can’t
disregard all of them. The best advice before employing a home remedy is to ask your primary care
physician about cure’s credibility first.
Raymond Bianchi, M.D.
Family Medicine 290 N Rand Rd Ste A Lake Zurich 847.438.4028