22 Craziest Health Rumors Debunked

Trustworthy facts dismantle common wellness myths you encounter every day.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Trustworthy facts dismantle common wellness myths you encounter every day.

From childhood warnings and viral tweets to questionable advice passed among friends, health rumors pervade our daily lives. Some sound plausible, others sensational, but many are simply not true. This article takes a comprehensive look at 22 notorious health myths—explaining the facts behind each claim so you can feel confident about what’s right and wrong for your well-being.

1. Swallowing Gum Stays in Your System for Seven Years

This popular playground myth claims that swallowed gum lingers in your gut for years. In reality, while gum is indigestible, it passes through your digestive tract and is expelled like other waste—usually within a week.

2. Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

Knuckle-cracking creates a popping sound due to gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid. Multiple studies show no connection between cracking your knuckles and developing arthritis.

3. Starve a Fever, Feed a Cold

The saying ‘starve a fever, feed a cold’ is not based on scientific evidence. When sick, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and nourish your body, regardless of whether you have a fever or a cold.

4. Shaving Hair Makes It Grow Back Thicker or Darker

Shaving does not alter the thickness, color, or rate of hair growth. When hair regrows, the blunt edge might make it appear coarser, but its structure remains unchanged.

5. Microwaves Destroy Nutrients in Food

Microwaving actually preserves nutrients better than some cooking methods. It uses less heat and time, reducing nutrient loss during cooking.

6. You Can Sweat Out Toxins in a Sauna

Saunas may help you relax, but they do not detoxify your body. The kidneys and liver are responsible for removing toxins; sweating mainly eliminates water and salts.

7. Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes

The direct cause of diabetes is not sugar itself, but how the body processes glucose. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, and lifestyle—though a high-sugar diet can contribute to weight gain and increased risk.

8. Brown Bread Is Always Healthier Than White

Not all brown bread is whole grain, and some are colored with molasses. The healthiest options are those labeled 100% whole grain; read ingredient lists for accuracy.

9. Eating after 8 p.m. Causes Weight Gain

There’s no magical time when calories turn into fat. Weight gain happens when you consume more calories than you burn, regardless of the hour.

10. MSG Causes Headaches and Allergies

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has long been blamed for headaches and allergic reactions. Scientific studies have found no consistent evidence connecting MSG consumption to these symptoms in the general population.

11. You Should Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day

Hydration needs vary by individual. Depending on activity, climate, and diet, some need more or less. Thirst and urine color are good indicators of hydration status.

12. Low-Fat Foods Are Always Better for Weight Loss

Many low-fat products replace fats with added sugars or refined carbs, which can be less healthy and sabotage weight loss. It’s better to focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods.

13. Reading in Dim Light Ruins Your Eyesight

Dim light may make reading less comfortable, but it does not cause permanent damage to your eyes or eyesight.

14. Cold Weather Makes You Sick

Colds are spread by viruses, not temperatures. Being in close quarters inside with others makes infection more likely in colder months—not the cold itself.

15. Carbs Make You Fat

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. Overeating any calorie source—fats, proteins, or carbohydrates—can lead to weight gain. Quality and quantity matter more than macronutrient type.

16. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

While apples are healthy, no single food can guarantee you won’t get sick. A balanced diet rich in various fruits and vegetables is crucial for long-term health.

17. “Natural” Means Healthy

The term “natural” is not regulated and does not guarantee that a product is healthier. Some natural substances can be toxic, and many processed foods labeled as natural may still contain unhealthy ingredients.

18. Carrots Improve Your Night Vision

While carrots are rich in vitamin A, which promotes overall eye health, eating them won’t give you superhuman sight in the dark. The claim stems from WWII propaganda, not scientific fact.

19. Vaccines Cause Autism

Numerous studies and reviews have debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism. The original study suggesting a link was retracted due to fraud, and vaccines remain essential for public health.

20. Eating Celery Burns More Calories Than It Provides

While celery is low in calories and takes some energy to digest, it does not create a net negative calorie effect. The myth exaggerates its metabolic impact.

21. Organic Food Is Free of Pesticides

Organic farming limits synthetic pesticides but allows certain natural ones. Residue levels are typically lower, but organic products are not entirely pesticide-free.

22. Fat Turns Into Muscle When You Exercise

Fat and muscle are different types of tissue; you can’t convert fat into muscle. Exercise enables fat loss and muscle growth, but the processes are separate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it dangerous to crack your knuckles?
A: No, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis or damage your joints.
Q: Are microwaved foods unhealthy?
A: Microwaving preserves nutrients and is safe when used properly.
Q: Is MSG bad for health?
A: Studies do not show harm for most people; sensitivity is rare.
Q: Do I need to eat only organic produce?
A: Organic produce is not completely free of pesticides, but it may have lower residues of certain chemicals.
Q: Can I lose weight by avoiding carbs?
A: Balanced diets including healthy carbohydrates are more effective than restrictive low-carb regimens.
Q: Is drinking water the only way to stay hydrated?
A: No. Other beverages and water-rich foods can also contribute to hydration.

Quick Reference Table of Myths Debunked

Rumor	Debunked Fact
Swallowing gum stays in body	Passes in about a week, not years
Knuckle cracking causes arthritis	No relationship found
Starve a fever, feed a cold	Nutrition & hydration needed for both
Shaving thickens hair	Hair grows the same as before
Microwaves destroy nutrients	Preserves nutrients due to fast cooking
Sweating removes toxins	Only water/salts lost by sweat
Sugar directly causes diabetes	Complex interaction; not a direct cause
All brown bread is healthy	Check label; color doesn’t equal whole grain
Late eating causes fat gain	Overall calories matter most
MSG unsafe for all	No general risk proven
8 glasses of water daily required	Depends on individual needs
Low-fat means healthy	Read ingredients for hidden sugars
Dim reading harms eyes	No permanent damage shown
Cold weather brings illness	Viruses, not temperature, cause colds
Carbs are the enemy	Quality and portion matter more
One apple a day prevents all sickness	Overall balanced diet required
‘Natural’ equals healthy	No guarantee of better nutrition
Carrots improve night vision	Promote eye health, but not night vision
Vaccines cause autism	No scientific link exists
Celery burns more calories than it has	No negative-calorie foods proven
Organic means pesticide-free	Some natural pesticides permitted
Fat converts to muscle	Separate physiological processes

Tips to Spot Health Rumors

Check the Source: Reliable health information comes from reputable organizations and peer-reviewed research.
Avoid Anecdotes: Seek facts, not stories or testimonials.
Look for Consensus: Trust widespread scientific agreement, not fringe opinions.
Be Skeptical of Quick Fixes: Most health improvements require time and effort.
Consult Professionals: Ask your doctor before changing diet or lifestyle based on rumors.

SEO-Optimized Key Points

Health myths are widespread but science can debunk false claims.
Evidence-based practices ensure safer, healthier choices for diet, exercise, and wellness.
Always consult medical professionals over online rumors or questionable advice.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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