Common Health Myths: 5 'Healthy' Habits Debunked by a Doctor
- MedBridge NZ
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
We all strive for a healthier life, but it's easy to fall for common health myths. These well-intentioned wellness trends, from diet to exercise, can be convincing, but what if some are doing more harm than good?
This article debunks five popular health misconceptions, based on insights from a medical professional.
Important Disclaimer: The medical information in this article is for reference only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you feel unwell or before making changes to your health regimen.
Common Health Myth #1: Daily Vitamins and Calcium Are Always Necessary
Many people treat vitamins and calcium tablets like essential daily nutrition, taking several pills a day believing it's good for their body.
The Fact: Why Over-supplementation Can Be Harmful
While essential, these supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. This common health myth assumes everyone has the same needs. However, if your body is not deficient in these specific elements, taking them in excess can be harmful to your health. Your body can't always simply discard what it doesn't need, and over-supplementation can lead to complications.
Common Health Myth #2: Congee (Rice Porridge) is the Best Food for Stomach Health
This is a very common misconception, especially when one is feeling unwell.
The Fact: Why Your Stomach Needs Rest, Not Just Soft Food
The main component of congee is starch. It has a simple nutritional profile and, more importantly, can cause your blood sugar to spike very quickly.
According to the doctor, the real way to care for your stomach is to eat less and let it rest. Just as we need sleep every day, our stomach also needs a break to recover. The stomach is rarely "starved" into poor health; it is most often "worn out" by being overworked.
Common Exercise Myth #3: The 10,000-Step Rule is for Everyone
The "10,000-step" rule has become a global fitness mantra, but this is one of the most widespread exercise myths.
The Fact: Why Exercise Must Be Personalized
This goal is not suitable for everyone. For example, for many middle-aged or elderly individuals who already have underlying knee problems, this amount of exercise is simply too much and can cause further joint damage.
This is a prime example of why exercise must be personalized. Navigating personalized health, especially for complex conditions like joint issues, can be challenging. For those seeking specialized treatment, it's important to understand all your options. As a medical concierge provider, MedbridgeNZ helps clients explore specialized care, including options available through Medical Tourism China, ensuring your treatment plan is based on evidence, not wellness myths.
Common Diet Myth #4: Drinking Fruit Juice is as Healthy as Eating Whole Fruit
This is another major diet myth that many people believe.
The Fact: The Missing Fiber and Hidden Sugars in Juice
During the juicing process, most of the dietary fiber is lost or destroyed. What's left is primarily sugar.
This lost fiber is the key component that promotes intestinal motility (keeping you regular) and increases your feeling of fullness (satiety). Therefore, fruit juice cannot and should not replace whole fruit in your diet.
Common Wellness Myth #5: The "8 Glasses of Water" Rule is a Strict Requirement
We've all heard this advice, but blindly following it can be another common health misconception.
The Fact: How Much Water Do You Really Need?
That amount of water is often too much. Generally speaking, consuming 1000 to 1500 milliliters (1 to 1.5 liters) of water per day is sufficient for most people.
Don't forget that our food—especially fruits and vegetables—also contains a significant amount of water. Drinking an excessive amount of water can actually increase the burden on your kidneys, especially for individuals who already have kidney problems.
Navigating Health Information Beyond the Myths
True wellness comes from making informed, personalized choices, not just following universal trends—many of which are common health myths.
For complex health needs, navigating the world of international healthcare can be daunting. As a premier medical concierge provider, we at MedbridgeNZ help bridge the gap, cutting through the noise to connect you with the specialized care you need.
Source Attribution
This article is based on a health science video created by Dr. Zheng Bolong (郑博隆医生).
References
Article Title: These 5 Behaviors Seem Healthy But Are Actually Harmful
Original URL: https://v.douyin.com/RYb1oOFuHBU/