Five Worshiped Health Myths Exposed
Image: Shutterstock
As the age-old saying goes, “health is wealth.” After comparing it with wealth, it requires the most obvious action — investment. However, similar to all types of investment, healthy life needs one to be well informed of their decisions, and the biggest stalling factor to a smooth sailing fitness journey is misinformation. What is the perfect recipe for myths? A cup of old-school traditions, half cup of scientific know-it-all and a tablespoon of naysayers, with a pinch of “studies have shown.”
To set the facts from the fads, we are debunking the top 5 health myths. Read on.
Myth #5 – Detox Your Way To Fitness
We all know that friend who goes on a crash detox diet to kick-start their journey to the land of fitness. However, there is little to no proof that this can actually make a difference. Unless it has been a long weekend that involved competitive bottoms-up, a detox does not change anything. The liver and kidneys are self-sufficient when it is a matter of flushing out the toxins from the body.
“If that is the case, how are people losing weight with detox?” you may ask.
The answer is simple. Most detox regimes involve elements that often induce excessive bowel movement leading to loss of fluids from the body. So, the weight loss is actually due to dehydration. And, if you still think this is the first step to a healthy lifestyle, then it is as good as driving into oncoming traffic.
Myth #4 – Six Pack Is The Epitome Of Good Health
Have you seen those models in the magazines and fitness infomercials with a neatly carved set of abs? It is often believed that bodybuilders, celebrities, and fitness models with six-pack abs and chiseled bodies are at the peak of their health. Against popular belief, working towards this defined set of abs can do more harm than good. Models and fitness folks go through rigorous workout routines and diet plans to achieve the washboard stomach. In the process, they experience a plunge in their body fat level which is achieved through dehydrating the body.
Flushing water out of the body is usually done through eliminating salt from their diet. This process can cause irreparable damage over time and affect the individual’s health adversely. While bodybuilders going on stage have dedicated their lives to size and symmetry of their physique, models and actors are supported by make-up and computer-generated effects to reach the perfect look on screen.
End of the day, the idea is not about getting the most ripped abs, but to be in the best state of physical and mental well-being.
Myth #3 – Low-carb Diet For Better Body And Health
For several years, carbs have been considered the enemy of fitness, physique, and well-being. While this may be true to a small extent, let’s go back in history and analyze how athletes, farmers, and warriors lived off a diet that comprised significantly of rice, potatoes, yam and other forms of carbs. The logic is simple. Carbs are much required for the body to function well.
Then why are carbs among one of the most hated macro-nutrients among those aspiring for better health and body? People stepping into the fitness realm tend to believe in an “all that is white is bad” policy. However, white food usually refers to refined and processed food such as white bread, cereal, table sugar, pasta, and rice, among others.
On the other hand, we have complex carbs, such as oats, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and legumes, which are critical in providing the body with a competent source of energy. So, what needs to be avoided and what can be used? The answer is “moderation”. Yes. Refined and processed white food or complex carbs, taken in moderation can make all the difference.
Myth #2 – Body Mass Index (BMI) Is The Scale Of Health
The concept of BMI dates back to the early 19th century, although it wasn’t called BMI until over 100 years later. This method divides the person’s weight by the square of their height, and if the result is between 18.5 and 25, a person is considered normal.
But, in light of recent accomplishments in the field of science and medicine, fitness experts have come to understand that a person’s body weight is not necessarily fat. It could be denser exoskeleton. Besides, the different muscle types form an additional variability in a person’s BMI. End of the day, it isn’t about what numbers add up to show your well-being. What does count, is how you feel about yourself.
Myth #1 – The Holy 10,000 Steps
With the advent of technology, we are now able to count the number of steps that are taken each day, and if you take 10,000 steps a day, you will reach a fit state in no time.
However, there is no study or research to prove this aspect. Probably, the person who created the 8 glasses of water a day rule thought, “10,000 seems like a fancy number.” Besides, the number of steps one takes from the kitchen to the living room carrying a giant bowl of nachos and cheese will not count for fitness.
The world of health and fitness has existed over several years, ranging back from the time of Greek and Roman warriors. The concept of ‘healthy’ is defined as the state of physical, mental and emotional well-being. And, that implies moderation is the key to everything. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and a lot of smiles and laughter form the best blend for a healthy life. Hands down.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
