Health myths are dangerously everywhere.
When it comes to health advice, people will have you believing some seriously ridiculous things. We’ve all heard them at some point. “Don’t eat carbs if you want to lose weight.” “You need to drink eight glasses of water a day.” Or that “detoxing” juice cleanse nonsense. Most of what we’ve been told about health is pure myth.
Yep. Pure. Myth.
The Key Takeaway.
Forget what you think you know. Health myths are everywhere, and they’re probably holding you back from reaching your peak health.
The 7 Biggest Health Myths You Need to Stop Believing and Why.
Carbs are the Enemy.
Uhh, carbs are NOT the enemy. This myth started with the low-carb diet craze, and it’s still going strong. People really believe that if they cut carbs, they’ll lose weight. Well, it’s not true.
Your body NEEDS carbs for energy. Period. Carbs are the fuel your brain, muscles, and organs use to function. Healthy carbs, like those found in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, are important for total well-being.
Cutting them out isn’t going to make you lose weight faster, in fact, it would only make you sluggish and cranky. Your body will even hold onto fat because it’s scared of starvation. So, don’t fear carbs, eat the right ones!
You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day.
Who made this rule? Ah! Who decided this? Who? Because this myth is just… I mean, it sounds good, but it’s not based on any science. The number 8 is arbitrary. There is no magic number for how much water you need each day.
Your body is way smarter than 8 glasses of water. Your hydration needs depend on your activity level, the climate you live in, your health, and even your diet. If you’re drinking when you’re thirsty and eating hydrating foods like fruits and veggies, you’re probably good to go. Overdoing it can actually lead to water intoxication. Yes, it’s a thing and it’s very dangerous.
Detoxes and Cleanses are Necessary for Your Health.
Okay, what you don’t know about detoxes is that they’re a money-making machine for companies who want to sell you overpriced juices and supplements.
You do not need a cleanse. Your liver and kidneys already do that job perfectly fine without the need for any extra help.Your body already has an internal detox system. If you’re healthy and hydrated, your liver and kidneys are working 24/7 to rid your body of toxins. No juice cleanse required.Stop spending your money on them. Eat good food and drink water. Your body will handle the rest.
More Exercise is Always Better.
We’ve all heard it. The more you work out, the better the results, right?
WRONG. Overtraining can actually slow down your progress and lead to injury. Your body needs time to recover. If you don’t let it, you’re just asking for exhaustion and injury. Rest days are important for muscle growth and your total health. Less can be more. Always pick quality workouts over quantity.
You Should Avoid Fat to Lose Weight.
For years, the fat-free craze had us all afraid to eat anything that contained fat. But, fats are needed for your health. Healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil are vital for your body. They help your brain function well, helps hormone production, and even fat loss. Not all fats are created equal. Don’t be scared of fats. Just avoid processed and trans fats, and go for healthier ones.
Stretching Before a Workout is a Must.
People swear by stretching before a workout, but the reality is stretching cold muscles can actually cause injury.
Dynamic warm-ups like jumping jacks, arm circles, or leg swings, are much more effective at preparing your body for exercise. Stretching should be done after your workout when your muscles are warm and more flexible.
You Can Target Fat Loss in Specific Areas of Your Body.
You ABSOLUTELY CANNOT. We’ve all heard about the “bikini body” workout or the “6-minute abs” routine. But the idea that you can burn fat in one specific part of your body is just a stinky lie.
Fat loss is a whole-body process. When you burn fat, you don’t get to choose where it only comes off or where it comes off first. Your body decides that. You can’t spot weight loss.
Health myths are everywhere. They’re usually passed down like tradition, and some of them are seriously harmful. So, always make sure you’re careful with the ones you “stick to” or “swear by.”
