Common Lies About Illness That You've Probably Believed
By: Sawyer Cecena
No matter how hard we try, getting sick from time to time is unavoidable. Luckily, there are so many remedies and precautions available to most of us that can help us get better as quickly as possible. However, some of the common lies we’ve all heard about curing our sicknesses are totally false! Others are even causing more harm than good!
Lie #1: You Catch a Cold from Being Cold
If you were ever scolded by your mother for being outside without a jacket, or with wet hair, you can tell her to relax! Doctors have proven that being cold and catching a cold have no correlation. The only way to catch a cold is to come in contact with the cold virus, which is impossible to avoid! Although, if you already have a cold, you may choose to stay inside as cold weather can irritate runny noses.
Lie #2: That Not Eating Will Cure a Fever
The old saying goes: “feed a cold, starve a fever” – but experts say that advice is best left in the past! When we are ill, our bodies need the energy from healthy foods to cure us ASAP. Plus, fevers burn calories through an increase in your metabolism, which means your body is really relying on that extra energy. So, if you’ve still got an appetite when sick, you should be feeding it! If your stomach says otherwise, just make sure you’re staying well hydrated.
Lie #3: Chicken Soup is the Best Thing for You
Vegans everywhere, rejoice, because chicken soup is NOT some magical cold remedy! This belief mainly stems from the fact that the hot steam rising off the soup can help ease sore throats and moisten up dried mucus. However, any other soup you like – or even just a cup of hot tea – will also do the trick. The chicken itself does nothing to help you feel better. If you’ve got the energy, a batch of fresh vegetable soup with lots of calorie heavy veggies like potatoes, corn, and beans is the perfect alternative.
Lie #4: Vitamin C is the NEXT Best Thing for You
Vitamin C is always super important for our bodies. However, studies have shown that an increase in Vitamin C doesn’t have any positive results on sickness. Not only that, but if you’re drinking loads of OJ while sick, you may only be making things worse! The acidity level in juice is killer for sore throats, and the added sugar is harmful to the white blood cells that keep your immune system running smoothly. A glass or two while sick is usually fine, but there’s no need to overdo it.
As we move towards flu and cold season, here's to hoping we all make it through without getting sick! Are you guilty of believing any of these common lies about illnesses? Let us know in the comments!