As life becomes more prosperous, people are placing increasing emphasis on health, with medical experts and even many TV programs recommending so-called "health tips". Many of these tips sound reasonable but are actually fallacious. You may have heard of or are even following the 7 suggestions below, but they are a complete waste of your time, and you would be better off ignoring them.
Don't eat anything after 8 p.m.
Calories have no concept of time. From a calorie absorption perspective, there is no difference between 6:30 a.m. and 8:20 p.m. Furthermore, going to bed on an empty stomach can disrupt normal sleep. In fact, new research shows that if you exercise at night, it's best to eat something before bed; this is especially true for those over 60. A meal rich in protein or a whey protein shake can provide your body with the nutrients needed for muscle synthesis and help counteract the effects of age-related muscle loss.
So, how much protein is needed? One study showed that older adults who consumed 35 grams of whey protein experienced more muscle growth compared to those who consumed 10 to 20 grams.
See a dentist at least twice a year.
This advice originated from an old toothpaste ad in Western countries and had no scientific basis for it then, and it still doesn't now. In 2003, a research institution evaluated 29 studies and found no solid evidence supporting the need for a dental check-up every six months. If your gums are healthy, an annual check-up is sufficient to detect any developing dental problems. This is scientifically based. A 2011 study found that having a professional clean your teeth once a year can reduce the risk of heart attack by 24% and stroke by 13%.
Get a full-body scan every year.
This is completely useless. Full-body scans are of no use, especially for the abdomen and pelvis. Scans often create a false sense of security. In some cases, scans "discover" problems that don't actually exist, causing unnecessary anxiety and leading to more tests. Scans can help detect lung cancer and coronary artery calcification, but these tests are only recommended for people over 45 with risk factors such as smoking, moderate hypertension, or moderate high cholesterol. If you don't fall into this category, you don't need a scan.
Throw away milk as soon as it reaches its expiration date.
The expiration date on the carton is just the date after which it cannot be sold. Experts point out that milk can remain fresh for another week after its expiration date. You can first smell it to see if it has spoiled; if not, it's still safe to consume. When drinking milk, taste is key.
Feed a cold, starve a fever.
There is no scientific basis for this old adage. In the short term, what you eat is not important. Drink plenty of water and eat whatever you feel like. Research shows that the cysteine in chicken soup can help relieve mucus buildup and sore throat. When you have a fever, your high body temperature boosts your metabolism, causing you to burn more calories. If your body becomes weakened as a result, the illness will last longer. Replenishing calories in any way you can is important for fighting the disease. This is even more crucial for maintaining regular fluid intake, as your body's need for water is more than twice as much when you're sick. A fever can be caused by minor illnesses. If you have a high fever that doesn't subside, see a doctor promptly.
A hard toothbrush cleans teeth better.
A soft toothbrush is more effective, as it reduces damage to teeth and gums and can reach places that a hard toothbrush can't.
Brush or floss your teeth twice a day.
For dental health, once a day is perfectly fine. Plaque hardens in 24 hours, so one proper brushing every 24 hours is much better than two inadequate brushings. When you brush, be sure to do it for at least 2 minutes. Do it before you go to sleep. Bader notes that saliva can inhibit plaque, but it decreases during sleep. Note that this only applies to plaque. Your breath will be foul in the morning. So, if you are going to meet friends or colleagues for a close talk after you wake up, you should still brush or use mouthwash to get rid of bad breath out of respect for them.
Flossing is for other reasons. Researchers at New York University found that people who rarely floss are three times more likely to develop stomach cancer.