Childhood medical myths debunked as consultants weigh in on 5 frequent warnings

Moms would possibly know finest, nevertheless it’s not all the time simple to separate reality from fiction in terms of well being recommendation.

A brand new report from College of California San Francisco (UCSF) Well being has damaged down a number of frequent wellness myths that children often hear whereas rising up.

Fox Information Digital spoke with consultants who revealed the reality behind frequent medical misconceptions.

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Listed below are 5.

Fable 1. Ginger ale relieves abdomen aches

Whereas actual ginger might help ease a abdomen ache, most business ginger ales don’t truly include the actual factor, Michelle Jaelin, a registered dietitian working towards in Ontario, Canada, advised Fox Information Digital.

A brand new report from College of California San Francisco (UCSF) Well being reveals the reality about a number of frequent wellness myths that kids usually hear whereas rising up. (iStock)

This childhood fantasy persists as mother and father give ginger ale to kids as a result of it is candy and bubbly, she stated.

“It makes parents feel better that they’re doing one thing for his or her baby after they aren’t feeling effectively, and the parable persevered as a drink that helps a abdomen ache,” Jaelin stated.

The carbonated drinks might truly make the abdomen ache even worse by rising gasoline within the digestive tract, in keeping with Healthline’s web site.

Hen soup has been considered as a well-liked chilly treatment since at the very least the twelfth century, in keeping with the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH). (iStock)

Drinks with real ginger additionally are inclined to include extra added sugar, consultants stated – primarily the equal of soda that will worsen abdomen ache. 

Fable 2. Gum stays in your abdomen for seven years

“Swallowed gum doesn’t keep in your abdomen for [seven] years, because the myths counsel,” Su-Nui Escobar, a registered dietitian primarily based in Miami, Florida, advised Fox Information Digital.

“Whereas swallowing gum isn’t really helpful, should you achieve this unintentionally, you’ll possible move it like some other indigestible meals.”

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The gum will move by means of the abdomen inside two hours and be excreted within the stool after roughly two to 5 days, identical to different meals, in keeping with the current UCSF report.

Though chewing gum can keep on with many surfaces — together with partitions or desks — it travels principally intact by means of the gastrointestinal tract with out sticking to the intestinal partitions, the report notes.

“Swallowed gum doesn’t keep in your abdomen for [seven] years, because the myths counsel,” an knowledgeable advised Fox Information Digital. (iStock)

However consultants nonetheless warning towards kids swallowing gum, as a result of substantial quantities would possibly trigger an intestinal blockage, Escobar warned.

It is a specific concern amongst kids who’ve underlying constipation, in keeping with Mayo Clinic’s web site.

“Should you suspect a blockage, search speedy medical consideration,” Escobar suggested.

Fable 3. You shouldn’t swim for half-hour after consuming

As summer time kicks into excessive gear, there’s excellent news for any swimmer itching to get within the water after lunch. Sure, it’s often OK to swim proper after you eat.

The parable that you just shouldn’t swim instantly after consuming stems from a theoretical concern that blood movement will likely be diverted away from the legs and arms to help digest food, probably resulting in an elevated threat of drowning.

“Primarily based on present analysis, consuming earlier than swimming isn’t affiliated with a threat of drowning, and will be dismissed as a fantasy.”

However a complete American Purple Cross scientific evaluation on the consequences of consuming earlier than swimming confirmed no impact on efficiency within the water after a meal.

“A current literature evaluation didn’t present any data associated to an elevated threat of drowning attributable to consuming meals earlier than swimming,” Jodi Jensen, PhD, member of the American Purple Cross Scientific Advisory Council in Virginia, advised Fox Information Digital.

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“There isn’t any supporting proof from a significant medical or security group that recommends refraining from consuming earlier than partaking in aquatic actions reminiscent of swimming,” added Jensen, who can be an assistant professor and aquatics director at Hampton College in Hampton, Virginia.

“There isn’t any supporting proof from a significant medical or security group that recommends refraining from consuming earlier than partaking in aquatic actions reminiscent of swimming,” an knowledgeable advised Fox Information Digital. (iStock)

“Primarily based on present analysis, consuming earlier than swimming isn’t affiliated with a threat of drowning, and will be dismissed as a fantasy.”

Though examine members skilled “minimal” negative effects at totally different time intervals after consuming, some outdoors consultants do advocate ready a bit after a meal should you plan to swim laps or compete to keep away from any abdomen cramping or digestive points.

Fable 4. Hen soup cures a chilly

Hen soup has been considered as a popular cold remedy since at the very least the twelfth century, in keeping with the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH).

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“Hen soup is heat and comforting if you’re sick, nevertheless it’s not a remedy,” Jaelin advised Fox Information Digital.

“Hen soup is heat and comforting if you’re sick, nevertheless it’s not a remedy.”

“Consuming any sizzling broth when your sinuses are stuffed might help to clear them out.”

The steam from the hen broth might relieve a sore throat and congested sinuses, the NIH famous.

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When battling a chilly, get loads of clear fluids to assist regulate physique temperature and promote improved immune system operate, stated Jaelin.

“Hen soup counts towards total fluid consumption,” she added.

It additionally helps stop dehydration and filter mucus, the NIH famous.

Fable 5. You’ll damage your eyes should you sit too near the TV

Sitting too near the TV won’t harm your eyes, although it could trigger eye strain, in keeping with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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To forestall eye pressure whereas watching tv, consultants advocate conserving the room well-lit and taking occasional breaks from the display.

Sitting too near the tv won’t harm your eyes, however might trigger eye pressure, in keeping with the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (iStock)

“Kids can focus at very shut distances higher than adults, and will not develop the identical eye pressure signs,” Nishika Reddy, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology at Moran Eye Middle’s Midvalley Well being Middle at College of Utah in Murray, Utah, advised Fox Information Digital. 

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It might be a pink flag, although, if kids are watching tv too intently, consultants warned.

The conduct might point out an underlying imaginative and prescient concern that needs to be addressed, the UCSF report famous.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says high-quality digital media will be launched to kids between 18 and 24 months of age (solely when supervised by mother and father or caregivers). The academy additionally recommends limiting display time to at least one hour a day for kids ages 2 to five. (iStock)

“See an eye care provider to carry out an eye fixed examination in your baby,” Reddy really helpful.

A extra regarding concern is the oblique impact of an excessive amount of display time, in keeping with the report.

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Though consultants say there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all guideline in terms of kids and display time, the American Academy of Pediatrics says high-quality digital media will be launched to kids between 18 and 24 months of age (solely when supervised by mother and father or caregivers). 

The academy additionally recommends limiting display time to at least one hour a day for kids ages 2 to five.

Fox Information Digital reached out to UCSF for added remark about its new examine.