Childhood medical myths debunked: Specialists weigh in on 5 frequent warnings

Norman Ray

World Courant

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Mothers could know finest, however it’s not at all times 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 debunks some frequent wellness myths that youngsters typically hear throughout their childhood.

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

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Listed here are 5.

Fantasy 1. Ginger ale relieves abdomen ache

Whereas actual ginger may also help soothe stomachaches, most business ginger beers do not truly comprise the true ginger ale, Michelle Jaelin, a registered dietitian based mostly in Ontario, Canada, instructed Fox Information Digital.

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

This childhood fable persists as a result of dad and mom give their youngsters ginger ale as a result of it is candy and fizzy, she says.

“Dad and mom really feel higher as a result of they’re doing one thing for his or her baby when she or he is just not feeling nicely. As well as, the parable {that a} drink helps with a abdomen ache persevered,” says Jaelin.

In response to the Healthline web site, carbonated drinks can truly make abdomen ache worse by creating extra gasoline within the digestive tract.

In response to the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH), rooster soup has been thought-about a preferred chilly treatment because the twelfth century. (iStock)

Drinks containing actual ginger additionally typically comprise extra added sugars, consultants say — primarily the equal of soda that may irritate abdomen ache.

Fantasy 2: Chewing 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 based mostly in Miami, Florida, instructed Fox Information Digital.

“Though it isn’t advisable to swallow gum, when you unintentionally accomplish that, you’ll seemingly excrete it like every other indigestible meals.”

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In response to the current UCSF report, the gum passes by way of the abdomen inside two hours and is excreted within the feces after about two to 5 days, like different meals.

Though chewing gum can stick with many surfaces — together with partitions or desks — it travels largely intact by way of the gastrointestinal tract with out sticking to the intestinal partitions, the report mentioned.

“Swallowed chewing gum doesn’t keep in your abdomen for seven years because the myths counsel,” one knowledgeable instructed Fox Information Digital. (iStock)

But consultants nonetheless warn towards youngsters swallowing gum as a result of giant quantities may cause an intestinal blockage, Escobar warned.

In response to the Mayo Clinic web site, it is a explicit concern in youngsters with underlying constipation.

“In case you suspect a blockage, search medical consideration instantly,” Escobar suggested.

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

Now that summer season is in full swing, there may be excellent news for any swimmer who needs to get within the water after lunch. Sure, it’s normally okay to swim proper after consuming.

The parable that you simply should not swim instantly after consuming stems from the theoretical concern that blood circulate might be diverted from the legs and arms to digest the meals, probably growing the chance of drowning.

“Based mostly on present analysis, consuming earlier than swimming is just not related to a threat of drowning and may be dismissed as a fable.”

However an intensive scientific research by the American Purple Cross on the results of consuming earlier than swimming confirmed no impact on efficiency within the water after a meal.

“A current literature overview discovered no info relating to an elevated threat of drowning related to consuming meals earlier than swimming,” Jodi Jensen, PhD, a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the American Purple Cross in Virginia, instructed Fox Information Digital.

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“There isn’t any supporting proof from any main medical or security group that recommends not consuming earlier than partaking in water actions corresponding to swimming,” mentioned Jensen, who can also be an assistant professor and director of aquatic actions at Hampton College in Hampton, Virginia.

“There isn’t any supporting proof from any main medical or security group that recommends not consuming earlier than partaking in water actions like swimming,” one knowledgeable instructed Fox Information Digital. (iStock)

“Based mostly on current analysis, there is no such thing as a hyperlink between consuming earlier than swimming and the chance of drowning. That may be dismissed as a fable.”

Whereas research contributors skilled “minimal” uncomfortable side effects at numerous instances after consuming, some outdoors consultants suggest ready some time after a meal when you plan to swim laps or compete, to keep away from abdomen cramps or digestive points.

Fantasy 4. Rooster soup cures colds

In response to the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH), rooster soup has been thought-about a preferred chilly treatment because the twelfth century.

ASK A DOCTOR: ‘DOES CHICKEN SOUP REALLY HELP CURE A COLD?’

“Rooster soup is heat and comforting whenever you’re sick, however it’s not a treatment,” Jaelin instructed Fox Information Digital.

“Rooster soup is heat and comforting whenever you’re sick, however it’s not medication.”

“Ingesting sizzling broth when your sinuses are stuffed may also help clear them out.”

In response to the NIH, the steam from rooster broth can present aid from sore throats and sinus congestion.

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In case you have a chilly, be sure to get loads of clear fluids to assist regulate physique temperature and promote improved immune system operate, Jaelin mentioned.

“Rooster soup counts in direction of complete fluid consumption,” she added.

It additionally helps stop dehydration and clear mucus, the NIH says.

Fantasy 5: Sitting too near the TV will harm your eyes

Sitting too near the TV will not harm your eyes, though it will probably trigger eye pressure, in accordance with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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To keep away from eye pressure whereas watching TV, consultants suggest retaining the room nicely lit and taking breaks from the display from time to time.

In response to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sitting too near the tv is not dangerous to your eyes, however it will probably result in eye pressure. (iStock)

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

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Nevertheless, consultants warn that it may be a warning signal if youngsters watch tv too intently.

The habits could point out an underlying imaginative and prescient downside that must be addressed, the UCSF report mentioned.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that high-quality digital media may be launched to youngsters between 18 and 24 months outdated (solely below the supervision of oldsters or guardians). The academy additionally recommends limiting display time to 1 hour per day for kids ages 2 to five. (iStock)

“Seek the advice of an ophthalmologist to carry out a watch examination to your baby,” Reddy advisable.

A extra worrying downside is the oblique impact of an excessive amount of display time, the report mentioned.

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Whereas consultants say there isn’t any one-size-fits-all guideline in terms of youngsters and display time, the American Academy of Pediatrics says high-quality digital media may be launched to youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24 months (solely below the supervision of oldsters or caregivers).

The academy additionally recommends limiting display time for kids aged 2 to five to 1 hour per day.

Fox Information Digital reached out to UCSF for added touch upon its new analysis.

Childhood medical myths debunked: Specialists weigh in on 5 frequent warnings

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