Questions tagged [medical-myths]
Use this tag for questions relating to medical myths, i.e. so-called medical 'facts' that have no scientific foundations.
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Does standing under the rain lead to fever? (Where the sole reason for the fever is rain)
So there is this belief in our state that if we stand under the rain then we would get ill.As a science student I didn't really understand because for the body to initiate an immune response there has ...
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Why is aspiration not commonly used for IM vaccine administration in the U.S.?
The CDC says it is "not necessary". I asked my local pharmacy and they will not do it even upon request and I am OK with that. But I have a question.
By accident I happened to see a video ...
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Why are cooked carrots not recommended during constipation?
There's an unfounded claim that eating cooked carrots worsens constipation, while the constipation is currently ongoing, and that, thus, it is not recommended to eat them at that time. I cannot find ...
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Evidence for temperature and humidity causing respiratory illnesses
I have a science background and get into arguments with people about common colds and fevers. I argue that they are caused by viruses and bacteria, which go from organism to organism. using this ...
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Is there a history of a country stealing medical supplies? [closed]
Today the Whitehouse asked 3M to stop shipments to Canada for protection from SARS-Cov2.
That seems like a bad idea because Canada could retaliate by cutting off water, electricity, oil, natural gas ...
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Is excersizing up to a sweat when you are sick beneficial, as opposed to only resting? [closed]
I feel like I get mixed messages about whether or not it is good to work up a sweat when you catch a cold/flu (anecdotal). ..I get it if you don't want to go to the gym to spread the virus, but ...
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Does eating any kind of seafood lengthen the healing time of an injury?
I have heard multiple times in my life that eating seafood would lengthen healing time of an injury, such as a large cut or a broken bone, and possibly make it worse. I heard this mainly from eastern ...
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Did science backtrack regarding coffee causing dehydration?
The question below highlights recent studies that conclude coffee does not necessarily dehydrate.
Is decaffeinated coffee a diuretic?
Why has it always been assumed otherwise? Perhaps the evidence ...
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How is a beard dirtier than a toilet?
Is it true that beard is more dirtier than toilet? Does someone has any specific answer? I read it in a website (https://www.speakingtrees.in/your-beard-is-dirtier-than-a-toilet-health/), but I am not ...
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Is there science backing the claim that walking barefoot is healthier than walking with shoes?
I keep hearing about the benefits of walking barefoot.
One benefit I hear is that walking barefoot "[allows] us to synchronize with the earth’s natural electric charge" (source). This sounds like BS ...
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Possible side effects of deer antler velvet [closed]
My doctor suggested I try deer antler velvet. But I am not sure about it.
Does deer antler velvet have any side effects? Does it help growth? Are there any scientific studies about it?
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Is it safe to eat more Vitamin B than you need?
My uncle who worked in pharmaceutical factory, says it is safe to eat more Vitamin B than you need, because people have limited absorption of Vitamin. Is this ture ?
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Does 'Stockholm Syndrome' really exist?
Stockholm syndrome describes the 'irrational' bond between a captor and captives. It has been more than four decades since the name, coined by Nils Bejerot, was formally accepted into medical ...
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Snake bite & setting it on fire
I heard this from some people in my village that snake venom catches fire like diesel fuel. And they said, one can make a li'l cut around the wound and set it on fire as an immediate action to get ...
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Are marshmallows an effective remedy for sore throats?
Over the weekend, I developed an intense sore throat, (it may well be strep throat -- results are pending). Anyway, I've been looking for any and all means to help ease the pain, and my boyfriend came ...
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Does photographic (eidetic) memory exist or is it a medical myth?
I was always under the impression that photographic, aka eidetic memory (from the Greek word for "form"), was a genuine, realistic condition. It's referenced in pop-culture a lot. As a child in grade ...
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Is there any truth behind violent & risky (suicidal) behavior occurring with lunar cycles, i.e. full moons? Why (if actually true)?
Rumors have been perpetuated that emergency rooms and jail cells are full during full moons due to increase in risky and violent behaviors. Is this just an urban legend or is there any merit of truth ...
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Is stress linked to ulcers? What causes ulcers -- let alone bleeding ulcers?
People are always telling me to stop stressing so much otherwise I'll develop ulcers, and it seems to me, that for a long time stress was often associated with the development of ulcers. But I believe ...
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If alcohol and coffee are both diuretics -- why do so many intoxicated ppl drink coffee to sober up? Dehydration concern.
First off, I don't drink alcohol or coffee so I'm not familiar with the basics and can't speak to the effectiveness of coffee on alcohol, etc. But I have questions:
Is it even effective to "sober-up"...
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Are cell phones still prohibited from the ER or other medical facilities? Why or why not?
A decade + ago, I've been told that cell phones disrupt the medical devices in medical facilities, especially in the ER; thus, cell phones have been prohibited from the ER or other designated areas ...
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Does shaving causes the hair to grow faster?
I'm 16 years old and I was always told that I should shave my beard, that it will cause it to grow faster. Is this true and is there any scientific evidence proving its true? Does it have any side-...
user2931
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Toxicity of carbon tetrachloride exaggerated?
The Wikipedia article on carbon tetrachloride portrays it as a dangerous chemical that is a known carcinogen and "potent" hepatogen.
I don't really understand this. In the old days carbon ...
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Is it true that our earlobes and noses elongate because of gravity -- not necessareily cartilage growth?
I always thought and assumed it truth that earlobes and noses continued to grow because cartilage doesn't stop growing, but I've heard it's actually due to gravity. Which one is true? Or do both ...
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Is it true that alcohol is the only "drug" one can die from during a drug-withdrawal? What are the symptoms of the withdrawal?
Is it true that alcohol is the only "drug" one can die from during a drug-withdrawal? Someone recently told me they heard this from rehab, but it doesn't resonate as true... but then again, I'm not ...
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Intravenous Chameleon Injection [closed]
If you were to liquefy an entire chameleon and inject it into someone's veins, what is the probability of survival?
Asking for a friend.
user7269
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Is it true that pheromones can synchronize a household of women's menstruation cycles? How? Why? Who's cycle is dominant?
Is it true that pheromones can synchronize a household of women's menstruation cycles? How? Why? Who's cycle is dominant? How long does it take for it to work? Or is this all a medical myth?
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How to secrete more pheromones while in the presence of the opposite sex?
How to secrete more pheromones while in the presence of the opposite sex?
I know that those of us who have gone through puberty secret a sexual pheromone that supposedly "attracts" the other ...
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Truth or myth to get white teeth?
I've read in some forum that coconut oil or hydrogen peroxide could help to remove plaque and stains from teeth and will got white teeth. I know that teeth color is genetic thing but if they will have ...
user2519
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If evolution is effective, why do men still have nipples? In extreme situations, can fathers lactate?
If evolution is effective, why do men still have nipples? In extreme situations, can fathers lactate and breastfeed their children if the mother is not present to do so?
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Does cracking knuckles (or any other joints) lead to arthritis? Or is this a medical myth?
Growing up, my grandmother always told us kids: "Don't crack your knuckles it will lead to arthritis in your fingers." And then she would show us her arthritic fingers as "proof" of the aftermath. ...
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Why do pupils dilate when someone says a lie? Other physicial symptoms when someone is lying?
Why do pupils dilate when someone says a lie? What are other physical symptoms when someone is lying?
Is there a truth serum? Or is that a myth?
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Is the spit test for candida legitimate?
My friend sent me a test to determine if one has too much candida. I called her gullible and she got mad and sent me several other sites which amounted to the same thing, like http://www....
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Does blood donation reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?
While answering this question about the possible detrimental effects of iron deficiency caused by frequent blood donation, I was reminded of a theory I heard long ago about a possible benefit of mild ...
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