Every day, people make health decisions based on stories they’ve heard from friends, social media, or even well-meaning relatives. Health myths stick around not because they’re true, but because they’re simple, repeated often, and sometimes feel right. The truth? Most of them aren’t backed by science - and believing them can cost you time, money, or even your health.
Myth: You Lose 70-80% of Your Body Heat Through Your Head
This one’s been around for decades. It’s the reason parents make kids wear hats in winter, even if they’re bundled up everywhere else. The idea? That your head is some kind of heat escape hatch. But here’s the real science: your head makes up about 7-10% of your total body surface area. If you’re cold and only your head is exposed, yes - you’ll lose heat there. But so will your hands, your feet, or your neck if they’re uncovered. The myth came from a flawed 1950s U.S. military study where soldiers wore Arctic gear but left their heads bare. No part of your body is uniquely designed to dump heat faster than others. Heat loss is proportional to exposed skin. Wear a hat if it’s cold - but don’t ignore your hands or feet.
Myth: You Need to Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day
That number - eight glasses - sounds clean, easy to remember. But where did it even come from? In 2002, Dr. Heinz Valtin from Dartmouth Medical School reviewed decades of research and found zero scientific proof supporting this rule. Your body gets water from food, coffee, tea, milk, even fruits and veggies. Hydration needs vary wildly based on your weight, activity level, climate, and health. A person working outdoors in Melbourne’s summer heat will need far more than someone sitting at a desk all day. The best signal? Thirst. If you’re not thirsty and your urine is pale yellow, you’re likely well-hydrated. Forcing down eight glasses a day won’t make you healthier - it might just make you run to the bathroom more often.
Myth: Chewing Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
This one’s a classic parent scare tactic. “If you swallow gum, it’ll stick to your insides for years!” But that’s not how digestion works. Gum isn’t digested - it’s true. The base is synthetic rubber, and your body can’t break it down. But it doesn’t get stuck. It moves through your digestive tract like any other indigestible item - think corn kernels or seeds. It passes out in your stool within two to four days. Dr. Ian Tullberg, a family medicine specialist, confirmed this in a 2022 UCHealth interview. The only risk? Swallowing large amounts of gum in a short time - especially in young children - which can cause blockages. But one piece? No problem.
Myth: Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
It’s the birthday party classic. Kids eat cake, run around like maniacs - so sugar must be the cause. But over 23 double-blind, controlled studies have looked at this. The results? Sugar doesn’t cause hyperactivity. Not in kids. Not in adults. The 2021 JAMA Pediatrics meta-analysis found no link. So why does it seem real? Expectation bias. Parents who believe sugar causes hyperactivity are more likely to interpret normal kid energy as “sugar rush.” In one famous study, mothers were told their children had consumed sugar - even when they hadn’t - and reported more hyperactive behavior. The real culprit? Excitement, environment, and lack of routine. Sugar isn’t the villain here.
Myth: We Only Use 10% of Our Brain
This myth shows up in movies, ads, and self-help gurus promising “unlock your brain’s potential.” It’s false. Modern brain imaging - fMRI, PET scans - shows activity across the entire brain, even during simple tasks like talking or blinking. Different areas light up for different functions, but there’s no dormant 90%. The myth likely started from a misinterpretation of psychologist William James’ writings in the 1920s. Neuroscientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham confirmed in 2022 that every part of the brain has a role. Even areas we don’t fully understand yet are active. You’re not wasting 90% of your mind - you’re using every bit of it, just not all at once.
Myth: Superfoods Like Acai or Goji Berries Are Miracle Cures
“Superfood” isn’t a scientific term. It’s a marketing label. Acai berries, kale, chia seeds, turmeric - they’re nutritious, sure. But they’re not magic bullets. The European Food Information Council reviewed hundreds of studies and found no evidence that any single food delivers extraordinary health benefits beyond what a balanced diet provides. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives you more protection than chasing the latest “superfood” trend. A $100 jar of goji berries won’t reverse chronic disease. But eating a daily apple - or five different colored veggies - might. Focus on patterns, not potions.
Myth: Antibiotics Work on Colds and Flu
Antibiotics kill bacteria. Colds and flu are caused by viruses. Giving antibiotics for a viral infection doesn’t help - and it harms. Each unnecessary antibiotic course increases the risk of drug-resistant bacteria. The CDC estimates that at least 30% of antibiotic prescriptions in the U.S. are unnecessary. In Australia, public health campaigns have cut overprescribing by 25% since 2018 - but myths still persist. If you have a runny nose, sore throat, or cough, antibiotics won’t fix it. Rest, fluids, and time will. Save antibiotics for bacterial infections like strep throat or pneumonia - and only when a doctor confirms it.
Why Do These Myths Stick Around?
It’s not just ignorance. Myths survive because they fit into stories we already believe. Sugar = hyperactivity? That matches our experience with kids at parties. The head heat myth? It’s intuitive - your head is exposed, so it must be losing heat. The brain myth? It’s comforting to think we’ve got untapped potential. These ideas feel true, even when they’re not. Worse, corrections can backfire. If you tell someone “you’re wrong,” they dig in - especially if the myth is tied to their identity, culture, or trust in a source. That’s why the best debunking doesn’t just say “no.” It says “here’s what actually happens.”
How to Spot a Health Myth
- Does it sound too simple? Real science is rarely one-size-fits-all.
- Is it based on “everyone knows” or “my grandma said”? Anecdotes aren’t evidence.
- Does it promise a miracle fix? Real health changes take time and consistency.
- Is it promoted by someone selling something? “Buy this supplement to beat the myth!” is a red flag.
- Can you find peer-reviewed studies backing it? If not, be skeptical.
What Works Better Than Just Saying “That’s Not True”
Just telling people they’re wrong often makes them more attached to the myth. The best approach? The “truth sandwich.”
- Start with the truth. “Your body gets rid of chewing gum in a few days.”
- Briefly mention the myth - and label it clearly. “Some people think gum stays in your stomach for years, but that’s not true.”
- End with the truth again. “It passes through naturally, just like other food you can’t digest.”
This method, backed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, improves retention by 47%. It avoids repeating the myth as if it’s true, and it reinforces the correct info. In healthcare settings, using this approach increases patient understanding and compliance with treatment plans.
What’s Changing in Health Communication
More hospitals and clinics are now training staff to tackle myths head-on. The WHO’s Myth Busters initiative has corrected over 2,300 health myths across 187 countries. Google’s “About This Result” feature now shows context on search results to flag misinformation. In Australia, 68 hospitals added myth-debunking guides to patient materials in 2023 - up from just 12 in 2020. The goal? Reduce confusion, prevent harm, and build trust. Patient education isn’t just about giving info - it’s about clearing out the noise.
Final Thought: Knowledge Is Power, But Only If It’s Accurate
Health myths aren’t harmless jokes. They lead people to skip vaccines, buy useless supplements, delay real treatment, or blame themselves for things they can’t control. The good news? You don’t need to be a scientist to spot a myth. Ask: “Where’s the proof?” “Who says so?” “Does this make sense?” And when you find a myth, share the truth - clearly, calmly, and kindly. You might just help someone make a better choice tomorrow.”
Is it true that you lose most of your body heat through your head?
No. This is a myth. Your head makes up about 7-10% of your total body surface area, so it loses roughly that percentage of heat when exposed - not 70-80%. Heat loss depends on how much skin is exposed, not which body part it is. If your hands or feet are cold and uncovered, they’ll lose heat just as quickly.
Do I really need to drink eight glasses of water every day?
No, there’s no scientific basis for the “eight glasses” rule. Your water needs depend on your body size, activity level, climate, and diet. You get water from food, coffee, tea, and other drinks. The best guide is thirst and urine color - if it’s pale yellow, you’re likely hydrated. Forcing extra water won’t improve your health.
Can swallowing chewing gum really cause it to stay in your stomach for years?
No. While your body can’t digest gum, it doesn’t stick around. It passes through your digestive system in two to four days, just like other indigestible items such as popcorn kernels or corn. The only risk is swallowing large amounts at once, especially in young children - which could cause blockages. One piece is harmless.
Does sugar make children hyperactive?
No. Over 23 controlled studies have found no link between sugar and hyperactivity in children. The perception often comes from context - birthday parties, excitement, lack of routine. Parents who expect sugar to cause hyperactivity are more likely to interpret normal behavior as such. Sugar doesn’t trigger hyperactivity, even in kids with ADHD.
Are superfoods like acai or goji berries really better than regular fruits and vegetables?
No. “Superfood” is a marketing term, not a scientific one. Acai and goji berries are nutritious, but they don’t offer unique health benefits you can’t get from everyday foods like apples, spinach, or blueberries. A balanced diet with variety provides more protection than any single “superfood.” Don’t pay extra for hype.
Can antibiotics cure a cold or the flu?
No. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t help. Taking them unnecessarily increases the risk of antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. Rest, fluids, and time are the best treatments for viral illnesses.
Is it true that we only use 10% of our brain?
No. Modern brain scans show that nearly all parts of the brain are active at different times, even during simple tasks. The 10% myth likely came from a misunderstanding of early 20th-century psychology. There’s no hidden 90% waiting to be unlocked - your brain is fully engaged, just not all at once.
What to Do Next
If you’ve believed one of these myths, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. Most of us have. The key is to stay curious. When you hear a health claim, pause. Ask where the info came from. Look for peer-reviewed studies or trusted health organizations like the WHO, CDC, or your local hospital. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist - they’re trained to separate fact from fiction. And when you learn something new, share it. One corrected myth can stop someone from making a harmful choice.
Brandon Boyd
December 31, 2025 AT 17:59Man, I used to make my kids wear hats everywhere in winter because of that head heat myth. Turned out they just hated wearing hats. Now I let them choose - and guess what? They don’t get sick more often. Sometimes the simplest fix is just listening to your body instead of old wives’ tales.
Also, I stopped forcing water on my kids. They drink when they’re thirsty. No more bedtime bathroom marathons. My wife thought I was a bad parent. Turns out, she was just brainwashed by that ‘eight glasses’ thing.
Health myths are just lazy shortcuts. We want easy answers, so we believe them. But real health? It’s messy. It’s consistent. It’s not a meme.
Branden Temew
January 1, 2026 AT 15:48So we’re told we use 100% of our brain… but we still can’t remember where we put our keys? Hmm. Maybe the 10% myth isn’t wrong - maybe it’s just that 90% of our brain is busy trying to forget we left the stove on.
Also, if sugar doesn’t make kids hyper, why do birthday parties feel like a rave with snacks? Coincidence? Or is corporate candy marketing just really good at gaslighting parents?
And who decided ‘superfood’ was a word? Did a marketing intern get promoted after saying ‘if we call kale ‘super’, people will pay $15 for a bag of dirt’? I’m not mad. I’m just… disappointed.
Frank SSS
January 3, 2026 AT 11:08Look, I get it. Science says sugar doesn’t cause hyperactivity. But have you ever been around a 7-year-old after a birthday cake? That’s not science. That’s chaos theory with sprinkles.
And don’t get me started on the ‘eight glasses’ thing. I drink coffee all day. My kidneys are basically a 24/7 waterpark. But I still feel guilty when I don’t chug a bottle of water at 2 a.m. because some influencer said it ‘detoxes your soul.’
Also, I swallowed a piece of gum once as a kid. I still check my poop. Just in case.
Look, I’m not denying science. I’m just saying… if my grandma said it, I’m gonna believe it until proven otherwise. And she said ‘if you don’t wear a hat, you’ll catch pneumonia.’ So I wear one. Even in July. And I’m still alive. So maybe she was right.
Science says I’m wrong. My gut says I’m right. I’m going with gut. It’s never steered me wrong… except that one time I ate expired guacamole. But that’s a different story.
Paul Huppert
January 4, 2026 AT 02:29Interesting. I never thought about how expectation bias plays into the sugar thing. My niece was at a party last week - she was wild, but she had a juice box, not candy. I still thought it was the sugar. Guess I’m part of the problem.
Also, I’ve been drinking tea instead of water lately. Didn’t realize it counted. Now I feel less guilty.
Thanks for the clarity.
Hanna Spittel
January 4, 2026 AT 03:17EVERYTHING IS A LIE. 🤫
They told you the head heat myth? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Who funded that military study? Who owns the labs that ‘debunk’ the myths? Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know your body can heal itself - that’s why they push ‘eight glasses’ and ‘superfoods’ - to keep you buying their pills.
And antibiotics? They’re not for viruses… but they’re still in your chicken. And your milk. And your water. The government knows. They just don’t care.
Wake up. 🌞💊
Kayla Kliphardt
January 5, 2026 AT 06:40I’ve always wondered why people say ‘you lose heat through your head’ - it just never felt right. But I never looked it up. Thanks for explaining. I’ll stop nagging my brother to wear a hat indoors.
Also, I just realized I’ve been drinking tea and coffee thinking they don’t count toward hydration. Turns out they do. That’s a relief.
John Chapman
January 5, 2026 AT 19:14Finally someone who gets it. 🙌
I used to buy acai bowls for $18 because I thought they were ‘magic.’ Now I just eat blueberries from the grocery store. Same antioxidants. One-tenth the price.
And the ‘8 glasses’ thing? I used to carry a giant water bottle everywhere. Now I just drink when I’m thirsty. My pee is pale yellow. My energy is higher. My wallet is happier.
Stop falling for marketing. Eat real food. Move your body. Sleep. That’s it. No supplements. No gimmicks.
And if you’re still swallowing gum thinking it’s stuck in your gut… you’re not a wizard. You’re just confused. It’s fine. It leaves. I promise.
Stewart Smith
January 6, 2026 AT 23:06Man, I used to tell my kids the gum thing was true. Just to shut them up. Now I feel bad. They’re 22 and still ask me if gum is ‘in their system.’
Also, I just Googled ‘why do we think we only use 10% of our brain?’ and found out it’s from a 1920s misquote. That’s wild. We’ve been running on 90% ‘potential’ for a century and nobody noticed?
Kinda makes you wonder what other ‘truths’ we’re just… accepting because they sound cool.
Lawver Stanton
January 7, 2026 AT 23:56Okay, but let’s be real - if you think the ‘eight glasses’ rule is a myth, you’re ignoring the fact that 90% of the population is chronically dehydrated. Who says ‘eight’? No one. But the average American drinks 40 oz of water a day. That’s less than half a gallon. And they’re drinking soda, coffee, and energy drinks that are basically sugar water with caffeine and a side of existential dread.
And don’t even get me started on the ‘superfood’ thing. You think kale is just kale? Nah. It’s the only green that doesn’t come in a plastic bag from a warehouse in California. It’s the only thing that survives the apocalypse. You think your body doesn’t know that?
And the head heat myth? Sure, it’s 7-10% surface area. But your head has more blood vessels per square inch than your foot. Your brain is running at 20% of your body’s energy. It’s hot. It’s sensitive. It’s the control center. You think it’s not losing heat faster?
Science says ‘proportional.’ But biology says ‘context.’
And you want to tell me that sugar doesn’t make kids hyper? I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. My nephew ate a cupcake at a birthday party and turned into a human tornado. He didn’t have ADHD. He didn’t have a lack of routine. He had sugar. And then he cried for an hour because he was ‘too wired to sleep.’
So yeah. Maybe the studies are right. But maybe the studies don’t live with the kids. Maybe the studies don’t have to clean up the glitter, the spilled juice, and the 17 broken toys after the party.
Science is great. But life? Life is messy. And sometimes, the myth is just the story your body tells you when the data doesn’t fit.
Sara Stinnett
January 8, 2026 AT 16:02How quaint. You’ve all been gently nudged toward ‘evidence-based’ thinking like obedient little lab rats. But let’s not pretend this is about truth - it’s about control. Who benefits from the narrative that ‘your head doesn’t lose more heat’? The hat manufacturers? No. The military-industrial complex. They needed a narrative to justify Arctic gear design - and now it’s gospel. Who benefits from the ‘eight glasses’ myth? The bottled water industry - $200 billion a year. Who benefits from the ‘superfood’ label? The supplement conglomerates who sell you $50 jars of powdered goji berries while your local farmer struggles to sell actual blueberries.
And the ‘10% brain’ myth? That was never meant to be debunked - it was meant to be sold. ‘Unlock your potential!’ - yes, for $499.99/month. The ‘truth sandwich’? A corporate PR tactic to make you feel safe while they sell you the same lies in a different wrapper.
Debunking myths isn’t enlightenment. It’s indoctrination. And the real myth? That science is neutral. It’s not. It’s corporate. It’s institutional. It’s curated.
So go ahead. Drink your ‘pale yellow’ water. Eat your ‘balanced’ diet. Wear your ‘rational’ hat.
But ask yourself: who decided what ‘rational’ looks like?