Health-related myths are as common as they are potentially dangerous. The best way to fight unhelpful misinformation is by doing one’s best to stay informed. This is especially true when it comes to personal health.

Here is a list of some of the most common health myths – and why they’re wrong. Read more to gain control over your health and wellness. Remember, this is a small list compared to all the myths out there – read up on other myths to stay informed about your health and wellbeing.

Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day

While staying hydrated is a crucial part of staying healthy, there is no universal standard for how much water one should drink. The important thing is to drink when you’re thirsty. Our bodies are incredibly well designed, and thirst is the mechanism we have to maintain our hydration where it should be. According to experts, this is the best way to stay hydrated. Eating lots of other water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables will also help.

Cracking Your Fingers Causes Arthritis

Parents and teachers love to tell children that cracking fingers (or any other joint) can and will cause arthritis. However, this is false, at least according to several studies. The sound of cracking knuckles happens when air that forms in the fluid of our joints releases – pops. People can force this by pulling their joints slightly apart – in other words, by cracking them. Nothing about this action causes arthritis, though the sound is unpleasant for some people.

People Need Daily Multivitamins

There’s this common misconception that people (especially those over a certain age) need to be taking multivitamins every day. However, researchers aren’t so sure of that. Yes – people should take vitamins they are lacking (vegetarians and iron, pregnant people and folic acid, etc.), but that does not mean we need to flood our bodies with extra vitamins they don’t need. A well-balanced diet (with fruit and vegetables of different colours) should provide most vitamins necessary, except for those with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Cholesterol is Bad

People hear the word ‘cholesterol’, and their mind immediately jumps to the wrong places. However, this isn’t an accurate reaction to have. While having too much cholesterol is undoubtedly a bad thing, our bodies do need a certain amount. More than that, there are two groups of cholesterol (HDL – “good”, and LDL – “bad”), and both play important roles in the health of our bodies.