Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai (India) shared some common misconceptions about health, skin and fitness that many people have, including:
Carbohydrates are your enemy
Carbohydrates are often considered bad. But they are essential for brain function and maintaining energy levels. Eating them in moderation can help. The key is to choose healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day
Water needs can vary from person to person depending on many factors such as activity, the climate where you live, and your health status.
Drinking eight glasses of water a day is still recommended by some nutritionists, but it's not the right answer for everyone. Drinking too little or too much can be harmful to your health.
Expensive skin care products will give better results
How expensive your skin care products are doesn't matter as much as whether they're right for you. A good skin care product should suit your skin type, texture, tone, and needs, regardless of how expensive or cheap it is.
Staying hungry will help you lose weight faster
Some people starve themselves for long periods of time to lose weight quickly. This can slow down their metabolism, making it difficult to lose weight effectively.
It can also lead to binge eating to compensate. Instead, focus on eating balanced meals in small portions.
Every spike in sugar levels is a health risk.
Glucose spikes are normal and a natural part of the digestive process. Obsessing over these spikes will only stress you out. Additionally, chronic and extreme spikes can indicate underlying health issues like insulin resistance.
Strength training makes women less feminine
Women have much lower testosterone levels than men, so strength training won't make them bulky. Strength training is important for improving bone health, posture, and overall fitness.
Drinking raw vegetable juice is the optimal solution
All raw vegetables are high in oxalates, which can lead to kidney stones if consumed in excess. They are best eaten cooked. In addition, while juices provide a source of vitamins, they lack fiber, which is essential for digestion and satiety.