The Truth Behind the Myths

Medical myths have been around for centuries. Since the beginning of the word “Medicine” conclusions have been drawn that sometimes don't have very solid science behind them. From simple things, like carrots make your eyesight better to more serious myths like vaccines cause autism. While most myths are harmless it is still important to recognize that some can be detrimental to the way we view our treatment options and even medicine as a whole. The following are just a couple of interesting medical myths that you should know about.

We Only Use 10% of Our Brain

This one is a big one considering an entire movie, Lucy (2014), was made based on this myth. The idea that we only use 10% of our brains has been around since the early 1900s. Although the origin of the myth is not completely known it is believed to have started with psychologist and philosopher William James. In his 1908 book, The Energies of Men, he wrote, "We are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources." Which some people took literally. Over the years the myth was accepted as fact and nothing really changed. It wasn’t until recently with new technological advancements, such as PET scans and fMRIs, that neuroscientists have been able to demonstrate brain scans that prove we do in fact use 100% of our brain.

Carrots Can Enhance Your Eyesight

So this myth is not a complete lie. It is true that eating all kinds of vegetables including carrots can help maintain your eyesight and may even help stop the progress of myopia. But carrots themselves do not enhance your eyesight. The myth started during World War II when the Ally pilots spread the rumor that they ate carrots in order to enhance their vision at night as a way to keep it a secret that they had advanced radar technologies against the Germans. It has been 75 years since the myth started and it is still around today and probably will be for a very long time.

Cracking your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

While people may find cracking your knuckles bothersome, the idea that cracking your knuckles will give you on-set arthritis is a complete myth. The myth comes from an “old wives tale” prior to a better understanding of what may happen when a person cracks their knuckles. When we hear the “crack” it is the popping of bubbles from a liquid that lubricates a person’s hand. This fluid is known as synovial fluid. Cracking your knuckles may not cause arthritis, but it has some negative repercussions such as swollen hands and reduced grip strength.

Busting Myths

Most of these myths are not that severe, and if anything the most serious consequence is that it may make a person giggle. However, it is important to do research before taking these claims seriously. Remember to stay safe, listen to the science, and do not be afraid to ask questions!