The sick must then sort through endless heaps of free and well-meaning advice to pick which home remedies, traditional roots or reiki would offer the most effective cure. Here are five common health beliefs debugged

SHOULD YOU FEED A COLD AND STARVE A FEVER

In both cases, the patient must continue to eat and drink, then drink some more. Make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated.This is because, your body loses more fluid when combating illness.Special beverages containing electrolytes are important only if you are feeling dehydrated or losing an unnatural amount of fluid due to vomiting or diarrhoea.

Thumb rule; a fever isn't just a sign that you're sick, it is a billboard that you're trying to heal.

An increase of just 1 to 2 degrees in your body temperature boosts the productivity of your immune cells and helps them fight off infection.This means that when you pop a pill to reduce your temperature, you are doing more harm than good.

When you have a fever, your body shivers. The natural response would be to move to a warmer spot like the comfort of your blanket. Do it. Your body isn't declaring a war on you. Fighting what comes naturally is not going to help the situation.

If a fever persists beyond the regular three days, or if it exceeds 103 degree, it is time to visit the doctor.

TO BANDAGE OR NOT TO BANDAGE

There are three ways in which most of us handle an open wound; rinse it with water; then bandage, let it breathe until it scabs over and clean it with hydrogen peroxide.

Unfortunately, none of these methods are ideal.

For tough guys who think bandages are for babies, be warned. The battle wound may turn into an ugly scar. Letting a wound scab over instead of keeping it moist is likely to cause inflammation, which extends healing time and can result in unwanted scarring.

Also, while the sting of hydrogen peroxide makes you think its working, the stuff is ineffective at stifling bacteria.

Antibiotic ointments are known to cause skin reactions.The surest way is to wash your hands, then flush the cut with water. Next, add a dab of petroleum jelly to keep it moist and cover it with a bandage.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO TREAT BACK PAIN

Again, like with treating cuts, attacking a back pain is dealt with by popping a pain killer and praying for relief, ice and heat treatment, or resting.

Research has shown that popping a pain killer is about as helpful as treating yourself with a sugar pill.Heating your back may provide brief relief, but the evidence that icing works at all is lacking.

There's only one way to escape the stranglehold on your spine move. Often, people are scared of movement, but it's the best recommended way to tackle it. But don't overdo it. Begin by taking a simple walk around the block, and then gradually up the activity ante over the next couple of weeks.

CAN YOU DRINK TOO MUCH WATER

The eight glasses of H2O a day dilemma is one that has gown through a long-winded debate.

Doctors say the eight glasses rule is arbitrary. Depending on your activity level, diet, age, and climate, you may need more or less than that exalted eight anyway. Instead of tracking your fluid consumption, count how many times you visit the urinal. Five is an international average. You can also judge the colour of your stream. If it looks like lemonade or lighter, you're fine.

SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL

Thirty per cent of people are too lazy to brush their teeth once in the morning and once at night and the other 70 per cent are doing it right, according to a study conducted by the American Dental Association in 2010.


Not brushing well could leave you open to the risk of gum disease and decay. However, over brushing could also leave you prone to cavities, gum disease and decay.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1649 HRS, DEC- 29, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor