If you are trying to lose weight, you don’t have to shy away from fruit. In fact, you don’t have to shy away from a lot of food groups, despite what people say or don’t say. Nowadays, fruit is either your best friend or the enemy if you are informing yourself about weight loss foods. In fact, there is no shortage of claims about how you should eat fruit. “Experts” tell you what time of day to eat fruit and which fruits to avoid to support weight loss. 

What is true and what is false? Well, each person processes fruit, and food, differently, so the way one person metabolizes fruit may be different to the way another person does. Not only that, exercise habits also play a role in how much fruit you can eat while you are trying to lose weight. What we can say is this: below, we have outlined the top myths about fruit and weight loss, along with what you should believe. 

Myth 1: Fruit Makes You Gain Weight Because It Is High In Carbs

Fruit contains carbohydrates, but they are complex carbs that primarily come from dietary fiber. Dietitians note that dietary fiber supports gut microbiome and keeps people full for longer, in addition to supporting regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar and the more you have in your diet, the better it is for your weight loss efforts. You don’t have to cut out fruit because they have carbs; rather, keep your serving sizes in check. Some fruits may count as two servings of fruit, but you can safely consume between 1.5 to two cups of fruit per day.

Myth 2: Blending Fruit Destroys Fiber And Reduces Nutrients

Do you enjoy sipping smoothies instead of chomping on apples, bananas, and kale? Don’t let the Internet lead you astray because blending fruit does not take away from the nutritional profile, nor does it destroy the fiber. Blending fruit exposes it to oxidation, and too much oxygen exposure for too long can reduce nutrients. If you blend and sip immediately after, there’s no need to worry. Blending fruits into a smoothie is a great way to get more servings of fruit into your daily diet. Just make sure that you incorporate vegetables into your smoothies, so as not to only consume fruit in one sitting. You can also increase the fiber, protein, and healthy fat content by adding nut or seed butters to the smoothie.

Myth 3: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit Because Of The Sugar

A big misconception about fruit is that it contains a ton of sugar because of the inherent sweetness, so that means it is unhealthy. There is a difference between the natural sugar in fruit (fructose) and added sugars in foods. In large amounts, fructose can be harmful, but it is very difficult to consume in excess in its natural form. Different fruits provide an assortment of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are also rich in water, which helps you meet your daily hydration needs. Even if fruit contains natural sugars, it provides other health benefits from the myriad nutrients it offers. Eating some fruit is better than eating a candy bar!

Myth 4: Avocados Are Fattening

A lot of people eliminate avocados from their diet when trying to lose weight because they are relatively high in fat. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to eliminate fat from your diet to meet your weight loss goals. Avocados contain healthy fats, which can help you manage appetite and keep you fuller for longer. That means you will be less likely to snack and you will probably eat less overall. Cutting out fats can cause some people to feel unsatisfied after meals, which may cause them to eat processed foods or other foods that are rich in sodium. If you want to feel full, combine your avocados with some whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein to make a nutrient-dense, filling meal.

Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit On An Empty Stomach

The myth is that eating fruit on an empty stomach allows it to rot in the gut, which slows down the digestion of other foods. The theory is that that “rotting” contributes to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. That “rotting” in the stomach is complete fiction because the stomach naturally prevents overgrowth due to its acidity. In fact, most microorganisms don’t stand a chance in there! The fiber in fruit can actually help you feel full and inhibit blood sugar spikes after eating meals. If you want to eat fruit first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it will not just sit and rot inside the stomach. Pair fruits with protein sources such as almond butter, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt because these foods help further stabilize blood sugar.

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When you come down with a cold, your first thought is that you wish it could go away immediately. A virus drains your body and it seems like you blow your nose for hours, yet you still see mucus in the tissues. Perhaps you rely on a few strategies when you feel sick, and it usually stems from advice that your parents, grandparents, or other wise people gave you as a child. 

The unfortunate reality is that a lot of the old common cold advice you hold near and dear to your heart is usually more myth than fact. There is no sense in faulting the people who gave you this old folk wisdom, but you can learn to separate fact from fiction in this article. Read on to learn about some of the most common myths about catching or recovering from the common cold. We’ll also provide the real facts from health experts. 

Myth: Feed A Cold And Starve A Fever

The fact of the matter is that you need to rest and hydrate when you fall ill. If you don’t have an appetite or you have a fever, continue to replenish the body with fluids, including water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages. Soups are easily digestible and can also aid your hydration efforts. They also provide essential nutrients, and that warmth can aid your recovery efforts. 

Myth: More Dairy Means More Mucus

According to health experts, dairy can make mucus thicker and it may upset your stomach, especially if you’re running a fever. Dairy doesn’t necessarily increase mucus, though. If you are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy products, it may not be a conducive food to your recovery. Enjoying frozen yogurt or a frozen dairy product while sick may help some and harm others. This varies from person to person.

Myth: Antibiotics Treat A Cold

Researchers note that antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, and colds result from viruses, according to physicians. Antibiotics work by killing or slowing the growth of all bacteria, both good and bad. They can treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, or bronchitis. They cannot, however, cure viral infections. In fact, they can actually cause dangerous antibiotic resistance if you use them too often or incorrectly.

Myth: Your Cold Isn’t Contagious Unless You Have A Fever

You don’t have to have a fever to pass your cold to other people. That means that you have very few symptoms and be very contagious. People became hyper aware of that during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people contracted that virus and were asymptomatic. A cold can be dangerous a day before the onset of symptoms. Colds are usually the most contagious in the first four days after symptoms start. Although viruses can remain in the body for weeks after symptoms end, the chance of spreading infection lessens as time passes.

Myth: You Can’t Do Much To Prevent Colds

Do you gargle salt water, use a Neti Pot, or drink lots of fluids when you have a cold? Although these efforts may not prevent you from getting sick, they may help reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms. If you want to prevent colds, you have to take extra precautions against everything. Experts suggest that you wash hands with soap frequently, stay hydrated, get sufficient sleep, avoid other sick people, eat a balanced diet, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces. Taking these extra precautions can help keep you healthy during cold and flu season.

Myth: You’ll Catch A Cold If You Go Outside With Wet Hair

This old gem still gets passed around like a bad game of telephone. Going outside with wet hair will make you feel cold, but it won’t cause sickness or a cold. Health experts explain that viruses and bacteria cause illnesses, usually when you are in close contact with another sick person. If you live in a colder climate, take extra care to wear warm clothing to protect against the weather. There’s no need to get frostbite, people!

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Between all-day movie marathons, donuts at the office, and eggnog, the holidays are not kind to your waistline. Even the most avid exercises succumb to the holiday temptations. Plus, the colder weather can often deter people from carrying out their regular workouts. While all of this may be true, there are popular “facts” that are anything but.

Some holiday traps are very obvious. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cookie platters, and savory dishes like candied yams are calorically dense and heavy on the sugar. You know this information, and you also know that drinking a pumpkin spice latte every day during the holidays is not conducive to better health. What you may not be aware of is that some of your greatest holidays health obstacles are common myths. Below, we detail the most common holiday health myths and easy ways to overcome them for a healthier start to the New Year. 

Myth #1: You’re Too Busy To Work Out

The fact is that you are not too busy to work out. While high-calorie holiday meals can make you sluggish and cold weather may not inspire outdoor workouts, exercising altogether is not a wash during the holiday season. A lot of people like to cash in on vacation days at the end of the year. Use the hours on some of those PTO days for quick sweat sessions. That doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Get creative with the way you burn calories! Head out for some cross-country skiing or hit the slopes with friends. Don’t sit around the house all day with family; rather, go for a winter hike, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight. You can even do yoga in your own home! Plus, if you have to shovel your driveway, that is a huge workout!

Myth #2: Whatever Weight You Gain, You’ll Lose In The New Year

Well, the odds aren’t in your favor. Although most people only gain one or two pounds during the holidays, the majority of them never lose the weight, according to researchers. In fact, most people don’t follow through with their fitness resolutions, and they don’t make the right dietary changes to encourage weight loss. Statistically, people buy more calories worth of food between January and March than any other time of year. Why is that? Well, they buy healthier foods, but they don’t cut back on unhealthy foods. Basically, you pick up more fruits and vegetables, you feel good about that, and then you reward yourself with a treat. Treat grocery shopping like packing for a vacation: make a list, determine the essentials, and leave half the remaining items on the shelf. 

Myth #3: Americans Gain About Five Pounds Between Thanksgiving And January 1st

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Americans only gain about one to two pounds during the holiday season. A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is 1.7 pounds. There is no need to obsess about what you eat, but you should be strategic about it. It is completely natural to overindulge on Thanksgiving, but don’t sweat it. Additionally, if you attend holiday parties, bring a healthy dish because then you know you have one nutritious option. If you have parties and have tons of leftovers, consider freezing smaller portions so that you don’t eat everything in a matter of days. 

Myth #4: If You’re Already Fit, You’re Less Likely To Inflate

Being in shape doesn’t mean that you are immune to the effects of overindulgence and inactivity. You may have more metabolically active tissue than others, so your metabolism operates at a higher efficiency when you exercise regularly. When you gorge on a 3,000-calorie meal and continue to eat heavy meals of that nature, your metabolism may slow down. A meta-analysis found that if you stretch out Thanksgiving-style eating for two weeks, your belly fat can increase by 7%. Stay focused and adhere to your workouts and healthy eating plan, as you normally would. If you find that you indulge more than usual during the holidays, amp up your workouts to help offset your caloric intake.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects about 25-35 million people in the United States. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other potential symptoms on a regular basis. That said, ongoing research continues to inform health experts about the realities of this condition. 

It can be difficult to distinguish the facts from the myths regarding IBS, though. If you believe one or more things that are actually false, you cheat yourself out of getting proper treatment for the condition. That’s why this article aims to tell the truths about common IBS myths. 

Myth 1: Leaky Gut Causes IBS

The gut has a protective barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering. Leaky gut syndrome occurs when that barrier is somewhat broken down. Although some studies indicate a connection between leaky gut syndrome and IBS, there is no conclusion on whether or not it is a direct cause. Leaky gut syndrome is hypothetical at this point because it is not recognized as a medical diagnosis. That means that treatments for leaky gut may not work on IBS symptoms. In fact, experts think that leaky gut syndrome is a potential side effect of common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. 

Myth 2: IBD And IBS Are The Same

Not only are they not the same, but they are also not interchangeable. IBS and IBD are two distinct conditions and although they can have similar symptoms, they differ in how they begin and how doctors treat them. IBS is a function gastrointestinal (GI) condition, meaning that symptoms occur because of the way the GI tract functions. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, triggers chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. It is more serious and can lead to cuts in the gut lining and ulcers. 

Myth 3: IBS Isn’t A Big Deal

IBS can affect overall quality of life, as symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and more. That is why this condition can induce physical discomfort, psychological distress, and social isolation. You also have to understand IBS has an unpredictability factor, in that flares can worsen symptoms and feelings of anxiety. A 2023 study found that IBS was associated with an increase in health care costs, including visits to hospitals and mental health clinics. 

Myth 4: IBS Is All In Your Head

It is highly inaccurate to say that IBS is all in your head. Although the psychological distress can worsen symptoms, IBS is a real GI disorder characterized by bloating, altered bowel habits, and abdominal pain. Many biological factors can contribute to IBS, including changes in gut bacteria, changes in gut mobility, visceral hypersensitivity, and genetics. Like many other conditions, though, mental health plays a role in IBS. Anxiety can worsen symptoms and a strong social support system and great mental health can ease some IBS symptoms. 

Myth 5: Fiber Cures IBS

There is no current cure for IBS and the condition’s symptoms can vary from person to person. Treatment, for this reason, is signature to each person’s needs. Fiber can help people with IBS manage symptoms, though. People with IBS-D may benefit from consuming more soluble fiber, which works to absorb water and add bulk to stool. Oatmeal, legumes, psyllium husk, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are great sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber, which accelerates the movement of waste through the digestive tract, may improve symptoms of people with IBS-C. Great sources of insoluble fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, wheat brain, and nuts. 

Myth 6: People With IBS Can Never Eat “Trigger Foods”

It is true that certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms more than others, but it can be helpful to think of your tolerance to certain foods like a bucket. The size of the bucket will be different for everyone. Some people have larger buckets than others, meaning they can tolerate more foods that are classic IBS triggers, such as caffeine, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. People with smaller buckets tend to have a lower threshold for IBS trigger foods. The bottom line is that some people with IBS can tolerate more trigger foods than others.

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If you are like most people when it comes to health information, you refer to social media for guidance. Head on over to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok and you’ll find a plethora of ways to kickstart new health routines. In fact, recent data from an online patient community reported that 11% of Americans in the survey referred to social media for their health information.

Can you find credible information on social media? Yes, you can, and some of that information may come from doctors and registered dietitians. For the most part, this isn’t the case, with a lot of information coming from influencers and random fitness people you see online. Maybe the information in their posts or videos works for them, but it may not work for you or for the vast majority. 

Diet information hits social media with a lot of steam. Perhaps someone did their own weight loss plan, gut cleanse, colon detox, liver cleanse, water fast, vegan diet, or went strictly keto. The mindset that what worked for someone will work for you is flawed and, quite frankly, dangerous. Quick fixes are attractive, but they aren’t always backed by science; therefore, they can do more damage than good. If the social media diets were peer reviewed and in scientific journals, that would be a different story. In reality, they are biased opinions that aren’t applicable and safe for everyone. That’s why we went ahead and debunked weight loss and nutrition myths so that you can have a healthier 2023. 

Myth #1: All Fat Is Bad

In the 1940s, studies found that high-fat diets increased levels of cholesterol, so experts warned against fat. The theory was that limiting your total fat intake would reduce the risk of heart disease. By the 1980s, health experts, media outlets, and the food industry reported that low-fat diets could benefit everyone, despite the lack of evidence to back this point up. Many people vilify fats, but the right fats can be very beneficial to overall health. Certain types of fats, including trans and saturated fats, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can improve heart health, lower inflammation, and encourage cell function. Just because a food is “fat-free,” that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. 

Myth #2: Prescription Weight Loss Shots Are risk Free

Some celebrities have always been vocal about how they achieved weight loss, especially in regards to prescription anti-obesity medications. Unfortunately, these injectable shots were only studied in obese or diabetic patients. The data reveals that there are known adverse effects, predominantly gastrointestinal side effects. Scientists don’t know the long-term effects of recreational use of prescription shots to shed a few pounds. Once you quit these shots, weight gain can easily occur, especially if you didn’t change your eating or lifestyle habits. Medications that assist with weight loss do exist, but right now they are only for people with obesity or diabetes. 

Myth #3: You Need Caffeine For Energy

One could argue that caffeine is part of the fabric of society, with coffee shops on every other corner. Caffeine is a stimulant that makes the brain feel more alert, but it doesn’t necessarily give the body energy or nourishment. Researchers explain that caffeine doesn’t lead to the cellular production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an organic compound that gives the body energy. There are areas in the brain that make you sleepy and caffeine works to quiet those neuropathways, which is like putting a bandage on the problem. Additionally, consuming caffeine can lead to a dependence, causing you to rely on caffeine day after day. Depending on what time you drink caffeine, you may ruin your sleep. The solution for boosting energy levels is in the body, and you can unlock these energy-producing organelles via healthy diet, good sleep, and stress management. 

Myth #4: Calories In, Calories Out Determines Long-Term Weight Loss

If you consume more calories than you burn, the likelihood of you gaining weight is high. If you burn more calories than you consume, you’ll probably experience short-term weight loss. Yet still, people live by the calories in, calories out motto, focusing on calories rather than the quality of food. Research does not suggest that eating more will cause sustained weight gain that results in obesity. The types of foods you choose to eat influence long-term weight gain. For example, refined starchy snacks, energy bars, cereals, sweets, sodas, and baked goods lead to weight gain. They are harmful because the body quickly digests them and floods the bloodstream with glucose, fructose, and amino acids, which the liver converts to fat. That’s why dietitians want people to prioritize the quality of food versus the quantity. Eating healthy fats, lean protein, legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds is the way to go!

Myth #5: White Potatoes Are Bad For You

A lot of people like to rank potatoes, and regular white, or Idaho, potatoes tend to end up at the bottom of the list. These potatoes are vilified in the nutritional community because they have a high glycemic index. They contain rapidly digestible carbohydrates that can spike blood sugar levels. White potatoes, however, have a long list of nutritional benefits. Potatoes are naturally rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients, especially when you consume them with the skin. Frying them in oil is the unhealthiest way to prepare them because they absorb the unhealthy fats from the oil. Healthier preparation methods include roasting, baking, air-frying, and boiling. 

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What you hear about the symptoms of menopause is notoriously negative. Raving about this period of a woman’s life is not a common occurrence! From uncomfortable night sweats to decreased sexual desire and hot flashes, menopausal symptoms are anything but fun, to say the least. Menopause produces a lot of bodily changes that are not always pleasant, and going through this time is something many women dread. 

All the fear surrounding this big life transition doesn’t make menopause easier to enter. If you are anxious about menopause, the best thing you can do is inform yourself about it. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, during which time a series of symptoms can occur. There are several stages in the menopause journey, which we detail below: 

• Premenopause: The beginning of premenopause may be gradual, and some women don’t initially realize the symptoms, including irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep troubles. 
• Perimenopause: If a woman has not menstruated in one year, she has transitioned into menopause. During this time, she may find an increase in symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep troubles, and irritability. 
• Postmenopause: A phase when a woman may feel her life settling back down. Menopause symptoms tend to die down or vanish and energy levels may be restored. 

Get behind the truth of menopausal symptoms by learning about the following myths about menopause. 

You Can’t Do Anything To Relieve Symptoms

Many people in menopause believe that it is impossible to avoid hot flashes and other uncomfortable symptoms. It’s as though you have to smile through the pain without any relief. You don’t have to suffer through menopausal symptoms, especially if they limit your quality of life. You can always speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options if symptoms are awful. Many natural remedies can reduce the severity of hot flashes, and you can click here to learn about them. Additionally, lifestyle changes like regular exercise can help boost mood, manage weight, and reduce hot flashes in menopausal people. 

Menopause Is The Same For Everyone

Menopause is seldom the same for every person, as perimenopause may start earlier and last longer for different women. Studies show that it lasts longer for women of color than for non-Latina white women. Other research suggests that Latina women and non-Latina Black women experience more frequent hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and depression. Non-Latina Asian women are more likely to report decreased sex drive. Factors that influence the overall experience include cultural norms, general environment, income level, and even personal beliefs. 

Menopause Starts In Your 50s 

The median age for menopause is 51, but many women transition into menopause much earlier. Statistically, there is a wider age range for menopause than many people realize. The majority of women start entering menopause between the ages of 40 and 58, but some can start in their 30s, or as late as their 60s. All that is to say that every person’s menopausal timeline is different.

Menopause Causes Depression

Experts confirm the fact that menopause, in and of itself, does not cause depression. Menopause may lead to mood swings or foggy thinking, which stem from hormonal imbalances, but you can address these symptoms with various modalities. Hormone therapy, for example, is a very popular treatment to help reduce mood swings, especially if they are severe. 

Menopause Destroys Your Sex Drive

Don’t fret about losing your libido if menopause is on the horizon. Menopause is not a death sentence for your sex drive! Postmenopausal sexual interest, or lack thereof, is influenced by several factors. Relationship status, psychological well-being, and the way you feel about sex, femininity, and aging influence your sexual desire. Basically, hormonal changes that occur during menopause are one piece of the puzzle, and that goes to show that menopause affects everyone’s sex drive differently. 

Menopause Is Miserable

Most women who go through menopause experience mild to moderate symptoms. Even if the symptoms are uncomfortable or disruptive at times, menopause is not the end of the world. In fact, many women consider it to be quite freeing when you look at it through a different lens. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) becomes a thing of the past and you don’t have to deal with menstrual cycles or any related products. You can say goodbye to concerns about unplanned pregnancy or the need for birth control. If you are not monogamous, however, you still need protection from STIs.

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Join us as we quiz the people of Los Angeles on the common misconceptions. Who will get this pop-quiz right?

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Medical misinformation is far from new. In fact, it became so rampant and harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic that the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy had to issue an advisory about it in 2021. Not only does health misinformation threaten public health, but it can also cause mistrust, confusion, and can undermine public health efforts. 

Now, there are many countries around the world dealing with monkeypox. In the United States, monkeypox was recently declared a health emergency, which you can learn more about by clicking here. Because it is a relatively new outbreak and the disease is unfamiliar, monkeypox naturally has conspiracies and misinformation around it. Rumors will kick into high gear and people may or may not believe the information that comes out. As a result, people won’t have the information they need to stay safe. 

Infectious disease experts got together to put an end to the misinformation about monkeypox. Below, you will find myths about the disease that health experts debunked. 

Myth: Monkeypox Is A New Strain Of COVID-19

No, monkeypox is not a new strain of COVID-19. In fact, monkeypox belongs to the smallpox family of viruses, meaning there is no connection to monkeypox and the coronavirus. There is a different transmission and life cycle, so you don’t contract it the same way you contract COVID-19. Monkeypox is not an airborne virus and even though cases are on the rise, it isn’t showing the fatalities that resulted from COVID-19 infection. That said, the signs and symptoms of the virus can be unpleasant and severe. 

Myth: Monkeypox Is A New Disease

This may be the first time in history that people in the United States are learning about monkeypox. In reality, monkeypox has been around for more than six decades. Scientists first learned of the virus in 1958, when two pox-like outbreaks occurred in colonies of research monkeys. It was Dr. Mark Fischer, the regional medical director at International SOS, who said it was first seen in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Until this year, however, most monkeypox cases were limited to a few African countries, where the virus is endemic. 

Myth: You Can Get Monkeypox From A Swimming Pool

Scientists continue to research monkeypox and how it spreads. As of now, it doesn’t seem to be a waterborne virus; rather, it primarily spreads via skin-to-skin contact. It can spread when people touch unwashed linens and clothing previously used/worn by someone with monkeypox. Keeping that in mind, take precautions at the swimming pool. Be aware of what you touch, including towels, clothing, and other objects outside of the pool. The pool itself will probably not give you monkeypox, but coming in contact with an infected person in the pool or around the pool may cause infection.

Myth: Monkeypox Only Affects Gay And Bisexual Men

The current outbreak has symptoms that differ from previously monkeypox outbreaks. Some of these symptoms include genital lesions, anal pain, penile swelling, and rectal bleeding. That said, the symptoms are not limited to these sexual orientations. Some social media users have attempted to claim monkeypox as a “gay sickness,” but this is simply untrue. Anybody can contract monkeypox via close contact. Men who have sex with men without using protection during intercourse do have a higher risk of infection, though. 

Myth: There Is No Treatment For Monkeypox

In most cases, the monkeypox virus is self-limiting, meaning most of the infection resolves itself in about two to four weeks. If diagnosed in the right time frame, there are many treatment strategies to fight against monkeypox. For symptomatic care, experts advise people to hydrate, increase electrolyte intake, and take antipyretics. Antivirals, NSAIDs, paracetamol, and nutritional support are all used to treat fever and pain that can come with infection. Additionally, there are two vaccines available to protect against the monkeypox virus, even though both are not monkeypox specific. They are, however, at least 85% effective against monkeypox. 

Myth: Monkeypox Was Created In A Lab

There are people who love a good conspiracy theory, but this is a big myth. Monkeypox originated in a colony of monkeys studied for research in the late 1950s. Sporadic outbreaks occurred over the years, primarily in the tropical rain forests of Central and West Africa. Currently, it remains unknown if the virus originated in monkeys or if they contracted it from another species. Because several species can carry it, monkeys may not have transmitted the virus to humans.

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The holidays are a joyous and simultaneously stressful time for most people. Caroling, decorating, gathering with family and friends, eating, more eating, and giving thanks are some of the hallmarks of the holiday season. It’s also a time of year that involves some of the world’s most notorious myths, exaggerations, and straight up lies. 

Many of the Thanksgiving myths tend to involve food because, well, food is often the focal point. There are many food myths in regards to Thanksgiving, but not all of them are true. Do people eat over three times the calories they should? Yes, but that’s fact and nobody wants to argue that. We want to bust some classic Thanksgiving myths and give you the honest answers you deserve!

Weight Gain Is Inevitable

The classic thought is that everyone gains 15 pounds during the holiday season, but this is an outdated way of thinking. Although the sweets, pies, big meals, and booze can increase the caloric intake, the average American realistically gains one to two pounds from Thanksgiving to the New Year. The problem lies in what happens after the holidays are over. You cannot reverse weight gain, unless you put the effort in. Failure to lose the one to two pounds you gain every holiday season, year after year, adds up and increases bodyweight over time. 

Tryptophan Makes You Sleepy

Turkey is a source of tryptophan, which is a component of serotonin, a brain chemical that the body converts to melatonin. Although turkey contains tryptophan, it doesn’t contain enough to induce sleep, especially when compared to other foods. Why does the Thanksgiving meal make you sleepy, then? Well, consider the fact that people eat copious amounts of carbohydrates in the form of stuffing, mashed potatoes, and desserts. Add the sedative effects of alcohol to the equation and it’s a surprise that anyone is able to keep their eyes open before the meal is over.

Canned Pumpkin Isn’t As Healthy As Fresh Pumpkin

More and more people have started to use fresh pumpkins for classic holiday recipes. Pumpkins are excellent sources of beta-carotene and fiber, but canned pumpkin may have a higher nutrient concentration. Typically, canned varieties are not as healthy as fresh ingredients. This is primarily due to added sodium, added sugars, and other preservatives, but 100% pure pumpkin puree is different. It contains more vitamin A and fiber than fresh pumpkin. Just make sure that you don’t grab canned pumpkin pie filling in place of canned pumpkin, as pie filling is replete with sugar and salt!

Turkey Was The Star Of The First Thanksgiving

Turkeys were prevalent in the area during the first Thanksgiving in November 1621, but they weren’t necessarily on the menu. Historical records indicate that the colony governor sent men to hunt fowl for three days leading up to the big feast. The reality is that ducks, geese, and swans were most likely the featured birds on that dinner table. 

One Day Of Feasting Will Ruin Your Diet

It’s hard to resist some of the temptations that adorn the Thanksgiving table, and you shouldn’t avoid them. Depriving yourself of these foods can actually lead to overindulgence later on. Enjoying a modest amount of dishes that are outside your diet is perfectly fine, and you should savor these classic holiday flavors. Just remember to do so mindfully, putting the plate down when you are comfortably full, not overflowing. If you’re diligent with your diet, you’ll most likely get right back to it the very next day. 

Cranberry Sauce Is Healthy

For many people, cranberry sauce is the condiment that completes the Thanksgiving feast. It provides a sweet and tart flavor that seems to work with the myriad savory items on the plate. Now, whole cranberries, be they fresh or frozen, are naturally low in sugar and rich in a wide variety of antioxidants. Canned cranberry sauce contains added sugars, preservatives, and artificial dyes. That, ladies and gentlemen, is not a healthy condiment. Consider making your own cranberry sauce with real cranberries, raw agave nectar, cinnamon, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. 

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This week, Dherbs CEO AD Dolphin walks you through the Facts and Fiction about myths. (pt. 2)

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