Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Myths and Facts About Weight Loss

Weight loss has emerged as a global issue. Many people are suffering from obesity which not only affects one’s self-esteem but also creates doubts in the minds of the affected persons about their own abilities. Additionally, many people want to look good and that explains why there is a rush among people to join weight loss programs. However, there are certain myths attached with weight loss and exercise that need to be cleared. Let’s find out some of the facts countering these myths.

Many people assume that exercise does not help in weight loss but the fact is people lose maximum weight from exercise. With dieting, you can cut down 250 calories from your daily diet so that means you will lose almost half a pound weight per week. But if you add exercise to your routine then you can reduce almost double weight. Ideally, one should exercise for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week.

If you are under the impression of losing weight fast by skipping meals then you are definitely believing a myth. The fact is skipping meals raises your chance of overeating later in the day. It makes your body starve, and the body starts conserving its fat deposits by bringing down its metabolic rate. So, you must ignore this myth and should not skip your meal. However, you can always cut down on your intake.

The myth is carbohydrates make you fat but the fact is there is no scientific evidence to prove this. There is no need to cut down on carbohydrates. You just need to choose simple carbs over complex ones. Another myth circulating around is one should avoid eating between meals but again that’s false. You should rather keep eating small but healthy snacks between your meals to effectively manage your blood sugar level. This is important for keeping your metabolism strong and healthy.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Myths and Facts about Migraine


Migraine has garnered huge print and web space across the world. It is common problem faced by many people. But different people have different versions about common migraine. In that light, sometimes it becomes difficult to identify what is myth and what is a fact. Because of such confusions, people should always check the real facts. Confusions and misconceptions can prevent the victims of migraine from seeking proper treatment for their condition.

One of the myths about migraine prevalent among people is that it is just a type of headache but this is a totally false notion. Migraines can cause serious problems and often lead to pain in other body areas like neck and shoulders. One should never ignore it as a mere headache and should consult the specialists. Many people present different reasons behind the occurrence of migraine but clearly, all those theories are myths. The fact is migraine has no known cause, as of yet. Factors like light, heat or noise can trigger the pain the head but what actually invites this problem is yet to be identified.

There are plenty of myths about cures for migraine but the fact says, migraine is not totally curable. It can occur again and again. Though you can minimize the pain but cannot cure it totally. Its symptoms can be treated and managed and by bringing some lifestyle changes, you can reduce the chances but it is hard to get rid of it completely. Few other myths about migraine are that it is commonly experienced by women and it is an adult problem. But both notions are totally wrong.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Diet- Myths and Facts

Health & fitness has emerged as one of the biggest industries in the world. According to an estimate, more than 55% of people in America are overweight or obese. Similarly, a very high percentage of obese persons are in Europe. The main reason of this phenomenon is unhealthy food habits and junk foods. That’s why, you can see many health & fitness centers have opened up in almost every nook and corner. Meals affect our body in a major way. Many people are taking diet guides to handle overweight issues. But at the same time, many of us fall prey to some common diet myths. Let’s have a look at some of those myths and facts.

One of the popular myths is about crash dieting that it helps in losing weight faster. The truth is you do lose weight initially but you gain them back as fast as you lose them. Losing weight over a long period of time is always better instead of opting for crash dieting.

Another myth is about nuts that they are fattening. The fact is nuts are wonderful in terms of calories, fat and vitamins and they are always better than sweets. You should not worry over eating nuts. Just keep a check on the quantity.

Do you also believe that you lose weight faster by eliminating fat from your diet? But in reality, many low fat products make you gain weight. For example, ice creams, pasta etc. So, you should focus on calories content of the meals instead of just focusing on fat content.

Finally, many people think it is not necessary to work out if they are dieting. Wrong perception. You should combine dieting with work out which will make you muscle look good.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Facts and stories

A fact, on the other hand is supported by some scientific evidence. A fact is different from the sense that it has some written records, proven logics or events whereas myths are typical word of mouth stories. For instance, in ancient times, we used to believe that thunderstorms are caused by gods. But as the science developed, logical explanation of thunderstorms was explained to the world and then it became a fact from a myth. There is no scientific explanation or proof of a particular story or a myth. No one really knows whether stories told in Greek, Hindu or Roman mythology actually took place. But as we have been told these stories by our previous generation thousands of times, we want to believe them. We like to read, hear and relish these myths.

There are hardly any myths that have scientific back-up and yet, they are part of almost all the cultures of the world. Whether it’s Hindu, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Egyptian, Nordic or Native American culture, they all offer rich collection of mythological stories. Myths are usually in form of a story. These stories cannot be explained through scientific reasoning. They are just believed to be true. Facts are more objective, reliable and provable in nature. If myths are more of generational thoughts and beliefs, facts are evidence and can be proved. Myths cannot be explained or disproved or proven but facts can be explained and can be disproven.
A fact, on the other hand is supported by some scientific evidence. A fact is different from the sense that it has some written records, proven logics or events whereas myths are typical word of mouth stories. For instance, in ancient times, we used to believe that thunderstorms are caused by gods. But as the science developed, logical explanation of thunderstorms was explained to the world and then it became a fact from a myth. There is no scientific explanation or proof of a particular story or a myth. No one really knows whether stories told in Greek, Hindu or Roman mythology actually took place. But as we have been told these stories by our previous generation thousands of times, we want to believe them. We like to read, hear and relish these myths.

There are hardly any myths that have scientific back-up and yet, they are part of almost all the cultures of the world. Whether it’s Hindu, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Egyptian, Nordic or Native American culture, they all offer rich collection of mythological stories. Myths are usually in form of a story. These stories cannot be explained through scientific reasoning. They are just believed to be true. Facts are more objective, reliable and provable in nature. If myths are more of generational thoughts and beliefs, facts are evidence and can be proved. Myths cannot be explained or disproved or proven but facts can be explained and can be disproven.

Myths and legends

We humans have always been fascinated with myths, fables and legends. They are all around us. Go to any part of the world and you will find fascinating myths that have been in circulation since ages. The word ‘Myth’ comes from a Greek word ‘Mythos’ meaning word of mouth. In simple words, myths are defined as very old stories. These stories don’t provide us with any proof of origin but they are in existence since centuries.

Myths, legends and fables have always been passed from one generation to another in oral fashion. The popularity of myths can be credited to fascinating stories of Gods, legends and mythological characters. Myths contain deep meanings. Most of the mythical tales are also considered as a part of religions because of the dominance of stories related to gods and supreme beings. Myths have hidden moral lessons that have kept inspiring generations of humans.