Many People Have These Health Fears, Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Them

A Fast Heartbeat Doesn’t Always Mean Heart Issues

Anything that affects the health of your heart is going to ring alarm bells. So, a change in heart rate might make you think you’re experiencing a serious heart issue. But the heart is an amazingly adaptive organ that adjusts to our activity, and that’s reflected in our heart rate. Minor physical activity and mild dehydration can make your heart beat faster. Likewise, stress or anxiety can raise your heart rate, as can sleep deprivation. Other things that can get your heart pounding are high temperatures and certain medications.

In these situations, you do not need to worry about a higher heartbeat. However, you should seek medical help if you notice a sudden or unexplained change in your heart rate that doesn’t resolve when you rest or drink water. Additionally, if you have a personal or family history of heart health issues, you might need to monitor changes in your heart rate more closely.

You’re Not Going to Get Breast Cancer from Your Deodorant or Bra

A rumor that pops up occasionally in social media posts is the claim that antiperspirant deodorant and underwire bras increase breast cancer risk. One myth claims that the chemicals in antiperspirant deodorant prevent sweating and also prevent your body from releasing toxins. Over time, these toxins build up in your breast tissue, causing breast cancer. Some variations of the myth claim that shaving before putting on deodorant increases the cancer risk. Scientific studies have found no link between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Similarly, several large studies have not found a connection between wearing underwire bras and developing breast cancer. The rumor seems to have originated in the 1995 book Dressed to Kill, which leading cancer organizations disputed. The best predictors of breast cancer are age and family history. The best way to prevent breast cancer is to have annual breast cancer screenings and reduce risk factors that you can control, like heavy drinking.

You Won’t Get Ulcers From Stress or Spicy Food

Peptic ulcers are painful sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestines. These ulcers are typically caused by a bacterial infection or certain medications that damage the stomach lining. Despite popular misconceptions, ulcers are not caused by stress or spicy food. Stress can cause or worsen digestive issues but won’t lead to ulcers. Similarly, spicy food may upset your stomach and cause pain, but it won’t burn a hole in your stomach.

Both stress and spicy food can aggravate existing ulcers, which may be where the myth originates. The best way to prevent ulcers is to avoid habits that damage the stomach lining, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. Switching to non-NSAID painkillers may reduce your risk of developing ulcers. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco also lowers ulcer risk.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

The Healthy – 25 Things You Think Cause Cancer But Don’t

Cancer – Disproven or Controversial Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Med Express – 40 Health Myths You Hear Every Day

CNET – 18 health myths that are outdated and wrong

Self – 4 Myths About Detoxing That Are Totally False

Time Magazine – The Truth About Common Digestive Health Fears

Medicine Net – Nine Digestive Disease Myths