Recently, at a family gathering, Xiao Li insisted on waiting for the food to be cold before putting it in because he heard that "the food was too hot to put in the refrigerator". As a result, the next day, the family went to the hospital with food poisoning.
This vignette reminds us that a lot of "common sense" is actually misleading pseudoscience. Below, let's debunk these common "fake common sense" one by one.
Does a meal that is too hot really burn the fridge?
Many people think that the food is too hot to put directly in the refrigerator, for fear of burning the refrigerator. This may sound reasonable, but in reality, microbes multiply at an astonishing rate when food is exposed to temperatures of 7-60°C.
If left at room temperature to cool down, 640,000 microorganisms could multiply within two hours. Therefore, it is better to put the meal in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Hot meals can cause a temporary increase in the temperature of the refrigerator, but modern refrigerator designs have been able to cope with this without damage.
As long as the hot meals are packed in plastic wrap or a crisper and put in the refrigerator, there is no need to worry about frost formation caused by condensation. Instead of worrying about the refrigerator, you should focus on food safety.
Should I take medicine immediately for a cold?
Many people are in a hurry to take medicine as soon as they catch a cold, and their family members will urge them, saying that not taking medicine is not good for their health. Cold medicines only relieve symptoms, not kill viruses. Colds are usually caused by viruses, and it's our immune system that really fights them. After the virus invades, it takes 5-7 days for the immune system to complete the immune response and destroy the virus.
When you have a cold, you should rest properly, drink plenty of fluids, and let your immune system work. If the symptoms are uncomfortable, it is okay to take some medicine to relieve them. But remember, medicine can't cure the root cause, recuperation and rest are the key.
People with low immunity, high blood pressure or chronic diseases, if they have a cold, they should take medication and seek medical attention in time to avoid other complications caused by aggravated symptoms.
Can massage really cure cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a common disease in modern society, especially for people who have been working in the office for a long time. Massage is widely regarded as a simple and easy treatment, and many people choose to use it for relief when they feel uncomfortable in their neck.
From a biomechanical point of view, proper massage can increase blood circulation and reduce muscle tension, which can temporarily relieve pain caused by muscle tension or fatigue. The causes of cervical spondylosis are usually complex, and may involve problems such as cervical disc herniation and cervical joint degeneration, and these pathological changes cannot be fundamentally improved by just a few massages.
Continued reliance on massage may cause patients to delay the optimal time for treatment. Cervical radiculopathy caused by cervical disc herniation needs to be resolved through physical therapy, medication and even surgery.
Improper massage techniques can lead to further damage to the cervical spine and even serious complications such as vertebral artery damage. It is recommended that patients with cervical spondylosis should consult a professional doctor before receiving massage, and if necessary, carry out corresponding imaging examinations to ensure that the massage method is suitable for their condition.
Are hard beds really good for the lumbar spine?
Hard beds are thought to provide better support and thus protect lumbar spine health. This view is derived from the theory of protection of the physiological curvature of the lumbar spine, which believes that a hard bed can prevent the lumbar from sinking excessively and maintain the natural curve of the spine.
Recent studies have shown that the firmness of a mattress should be chosen based on the individual's specific health and comfort. One study showed that a hard mattress may lead to poor blood circulation in the back and lower back, which may worsen lower back muscle tension and pain in the long run.
Moderate mattress firmness is more important for maintaining lumbar spine health. This mattress provides adequate support and adapts moderately to the curves of the body, avoiding overhanging or excessive sinking of the waist.
For people with specific lumbar spine pathologies such as herniated discs, doctors may recommend specific types of mattresses to better suit their medical needs. The choice of mattress should take into account the individual's lumbar spine health, comfort, and the presence of special medical conditions, rather than blindly pursuing firmness.
Can drinking cold water cause gastrointestinal problems?
In many traditional beliefs, it is common to hear the saying that "drinking cold water hurts the stomach" or "cold water causes gastrointestinal problems". From a scientific point of view, this claim is not supported by sufficient medical evidence.
The human stomach and intestines are highly adaptable and can handle food and drinks at a variety of temperatures. When cold water enters the stomach, the stomach lining quickly absorbs some of the heat, bringing the water temperature rapidly close to body temperature. If there are no specific health problems in the body, such as chronic gastritis, drinking cold water in moderation will not cause adverse health effects.
For people with pre-existing digestive disorders, cold drinks may cause temporary discomfort, such as stomach cramps or worsening stomach pain, but this is not a direct cause of the cold water itself. It is safe to drink cold water for most healthy adults. If you have special health concerns, you should adjust your diet according to your doctor's instructions.
epilogue
Through this in-depth analysis of "false common sense", we found that many traditional concepts, although derived from health concerns, are not fully in line with the theory and practice of modern medicine.
Much of life's advice may be based more on personal experience than on scientific validation. When following any health advice, we should seek advice from a healthcare professional and make the best choice based on our own health conditions.
Through continuous learning and understanding, we can better distinguish between what is truly wholesome and what is unnecessary. Maintaining an open and scientific attitude is the philosophy that each of us should have on the road of pursuing a healthy life.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!