promising. There’s evidence that
probiotics can prevent or reduce
diarrhea associated with antibiotics
and can ease symptoms in people
with irritable bowel syndrome.
Other potential benefits of pro-
biotics include weight loss, cold
prevention, and protection from
tooth decay, though the studies
aren’t conclusive.45
The flu shot might give
you the flu.
Myth! Vaccines do contain in-
activated viruses in order to produce
an immune response. You might ex-
perience minor side effects after your
shot, such as aches or a low-grade
fever, but unless you have a compro-
mised immune system, it’s unlikely
that you’ll get the full-blown flu.46
Alzheimer’s and dementia
are two separate conditions.
Myth! The term dementia refers to
an umbrella of disorders that affect
brain functioning; Alzheimer’s is
one of these diseases.47
Crickets are a healthy
alternative to meat.
Truth! A study in the European
Journal of Clinical Nutrition found
that edible insects aren’t any less
healthy than chicken or beef, and they
might even have some advantages—
more calcium, for instance. Another
study found that, compared with
having a traditional breakfast, eatingcrickets in the morning reduced
markers of inflammation in the gut.48
Holding in a fart could
damage your GI tract.
Myth! For better or for worse, when
you hold back your gas, that flatu-
lence stays right where it is. Eventu-
ally, your body will expel it when
you aren’t paying attention, no harm
done (at least to you—your neigh-
bors might disagree). The only time
it could potentially cause harm is if
your colon is severely blocked and
the pressure builds up to the point
of bursting—and even then it’s rare.49
Caffeine stunts growth.
Myth! People used to think
caffeine would leach calcium from
the body, meaning weaker bones
and slower growth. Newer research
suggests that teens can safely drink
up to 100 milligrams of caffeine per
day (about one cup of coffee or two
to three cans of cola).50
Depression is incurable.
Myth! “Recovery from
depression is not only possible; it’s
actually likely when people receive
the specific kind and amount of help
that they need,” says Mark Henick,
MS, a mental health advocate.
“When you combine medication
with psychological therapy as well
as social supports like housing,
employment, and engagement, that’s
the gold standard for recovery.”Reader’s Digest Cover Story
78 march 2019