Reader

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, eating

crickets 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