7 things you thought were true about health - but aren't

From knuckle cracking to coffee drinking, health experts are warning Americans to be cautious about long-held medical myths that continue to circulate widely, despite little or no scientific support.

Health misinformation remains common, according to a recent poll of 1,000 doctors in the US where more than 85% said they had encountered patients repeating false or misleading claims in the last five years, reports The Independent.

"People often look for a 'one-pill type of solution' for health problems," said Dr. Leonor Fernandez, a physician and researcher. "But for most issues, the answer lies in balance - between diet, activity, and habits - rather than one specific thing."

Below are several enduring health myths and what the science actually shows.

1. Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis
   The idea that cracking knuckles causes arthritis has persisted for decades, but experts say it has no scientific basis. "There is no connection between cracking your knuckles and arthritis-or any other long-term health problem," said Dr. Eric Ruderman. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, is caused by wear and tear over time, not by the popping sound of joints.
2. Late-Night Eating and Weight Gain
   Contrary to the popular belief that eating late leads to weight gain, experts say timing matters less than total intake and food quality. While metabolism slows slightly at night, "what and how you eat is more important than when," said nutrition specialists, noting that mindful eating habits and balanced meals have a greater impact than clock time.
3. Swallowed Gum Staying in the Stomach
   The claim that swallowed gum remains in the stomach for seven years is another myth. "Although the body can't break down gum base, it does pass through the digestive system," said gastroenterologist Dr. Nancy McGreal. "I've never seen a wad of gum in a patient's stomach during endoscopies," she added.
4. Coffee and Growth in Children
   The notion that coffee stunts growth dates back to a 1930s marketing campaign for a caffeine-free coffee substitute called Postum, which claimed coffee caused "undernourishment" in children. But studies have found no evidence that caffeine affects height. "Caffeine does not meaningfully impact how tall a child gets," said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Roy Kim.
5. Eggs and Cholesterol
   Once viewed as a dietary hazard, eggs have been largely cleared of blame for raising cholesterol levels. While they do contain cholesterol, the Australia Health Alliance reports that blood cholesterol levels are more influenced by foods high in saturated fats and sugars. Harvard researchers found that eggs provide protein and nutrients and may even benefit heart health.
6. Treating Burns with Ice
   Using ice to treat burns can make the injury worse, doctors say. "Putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and further damage the skin," experts warn. Instead, they recommend running cool—not cold—water over the area for several minutes, taking pain relief medication, and applying antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect against infection.
7. The 'Five-Second Rule'
   The long-standing "five-second rule" for dropped food also fails the science test. Mount Elizabeth doctors note that bacteria transfer to food immediately upon contact with contaminated surfaces. The supposed origin of the myth may trace back to Mongol ruler Genghis Khan's "Khan rule," which deemed fallen food still fit to eat, but experts say it's safer to discard or wash dropped food to avoid illness.

As misinformation continues to shape health choices, experts urge the public to seek evidence-based guidance. "Critical thinking and credible sources are our best defenses against misinformation," Dr. Fernandez said.