Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us

The importance of debunking medical myths; tips on where to seek out solid, medically backed information; unpacking common myths about hiccups, sneezing, swallowing gum, curing a hangover and swimming after eating.

Water is the most basic element of life; there are many misconceptions about keeping the body hydrated; how the body regulates water; how much water one should really drink every day; whether bottles of water and water purifiers are worth the cost.

One cannot overdose on vitamins; organically grown food is more nutritious than traditionally grown food; everyone should take vitamin supplements; these are some of the many myths and half-truths about vitamins and nutrition to investigate.

Dieting is the area most prone to myths and misinformation; evaluating the veracity of everything from the benefits of low-carb and low-fat diets and the use of weight-loss supplements to intense workouts and the nature of "good" and "bad" fats.

Dr. Novella explores some common fallacies about the natural foods one can find in almost any grocery store around the world; how such foods are cultivated; how they are labeled and sold; how they are prepared and consumed.

There are billions of bacteria around and inside the body; some of them are beneficial to health; exploring the truths behind probiotics; what they are; whether they help with certain issues; the possibilities of genetically engineered bacteria.