Superstition Ain’t The Way! Old Wives’ Tales Debunked: Part 2

On this week's pod, we continued the fun of exploring the science (or lack thereof) behind some popular old wives' tales! We tackled the old adage (pun intended) that pulling out a grey hair will result in two more growing in its place. Next, we discuss whether it's safe to swim within an hour of eating. We then revisited a topic we've covered in the past-- taking vitamin C to "cure" a cold (we do a deep dive on our "Spilling the Immuni-Tea" episode if you want to check that out). Next, we tackle whether it's true that having heartburn in pregnancy means you'll have a hairy baby (you'll be reminded of one of our favorite phrases, "correlation, not causation"). We also discuss whether saltwater cures a sore throat and whether honey cures a cough. Next, we move to fruits and veggies-- does an apple a day really keep the doctor away, and can eating carrots improve your vision? You'll have to tune in to find out!

PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals.  Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual.  As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional.  If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. 

Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance.

RESOURCES

• Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

• Aging of the Hair Follicle Pigmentation System

• Myth or Fact: Should You Wait to Swim After Eating?

• Vitamin C For Preventing and Treating The Common Cold

• Systematic Review on Vitamin C for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold

• Heartburn and Infant Hair

• Johns Hopkins Study Regarding Heartburn in Pregnancy and Hirsute Babies

• Which Treatments Provide the Most Relief for Pharyngitis Pain?

• ACS Info Regarding Mouth Sores, Pain, and Dryness In Cancer Patients

• Study of Saline Saltwater Gargle and a Mouthwash Containing Alum

• Is The Placebo Effect Real?

• Everything You Need to Know About Potassium

• Is It True That Honey Calms Coughs Better Than Cough Medicine Does?

• A Spoonful of Honey Helps a Coughing Child Sleep

• Does An Apple a Day Really Keep The Doctor Away?

• True or False? An Apple a Day…

• Fact or Fiction? Carrots Improve Vision

• Carrots and Night Vision: WW2

• Ask A Biologist: Rods and Cones of the Human Eye

• Study of Vitamin A and Night Blindness

• Vitamin A Deficiency Rare in U.S.

• Transport and Retinal Capture of Lutein and Zeaxanthin with Reference to Age-Related Macular Degeneration