You’ve probably popped an antacid for heartburn, avoided milk during a cold, or reached for aspirin to protect your heart. These seem like sensible health decisions—the kinds of things everyone just knows.
These common beliefs shape what we eat, how we exercise, and how we treat illness or injuries. But while many ideas passed down have real value, some do not. Many longstanding health “rules” don’t hold up scientifically. Some are misconstrued, while others are simply wrong and may even be harmful.
