You know the drill, you’re forwarded an email from an unknown source telling you that chicken makes your breasts grow bigger. You forward to all in your address book. They then forward to everyone in theirs. Next thing the rumour is everywhere, like Chinese whispers on steroids. It’s hard to know what’s true these days so let’s take a look at the truth behind a few urban myths and old wives tails.

Can Semen Act as an Antidepressant?

Well let’s start off with one that may actually be true. In a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour, a researcher from the State University of New York found that the more a women was exposed to semen through sex without a condom, the less likely she was to be depressed (how did he get funding for that?).

But before you toss the rubbers remember you’ll probably be more depressed if you end up catching a STI. If you’re at all concerned about STI’s or unwanted pregnancy it’s not worth the risk. There are evidence based treatments for depression that don’t come with the same risks. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most researched psychological therapy for depression.

Is Non-Organic Chicken Pumped Full of Hormones?

No. The use of growth-enhancing hormones (including steroids) in poultry has been illegal in the U.S., Canada, and Europe for decades. So why the rumours about chickens beefing up your boobs? Possibly dues to a TV show in the 1980’s in which hormonal abnormalities in Puerto Rico were linked to feeding of oestrogen to chickens.

If You Break a Bone will it Grow Back Stronger?

Nope. Bones take between six weeks and three months to heal, but you don’t get a bionic arm. Generally bones will heal to the same strength they were before the fracture, no more and no less. But bones are living material and will respond to loading. The more you use it, or load it, by exercising the stronger it will get. If you do less exercise you are in danger of your bones becoming more brittle.

The best way to improve your bone strength after a fracture is to have a good diet, with plenty of calcium, protein and minerals, and to exercise. Don’t ignore cardio either; University of Missouri, US researchers found that high impact activities such as running may have a greater positive effect on bone density than resistance training.

If I Don’t Use It, Will My Muscle Turn to fat?

No. It is physiologically impossible for muscle to become fat as it’s made up of a different type of cell.

If muscles aren’t used they get smaller – but you still have the same number of muscle cells. Unused kilojoules are stored as fat, and smaller muscles bring your metabolic rate down. So if you take in the same amount of energy when you are not exercising as when you were working harder than a Russian gymnast you will gain weight (fat).

If I Suppress a Sneeze Can I Damage My Internal Organs?

This one looks so much like BS that we almost dropped it from the list. However a little research revealed some interesting but hypothetical problems.

You have a Eustachian tube that goes between your middle ear and your throat, which helps equalise pressure. Once a sneeze starts, if you try to stop it, air can be forced from the throat via this tube to the middle ear. In theory this could cause enormous pressure that could damage your ears. Nothing’s going to explode but you shouldn’t make a habit of it.

Does Knuckle-cracking Cause Arthritis?

Mostly BS. Although any damage you do to your joints could contribute towards arthritis later on in life. In a study of 300 people aged over 45 published in Annals of Rheumatic Disease, knuckle crackers were no more likely to develop arthritis than non crackers, but were more prone to hand swelling and loss of grip.

Is It True That ‘Killed-Off’ brain Cells Don’t Regenerate?

Yes and No. The old school of thought: You are born with a full complement of brain cells that dies as you age. The new: there are pockets of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which controls memory – that can turn over nerve (brain) cells.

But not all areas of your noggin can regenerate cells – including the control centre. Any toxin (plonk, pills, pot) can kill off brain cells with ease. So you still have to protect against degeneration: watch your intake of toxins, brain train, and do physical exercise. If you don’t use it you’ll lose it!

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Family Health Guide brings you daily news from well-regarded sources such as JAMA, BMJ, Lancet, BMA, Leading Universities, plus articles from our own editorial team. Join the 95,000 people following @famhealthguide

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