15 Widely Believed Medical Myths Debunked.

Introduction

We are living in a world of caloric excess, nutritional deficiency, and chronic inflammation. Never before has food been so abundant, yet our bodies have been so deprived of the nutrients they truly need. As a result, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and mental health conditions continue to rise at alarming rates.

The problem is not simply what we eat, it is that many of us have never been taught the true root causes of disease or the fundamental principles of lifelong health. Without understanding what is driving illness, it becomes difficult to make lasting lifestyle changes or develop healthy habits that truly work.

This blog was created to bridge that gap. My goal is to simplify science, challenge outdated beliefs, and empower you with practical knowledge so you can take charge of your health. If your desire is to live a long, vibrant, and disease-free life until your very last breath, this series is for you.

Why is it important to know the15 Medical Falsehoods?

Many of the health messages we hear every day are incomplete, misleading, or simply outdated. These misconceptions have shaped the way millions of Americans think about food, exercise, stress, medications, and disease. Over time, they have contributed to unhealthy eating habits, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and declining physical and mental well-being.

In this series, we will uncover 15 of the most common medical myths that influence our daily decisions. We will begin with the simplest misconceptions before exploring the more complex factors that silently shape our long-term health. By understanding the truth behind these myths, you will be better equipped to make informed choices that support vitality, longevity, and overall wellness.

1-French Fries/Chips Are NOT a Vegetable.

One of the biggest nutritional misconceptions today is believing that French fries count as a healthy serving of vegetables simply because they are made from potatoes.

While potatoes are indeed a vegetable, French fries are a completely different food after processing. Every food franchise in America sells some version of fried potatoes like chips, hash browns, sweet potato fries and so on. Most commercially found potatoes in fast-food restaurants and many grocery stores are highly processed. They are cut, frozen, treated with preservatives or flavoring agents, and often contain added salt plus sugar before they ever reach the restaurant kitchen.

The cooking process changes them even further. They are typically deep-fried at high temperatures, often in oils that are reused many times throughout the day. This increases their calorie content and significantly reduces their nutritional value compared with a baked or steamed potato.

Regular consumption of such potatoes has been associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, high BP, cholesterol and other chronic health conditions. Frequent consumption of fries also increases exposure to compounds such as acrylamide, which has been studied for its potential health risks particularly leading to cancer.

 Children are especially vulnerable to this misconception. Remember this simple rule: A potato is a vegetable. French fries & chips are processed fast food. They are not nutritionally the same.

2-Marathon Running DOES NOT Mean Better Health.

Running is an excellent form of exercise for many people. However, the common belief that longer is always better—or that marathon running is the healthiest form of exercise—is a misconception.

Marathon running places repeatedly high-impact stress on the body, especially the knees, ankles, hips, and feet. Over time, repetitive pounding can contribute to overuse injuries involving cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and menisci, particularly in runners who are obese and who don't include regular strength training, flexibility exercises, and proper rest.

Repetitive marathon runners also experience the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, muscle strains, stress fractures, and, in rare cases, serious conditions such as rhabdomyolysis—a breakdown of muscle tissue that can injure the kidneys. Research has also shown that years of very high-volume endurance training may lead to structural changes in the heart in a small number of athletes leading to cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrest.

The important question is this: What is the goal of your exercise?

 If your goal is longevity, metabolic health, strength, flexibility, balance, and disease prevention, you do not need to run 26.2 miles. There is no medical guideline or traditional yogic text that recommends marathon running as a requirement for achieving lifelong health or preventing chronic disease.

Instead, the healthiest exercise program is one that is balanced. It should include strength training, mobility work, moderate cardiovascular exercise, yoga or stretching, balance training, adequate recovery, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. This combination builds a body that is not only fit but also resilient. This is the kind of program I teach and train my clients who are enrolled in The Sahila system.

It is also worth recognizing that marathon culture has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry supported by sports nutrition companies, wearable technology, athletic apparel brands, energy drinks, supplements, and race organizers. While many of these products have a place for competitive athletes, they are often marketed to the general public who are not athletic & encourage the belief that more running and more products automatically equal better health.

 Remember this simple rule: The goal should not be to push your body to its limits every day. The goal should be to move your body consistently, stretch, run few miles and enjoy your exercise for decades even after you retire .

3-Pills Are NOT Meant to Reverse your Illness.

A common misconception is that medications are designed to completely reverse chronic illness on their own. In reality, most medications are not “cures” in the literal sense, but tools used to manage symptoms, control disease progression, or stabilize specific biological processes.

Medications are developed through extensive scientific research and clinical trials, including studies on animals and humans. Pharmaceutical companies design specific chemical compounds that act on targeted pathways in the body. These pathways may be related to inflammation, hormones, neurotransmitters, blood pressure, glucose regulation, or immune responses.

Because the human body is a highly interconnected system, altering one pathway can sometimes influence others as well. This is why side effects occur with most medications. A drug that improves one function may unintentionally affect another.

For this reason, medications are best used in acute or clearly defined medical situations, or as part of a broader long-term management plan. For example- using Nausea pills while taking chemotherapy for cancer. In such chronic conditions, they help control symptoms and reduce complications, but they do not necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of the disease on their own.

True healing in chronic illness often requires a more comprehensive approach that may include lifestyle changes, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep improvement, and medical treatment when necessary. This is exactly what I call the 6 pillar approach and train my clients when enrolled in The Sahila System.

 Remember this simple rule: Medications should be viewed as an important tool in modern medicine—not a standalone solution and used cautiously for a short period of time.

4- Breakfast Is NOT the most important meal of the day.

 A common modern belief is that everyone must eat the same number of meals per day, especially breakfast—regardless of age, lifestyle, or stage of life. The most crucial meal of the day is what you eat between12-2 pm of the day. However, traditional Ayurvedic wisdom takes a more individualized approach, where dietary patterns are aligned with the natural stages of life. In Ayurveda, life is divided into 4 stages, and each stage has different physical, mental, and energetic needs:

Brahmacharya (approx. up to age 24)

This is the stage of growth and development. During this period, the body is actively building strength, bone density, and overall physical capacity. Because of these high nutritional demands, up to 4 meals per day may be appropriate, depending on activity levels and individual needs.

Grihastha (approx. 25–50 years)

This is the householder stage, where responsibilities such as career, family, and social duties are at their peak. While physical growth has stabilized, energy demands remain high due to lifestyle pressures. Traditionally, 3 balanced meals per day are considered appropriate during this stage.

Vanaprastha (approx. 51–75 years)

In this stage, external responsibilities gradually decrease, and the body naturally begins to slow down. Metabolism changes, and many people find that lighter eating patterns—often two meals per day—feel more natural. This period is also associated with hormonal transitions such as menopause in women and this transition is smooth when you begin to reduce your number of meals to 2 and I can vouch for this because I’m in my perimenopause stage and switching to 2 meals a day, is one of the best decisions I have made in my life.

Sannyasa (75+ years)

This final stage is focused on simplicity, reflection, and inner well-being. Food intake naturally becomes lighter, and for most yogis, one simple meal a day may feel sufficient, depending on activity and energy needs.

 Remember this simple rule: meal frequency is not a rigid rule but a reflection of life stage, metabolism, and lifestyle needs. This also aligns with modern concepts of intermittent fasting, allowing the body periods of rest between meals.

5. Sunlight Is Nature's MOST Powerful Energy Source.

In today's fast-paced world, many people, especially younger generations, depend on caffeine, energy drinks, alcohol, medications, UV saunas or protein shakes for a boost of energy, whether to start the day or overcome an afternoon slump. Yet one of the most powerful and natural sources of energy is freely available to all of us: sunlight.

There are 3 areas on your body that is capable of absorbing its energy rapidly which are the back or spine area, the third eye or place between 2 eyebrows and finally your naval or Nabhi area which can absorb sun energy faster.

Unfortunately, sunlight has become both underestimated and, in many cases, unnecessarily feared. While excessive sun exposure should always be avoided, moderate daily exposure offers numerous health benefits. Just 20–30 minutes of sunlight each day, is mandated and can help your body produce vitamin D, strengthen bones, support immune function, regulate your biological clock, and improve mood. Research also suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may contribute to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases like cancer and supporting overall well-being.

 Remember this simple rule: Rather than avoiding the sun altogether or relying solely on artificial sources of energy, embrace sunlight in moderation as one of nature's simplest and most powerful tools for vitality and long-term health.

6. Chicken Is NOT a Clean Source of Protein.

I have explained this in more detail in a separate blog, but for the sake of clarity, it is important to understand that the chicken many people consume today is often very different from the chicken our ancestors ate. In the past, chicken was typically hunted or raised naturally, cooked fresh, and eaten the same day. This made it a more wholesome and reliable source of protein.

Today, however, much of the chicken available in stores comes from modern farming and processing systems. Depending on the source, it may be treated with preservatives, antibiotics, and other additives to extend shelf life, improve appearance, and reduce unpleasant odors. As a result, it may not always be the clean, natural protein source people believe it to be.

Eating such low-quality chicken can leave the body feeling heavy, sluggish, constipated, and less energized. This explains why many wellness and fitness enthusiasts have switched to vegetarian food despite being born in a meat-eating household including myself. Switching to vegetarian food is one of the best decisions I made for my wellness.

 Remember this simple rule: when choosing chicken, the focus should not simply be on protein content, but on quality, freshness, and how naturally the chicken was raised and prepared. To understand more read this blog

7. Sleep Should NEVER Be Compromised, not Even for a Better Paycheck.

From a young age, many of us are taught that it is acceptable to stay up late if it means finishing pending work, studying for an exam, or meeting an important deadline. Over time, this mindset makes people believe that sacrificing sleep is a sign of discipline, ambition, or success. In reality, the opposite is true.

When sleep is compromised, the body and mind cannot function at their best. You may wake up feeling tired instead of refreshed. Your memory may become weaker, your focus may decline, and brain fog can follow you throughout the day. Even tasks that once felt easy or enjoyable may begin to feel difficult, overwhelming, or impossible.

Sleep is not wasted time. It is the period when the body repairs, heals, and regenerates itself. Your cells recover, your brain processes information, and your energy is restored. This is why sleep should never be treated as optional, even if sacrificing it seems to bring a higher paycheck, better grades, or faster success.

A bigger paycheck may feel rewarding at first, but if it comes at the cost of your sleep, it can slowly damage your health. The desire for more money can lead to more stress, longer work hours, and eventually a cycle where peaceful sleep becomes harder and harder to achieve. Once your sleep is deeply disrupted, restoring your health may take months or even years.

 Remember this rule: True success should not require destroying your body in the process. Protect your sleep, because without health, energy, and mental clarity, no amount of money can truly be enjoyed.

8. DAILY Bowel Movements Are Important for Gut Health.

The body has natural ways to eliminate waste, including sweat, urine, and stool. Among these, regular bowel movements play an important role in removing waste from the digestive system and supporting overall gut health.

Many people assume it is normal to have a bowel movement only once every two days, or even once a week. However, infrequent bowel movements can be a sign that the digestive system is not functioning efficiently. It may also indicate low fiber intake, poor hydration, lack of movement, or an imbalanced diet. Also practicing Kapala Bhati kriya of different methods (taught in my classes) helps eliminate the gas and bloating produced by infrequent bowel movements and caused by consuming refined foods.

To support smooth daily bowel movements, it is important to include fiber-rich vegetables and fruits in your daily meals and daily outdoor walks. Fiber helps add bulk to stools, supports healthy gut bacteria, and promotes smoother, more regular bowel movements. Vegetables such as gourds, leafy greens, and other high-fiber plant foods especially whole grains can be particularly helpful for improving gut health and nourishing the gut microbiome.

 Remember this simple rule: Daily, comfortable bowel movements are often a sign that the body is processing food well, eliminating waste properly, and maintaining better internal balance.

9. A Good Medical Insurance Does NOT Guarantee Good Health.

Many people come to America seeking better opportunities, and for many, better medical insurance is part of that dream. Health insurance is undoubtedly valuable. It can provide essential support during emergencies such as motor vehicle accidents, fractures, surgeries, pregnancy-related care, epidemics, child care, pandemics, and other acute medical situations.

However, it is important to understand that medical insurance does not automatically guarantee good health. While it is extremely useful for managing urgent health concerns, it often does very little to address the deeper lifestyle and root-cause factors behind chronic metabolic diseases.

In my disease reversal program, I focus on three major pillars: meditation for mental and emotional health, anti-inflammatory dietary practices suited for American lifestyles, and identifying the root causes of chronic disease. All 3 crucial concepts of which none are covered by modern medical insurance plans and hence doctors can do very little for disease reversal

When these essential areas are ignored, chronic illness is often managed only at the surface level. Symptoms may be treated, but the underlying causes may remain unaddressed. This is why relying only on health insurance is not enough for someone who truly wants to improve their health.

 Remember this simple rule: True health goes beyond your health insurance and requires personal responsibility, education, lifestyle changes, and guidance from those who focus on prevention, root-cause healing, and long-term wellness like me.

10. Meditation Is the ONLY Exercise for the Mind.

Mental health concerns are rising rapidly, and depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional instability are becoming increasingly common. One age group that appears especially vulnerable is young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. This stage of life often comes with major transitions, academic pressure, career uncertainty, relationship challenges, social media influence, substance exposure, identity questions, and the pressure to make important life decisions.

Unfortunately, many young people enter adulthood without being taught how to manage their thoughts, emotions, or inner stress. Schools and colleges often focus heavily on academic achievement, but they rarely teach students how to calm the mind, observe their emotions, or build inner stability. As a result, many young adults feel overwhelmed, confused, and unprepared to handle the mental and emotional challenges of adult life.

Meditation is one of the most underrated yet powerful exercise for the mind. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, meditation strengthens awareness, focus, emotional balance, and mental clarity. It teaches a person how to slow down, breathe consciously, manage stress, and respond to life with greater patience and understanding.

If meditation is not introduced early and practiced regularly, many people will continue to struggle with mental restlessness, emotional reactivity, anxiety, and burnout. A healthy mind does not develop by accident. It must be trained, cared for, and strengthened.

Remember this rule: Meditation should be taught and practiced as a basic life skill so that young people can enter adulthood with greater clarity, resilience, and inner peace.

11. Walking BAREFOOT & Working with Soil Supports Mental Well-Being.

Many mental health challenges are influenced not only by the mind, but also by lifestyle, environment, sunlight exposure, physical movement, and our connection with nature. In modern life, especially in colder regions or urban settings, many people spend very little time outdoors and have minimal direct contact with the earth, soil, plants, or natural sunlight. This lack of connection with nature may contribute to feelings of heaviness, low mood, isolation, and emotional imbalance.

In places with long winters, limited sunlight, and shorter daylight hours like Seattle or places in Canada, people are seen to be vulnerable to seasonal sadness, low energy, and symptoms of depression. This is now common in other parts of the world where outdoor activity is reduced due to phones, and people spend much of their time indoors.

Walking barefoot on natural ground, often called grounding or earthing, is one simple way to reconnect with nature. In traditional healing systems, the feet are considered important energy points, and direct contact with the earth is believed to help restore balance, calm the nervous system, and improve the flow of energy in the body. While modern medicine may not fully recognize or explain this concept, many people experience a sense of calm, stability, and peace when they walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil.

Similarly, working with soil through gardening, farming, pottery, garland making, or other hands-on natural activities can be deeply therapeutic. These practices engage the senses, calm the mind, encourage mindfulness, and bring people closer to the rhythms of nature. Many yoga schools, wellness programs, and holistic health practices now recognize the value of nature-based activities for emotional healing and mental well-being and incorporate such activities in their programs..

 Remember this simple rule: In a world filled with stress, screens, and disconnection, returning to nature may be one of the simplest ways to restore mental harmony.

12. Cooking Oil Is the Most CONTROVERSIAL Fats in Modern Diet.

Cooking oil is used in almost every cuisine, whether American, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, or Mediterranean. It plays an important role in flavor, texture, and food preparation. However, cooking oil has also become one of the most debated fat sources in modern nutrition.

One major concern is eating outside the home. Many restaurants use large amounts of oil, and in some cases, oils may be reused multiple times, heated at high temperatures, or chosen mainly for cost, color, or texture rather than quality. Some restaurants may also mix different oils to achieve a certain taste or consistency. Unfortunately, even health-conscious restaurants often do not clearly disclose which oils they use, which makes it difficult for people who eat out frequently to make informed choices.

At home, there is better control over both the quality and quantity of oil being used. For Indian cooking, I prefer ayurvedic ghee, cold-pressed peanut oil and sesame oil. For American-style cooking, I use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. These choices allow for a cleaner and more mindful approach to cooking.

However, regardless of the type of oil, moderation is essential. Even high-quality oils can become unhealthy when used excessively or reheated. Overuse of cooking oil may contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, inflammation, digestive issues, and metabolic health problems over time.

 Remember this simple rule: Choosing better-quality oils, avoiding repeated heating, choosing home cooked meals over 90% of time and using oil minimally can make a meaningful difference in long-term health.

 13. Animal Cruelty Is Deeply CONNECTED to Human Suffering.

Animal cruelty is not only a concern for animals; it is also closely connected to human suffering. When people become comfortable harming vulnerable living beings, it can create psychological desensitization, reduce compassion, and normalize violence. In many cases, cruelty toward animals is also linked with broader patterns of abuse towards humans, including domestic violence, emotional trauma, and harm towards family members.

The principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence, has been emphasized repeatedly in yoga and ancient wisdom traditions as one of the highest and most intelligent ways to live. Ahimsa teaches that reducing harm toward all living beings creates greater peace, balance, and harmony within both individuals and society. Yet in the modern world, this principle is often ignored or misunderstood.

Today, animals are used for many human purposes, including meat, eggs, leather, entertainment, laboratory testing, zoos, and even companionship. While some of these practices are deeply normalized, they still raise important ethical questions about how humans treat other species. When animals are viewed only as resources for human benefit, compassion can slowly be replaced by convenience, profit, and desire.

Scientists estimate that over 99% of all animal species that have ever lived on Earth are now extinct, totaling billions of animals. On the other hand, human population is growing  & continues to face hatred, war, violence, and separation.

The way humans treat animals reflects the way humans treat life itself.  

Remember this simple rule: True progress is not measured only by technology, wealth, or population growth. It is measured by how gently and responsibly we treat the most vulnerable forms of life around us.

14. Wine Consumption Has NO REAL Health Advantages.

Wine consumption has often been marketed as something that may offer health benefits, especially red wine. Red wine contains polyphenols such as resveratrol, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been associated with supporting cardiovascular health, improving cholesterol balance, and protecting the body from oxidative stress.

However, it is important to understand that wine is still an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol carries real health risks, including increased cancer risk, liver stress, sleep disruption, weight gain, addictions, accidents and empty calories. Many health agencies now agree that people should not begin drinking alcohol purely for health reasons.

The benefits often associated with red wine are mainly linked to compounds like resveratrol, not the alcohol itself. Therefore, it is wiser to get these nutrients from healthier food sources like

Grapes

Grape juice

Peanut butter

Blueberries

Dark chocolate

Cranberries

Remember this simple rule: Instead of starting or continuing wine consumption for supposed health benefits, it is better to focus on whole foods, a balanced diet, and lifestyle habits that avoid alcohol dependency.

15. Death can occur NATURALLY Without Illness or Accidents.

In modern society, especially in the US, death is often understood mainly through the lens of accident, chronic illness, medical decline, palliative care, or medical intervention. Rarely do we pause to reflect on what natural death truly means from a deeper spiritual perspective.

Ancient yogic traditions offer a different understanding. In these traditions, death is not always seen as a fearful event, but as a conscious transition from the physical body to a higher state of awareness. Advanced yogis are believed to transcend ordinary physical existence through a deep spiritual state known as samadhi. This state represents complete absorption, inner stillness, and union with higher consciousness.

In many ancient forms of yoga, including Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and other traditional yogic paths, samadhi is considered one of the ultimate goals of spiritual practice. It is not viewed as an act of escape, but as the culmination of disciplined living, self-mastery, meditation, detachment, and spiritual realization.

Throughout history, there have been accounts of yogis who are said to have left their physical bodies naturally and peacefully. Even today, such stories continue to inspire people who follow the yogic path with sincerity and devotion. I have shared one such real-life story in my book, Chakra Handbook, to help readers understand this profound yogic perspective.

Remember this simple rule: Natural death, from this viewpoint, is not merely the end of biological life. It is the peaceful completion of a life lived with awareness, discipline, and spiritual purpose.