In an era where misinformation floods social media, a startling 68% of adults admit to sharing false Medical and health information without verification, according to recent surveys. MedicalNewsToday tackles this crisis head-on in their latest In Conversation episode, featuring Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky and Dr. Jenny Yu, who dissect why we fall so easily for false info and offer science-backed strategies to update mistaken beliefs. Alongside this, the site debunks myths on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis, empowering readers with accurate health information.
Psychologists Expose Why False Medical Claims Go Viral
Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky, a renowned cognitive psychologist from the University of Bristol, explains that our brains are wired to prioritize emotionally charged content. ‘False health information spreads rapidly because it exploits cognitive biases like confirmation bias,’ Lewandowsky states in the MedicalNewsToday episode. He highlights how alarming headlines—such as unproven COVID-19 cures or miracle diets—trigger the brain’s availability heuristic, making misinformation feel more prevalent and believable.
Dr. Jenny Yu, a health psychology researcher, adds that social proof plays a huge role. ‘We fall easily for false info when echoed by influencers or friends, even without evidence,’ she notes. Studies cited in the discussion, including Lewandowsky’s own research published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, show that repeated exposure to myths increases belief by up to 20%, regardless of corrections.
This vulnerability peaks during health crises. For instance, during the pandemic, false claims about vaccines reached billions, with WHO dubbing it an ‘infodemic.’ MedicalNewsToday emphasizes that understanding these mechanisms is the first step to combating the spread of mistaken Medical and health information.
12 Irritable Bowel Syndrome Myths Shattered by Medical Experts
In their Medical Myths feature, two gastroenterology specialists from leading UK hospitals scrutinize 12 pervasive claims about IBS, a condition affecting up to 15% of the global population. Here’s a breakdown of the most debunked notions:
- Myth 1: IBS is all in your head. Fact: While stress exacerbates symptoms, IBS involves gut-brain axis dysfunction, confirmed by brain imaging studies showing altered neural activity.
- Myth 2: Gluten always triggers IBS. Reality: Only 10-15% of IBS patients have non-celiac gluten sensitivity; blanket gluten-free diets lack evidence for most.
- Myth 3: Dairy is the primary culprit. Experts clarify lactose intolerance affects a subset, but FODMAPs are broader triggers, per Monash University’s research.
- Myth 4: IBS always causes weight loss. No—most patients experience bloating and constipation, leading to weight gain from dietary restrictions.
- Myth 5: Antibiotics cure IBS. False; they disrupt microbiota, often worsening symptoms, as shown in a 2022 meta-analysis in The Lancet Gastroenterology.
Continuing the list:
- Probiotics fix everything. Not all strains work; only specific Bifidobacterium types show modest benefits in trials.
- IBS only hits women. Men comprise 30-40% of cases, often underdiagnosed.
- Caffeine ban is mandatory. Moderate intake is fine for many; excess irritates via motility changes.
- Colonoscopy diagnoses IBS definitively. It’s used to rule out other issues; Rome IV criteria rely on symptoms.
- IBS progresses to cancer. No evidence; it’s a functional disorder.
- Exercise is irrelevant. Aerobic activity reduces symptoms by 40%, per clinical trials.
The doctors stress personalized management via low-FODMAP diets and cognitive behavioral therapy, urging readers to consult professionals before self-diagnosing based on online false info.
Endometriosis Exposed: 10 Facts vs. Fiction from Top Specialists
MedicalNewsToday’s endometriosis Medical Myths edition features two obstetrician-gynecologists who dismantle 10 widespread misconceptions, vital as the condition impacts 190 million women worldwide yet remains underdiagnosed for an average of 7 years.
- Myth 1: Painful periods are normal. Fact: Excruciating pain signals potential endometriosis; normal periods shouldn’t disrupt life.
- Myth 2: It’s just bad cramps. It involves tissue growth outside the uterus, causing inflammation, per endometriosis.org data.
- Myth 3: Pregnancy cures it. Temporary relief for some, but it recurs post-pregnancy or menopause in 20-50% of cases.
- Myth 4: Hysterectomy is always the fix. Removes uterus but not all lesions; recurrence hits 40%.
Further debunkings include:
Myth 5: Only older women get it. Teens as young as 11 suffer, with 1 in 10 reproductive-age women affected.
Myth 6: Birth control fully prevents it. Suppresses symptoms but doesn’t eradicate tissue.
Myth 7: Infertility is inevitable. 30-50% face challenges, but 70% conceive naturally or with assistance.
Myth 8: It’s rare. Underreported; UK studies estimate 1 in 10 women.
Myth 9: Diet changes heal it. Anti-inflammatory diets help symptoms but not the root cause.
Myth 10: Laparoscopy is unnecessary. Gold standard for diagnosis, visualizing lesions.
Experts advocate for awareness campaigns, noting delayed diagnosis costs healthcare systems billions annually in lost productivity.
Science-Backed Strategies to Update Mistaken Health Beliefs
Lewandowsky and Yu provide actionable tools in the episode. First, prebunking: Expose people to debunked claims with facts beforehand, reducing uptake by 25%, as per their experiments. Second, use simple, repetitive corrections: ‘A myth is like a worm; corrections kill it,’ Lewandowsky quips, referencing the continued influence effect.
Practical steps include:
- Check sources: Rely on sites like MedicalNewsToday, verified by medical professionals.
- Apply the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) for info evaluation.
- Seek diverse views: Cross-reference PubMed or Cochrane reviews.
- Update beliefs via spaced repetition: Revisit facts multiple times.
Dr. Yu shares a case: A patient cured of IBS fears after myth-busting, improving quality of life. Apps like ‘Misinfo Fighter’ and browser extensions flag false health info, gaining traction.
Empowering Global Health Literacy Against Misinformation
Looking ahead, MedicalNewsToday plans more episodes and features, partnering with WHO for infodemic response training. Policymakers eye social media regulations, like the EU’s Digital Services Act mandating fact-checks. Individuals can join by sharing verified content, fostering communities resistant to false medical info.
As Lewandowsky concludes, ‘Updating mistaken beliefs isn’t easy, but it’s essential for personal and public health.’ With tools from these experts, readers are better equipped to navigate the info landscape, potentially saving lives through informed decisions.
