We all know some basic health advice that never goes out of style: get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Yet in today’s world, social media floods us with countless health tips, making it difficult to separate useful guidance from pure misinformation.

Dr. Leonor Fernandez, a primary care doctor at a Harvard-affiliated hospital, points out that many so called wellness ideas are misleading because they mix a small piece of truth with a large dose of exaggeration. She explains that people often fall for such advice because they are eager for a quick fix, even though real health usually requires balance between lifestyle and diet.

One widespread belief is that being thin always equals being healthy. In reality, there is not just one ideal body type, and many people who appear slim may still have poor health. Carrying excess weight does increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes, but it is wrong to assume that body mass index alone can show overall well-being.

What matters more is staying active and socially connected, which can protect both body and mind, since a sedentary lifestyle often causes greater harm than body size itself.

Another myth is that detoxes and cleanses can improve health. These short-term diets often involve juices or herbal products, but they provide no proven benefits and may even be harmful, especially for vulnerable groups. Our bodies already remove toxins naturally through breathing, sweating,and digestion, so a balanced diet with fewer processed foods is far more effective.

Finally, many people believe that eating late at night leads to weight gain. While metabolism does change slightly during sleep, what really counts is the type and quality of food consumed. Choosing meals rich in protein, fiber,and whole grains helps prevent late-night cravings, while healthy snacks like yogurt or carrots can satisfy hunger without harm.

Good health, in the end, depends less on magic solutions and more on steady, mindful habits.