9 Popular Old Wives Tales That Are Actually True

Swimming After Eating

Contrary to popular belief, swimming after eating won't give you debilitating cramps. While it's true that blood is redirected for digestion, it's not enough to prevent your muscles from functioning properly.

Chewing Gum Stays in Your Stomach

Despite the myth that chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years, it actually passes through your system intact, as confirmed by the Mayo Clinic.

Human Urine Heals Jellyfish Stings

Peeing on a jellyfish sting won't help. Instead, the Mayo Clinic recommends removing the stinger and soaking the affected area in hot water to alleviate the pain.

Coffee Stunts Your Growth

Contrary to popular belief, coffee doesn't stunt your growth. This misconception likely stems from the idea that it causes osteoporosis, which has been debunked by Harvard Medical School.

Plucking Gray Hairs

Plucking gray hairs won't make two more grow in their place. However, it's best to trim them close to the scalp to avoid potential damage to the follicle, advises UAMS Health's Shashank Kraleti, M.D.

Sitting too Close to the TV

Sitting close to the TV won't ruin your eyesight, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, although it may cause temporary eyestrain.

Cats Suck Babies' Breath

There's no truth to the myth that cats suck babies' breath. While pets should always be monitored around infants, cats don't pose a risk in this regard, as confirmed by LiveScience.

Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker

Shaving doesn't make hair grow back thicker, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. It may appear thicker initially due to the blunt angle of the cut.

Cracking Knuckles and Arthritis

Contrary to popular belief, cracking knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, says orthopedic surgeon Robert Klapper, M.D. It's simply the release of nitrogen bubbles in the joint fluid.