Sahabat Pramita is likely familiar with the belief that sweaty palms indicate a weak heart. However, from a medical standpoint, this claim is a myth that needs clarification. Excessively sweaty palms are known as palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition marked by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system—responsible for regulating automatic bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and sweat production. What Is Autonomic Ne...

Myth or Fact – Are White Teeth a Sign of Health? You might think, “White teeth are a sign of good health.” But is that always true? In reality, white teeth don’t necessarily reflect good oral health. A study reveals that this myth often leads people to prioritize appearance over actual dental function. Naturally, the color of our teeth is determined by the enamel layer and the underlying dentin. Enamel is the protective layer of the tooth, while dentin has a yellowish hue. Healthy teeth of...

Sahabat Pramita, have you ever heard that smelly flatulence is a sign of good digestion? Some believe that the worse it smells, the better the digestive system functions. But is that really true? Let’s explore the myths and facts behind body gas! What is Flatulence? Flatulence is a natural bodily process where gas is expelled from the digestive system. This gas comes from swallowed air when eating or drinking, as well as the fermentation of food by gut bacteria. On average, a person passes g...

Dear PRAMITA friends, Ramadan is not just a spiritual journey; it’s also an opportunity to improve health. One popular claim is that fasting during Ramadan can lower blood pressure. Is it true? Let’s uncover the facts! What Does Research Say? Studies indicate that Ramadan fasting benefits heart health and blood pressure. Kusmiati et al. (2021) found that fasting regulates eating patterns, reduces salt intake, and balances stress hormones, positively affecting blood pressure. How Does It W...

Dear Sahabat PRAMITA, do you often eat in a rush? It turns out, the way we chew our food can affect our weight! One of the theories frequently discussed is "chewing slowly can help with weight loss." But is this a myth or fact? What Happens When You Chew Slowly? Chewing food more slowly gives the brain time to receive fullness signals from the stomach. Research shows that eating slowly can reduce calorie intake by 10–15%, as the brain feels satisfied before we overeat. Scientific Facts...

Many Sahabat PRAMITA might have heard that keeping cats can lead to toxoplasmosis and affect fertility. But is this belief accurate? Let’s explore the facts. What Is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. This parasite can be found in raw or undercooked meat, unwashed vegetables, and the feces of infected cats. Although cats can host this parasite, they are not the sole source of transmission. Does Keeping Cats Make It Hard to Conceive?...