Pharmacist lists health facts that sound fake, from hayfever remedies to bad breath cures

There are some health facts that just seem too startling to be true.

From the fact that the entire surface of your skin is replaced every month, or that if you live to age 70, your heart will have beat around 2.5 billion times – although astounding they are not going to make you any better.

Now though experts say that there are some health facts that ‘sound fake’ but could actually help manage various conditions.

Craig Watt, Superdrug Pharmacy Director says: ‘that many of these lesser-known tips are grounded in science and can make a real difference to your health.’

So he says that everybody should be aware of these five facts – they can help prevent bad breath and even stop hayfever in its tracks.

Don’t lie down straight after taking certain tablets

Although it may feel natural to lie down after taking medication, especially when you are ill, Mr Watt says you may be doing yourself more harm than good.

‘If you lie flat too quickly, there’s a greater chance the tablet can linger in the oesophagus rather than reaching the stomach, which may cause irritation, discomfort or a burning sensation known as pill esophagitis,’ says Mr Watt.

Although it may feel natural to lie down after taking medication, especially when you are ill, Mr Watt says you may be doing yourself more harm than good

Certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and osteoporosis treatments, are more likely to cause this type of irritation if they don’t pass through properly. 

‘Staying upright and taking medication with a full glass of water helps it move efficiently into the stomach, where it can be absorbed safely. For some medicines, remaining upright for around 30 minutes is advised to reduce the risk of irritation,’ says Mr Watt.

Opening windows can make hay fever worse

Experts have said that this year is set to be one of the worst years for hay fever, but a simple trick could ease the pain.

‘It might feel natural to open windows for fresh air, especially in warm weather, but this can actually increase your exposure to pollen,’ says Mr Watt. 

‘Pollen levels are often highest in the early morning and evening, and when windows are open, these microscopic particles can easily enter your home and settle on surfaces, bedding and soft furnishings.’

Once inside, pollen can linger and continue to trigger symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion, even when you’re indoors.

Keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, particularly in bedrooms, can help create a lower-allergen environment.

Wearing sunglasses can help prevent headaches

Exposure to strong sunlight can increase sensitivity and discomfort, potentially triggering or worsening headache symptoms.

Wearing sunglasses can help reduce glare and light exposure, which may ease discomfort and lower the likelihood of light‑triggered headaches in people who are sensitive to bright environments.

‘It’s not just about protecting your eyes, bright light can also act as a trigger for headaches and migraines in some people,’ says Mr Watt.

‘Around 80 percent of people with migraine experience light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, during an attack, and this isn’t limited to just one type of migraine, it can occur across different forms including migraine with aura, vestibular migraine and others.’

Drinking more water can help reduce bad breath

One of the simplest ways to freshen breath is staying hydrated throughout the day, as saliva naturally helps wash away bacteria and food particles.

In a 2021 Korean study researchers deliberately dehydrated volunteers, then compared this with normal and over-hydrated states.

They found dehydration was linked to worse breath scores, lower saliva production and higher levels of sulphur compounds – the chemicals responsible for foul breath.

‘Bad breath isn’t always just about oral hygiene, it can also be linked to a dry mouth. Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral health by helping to wash away food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, bacteria can build up more easily, leading to unpleasant odours,’ says Mr Watt.

‘Staying well hydrated supports saliva production, which helps maintain a healthier balance in the mouth. Alongside regular brushing, flossing and dental care, drinking enough water is a simple but effective way to help manage bad breath.’

Wearing darker clothing can help reduce mosquito bites

Around one in five of us are more prone to attracting mosquitoes but experts say that there is a simple trick to repel them.

‘It might sound surprising, but what you wear can influence how attractive you are to mosquitoes,’ says Mr Watt.

‘It is suggested that mosquitoes are drawn to darker colours such as black, navy and red, as these shades are easier for them to detect, especially in low light .’ 

‘Clothing colour can influence mosquito attraction, although it’s just one of several factors including body heat, scent and carbon dioxide. Loose-fitting clothing can also act as a physical barrier, making it harder for mosquitoes to reach the skin.’