Medical Myths

Medical Myth #42: Muscle pain during exercise is due to the build up of lactic acid.
False!
Reality: While lactic acid is a by product of anaerobic glycolysis, and muscle cells derive their primary energy from glycolysis, there is not significant lactic acid build up. Glucose, under anaerobic conditions, is converted into lactate (-ate = -ic acid in sciency speak) which is shunted from the muscle cell. The muscle soreness caused by exercise is actually the result of microscopic damage done to the myocytes (muscle cells).

Medical Myth #675: Alcohol causes frequent urination.
True!
Alcohol consumption inhibits the ability of the pituitary gland to secrete vasopressin, and anti-diuretic hormone. This results in polyuria, or frequent urination. Interestingly, this can also contribute to the dehydration that often accompanies heavy alcohol use.

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