Common Myths
Answers to common questions about common myths.
Questions on this page
- “Rice causes diabetes.”
- “Diabetic patients cannot eat fruits.”
- “Jaggery is safe for diabetes.”
- “Ragi and millets can be eaten without restriction.”
- “Protein is always good, so more is better.”
- “The more calcium I take, the stronger my bones will be.”
- “Walking is enough for everything.”
- “You must completely stop rice to lose weight.”
- “Detox drinks burn fat.”
- WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST OR DIETITIAN?
“Rice causes diabetes.”
No. Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease. Dietary pattern, excess calorie intake, genetics, physical activity and other factors all contribute to risk.
“Diabetic patients cannot eat fruits.”
False. Whole fruits can generally be included in appropriate portions.
“Jaggery is safe for diabetes.”
No. Jaggery still contains substantial sugar and carbohydrate.
“Ragi and millets can be eaten without restriction.”
No. They are nutritious carbohydrate sources but still contribute calories and carbohydrate.
“Protein is always good, so more is better.”
No. Protein requirements are individualized, particularly in people with kidney disease.
“The more calcium I take, the stronger my bones will be.”
Not necessarily. Adequate calcium is important, but excessive supplementation does not automatically improve bone strength.
“Walking is enough for everything.”
Walking is excellent, but a complete exercise programme may also include resistance training, balance work and other activities depending on individual needs.
“You must completely stop rice to lose weight.”
No. Sustainable weight loss depends on the overall dietary pattern and energy balance.
“Detox drinks burn fat.”
There is no special drink that reliably removes body fat. Sustainable weight management requires an overall approach to nutrition, activity and behaviour.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST OR DIETITIAN?
Consider professional nutritional guidance if you have:
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Obesity or difficulty losing weight
- Fatty liver
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Osteoporosis or recurrent fractures
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low calcium or abnormal PTH
- Chronic kidney disease
- PCOS
- Diabetes during pregnancy
- Difficulty maintaining muscle during weight loss
- A complex endocrine condition requiring a specialized diet
The best diet is not necessarily the most restrictive diet. It is the one that is nutritionally appropriate, medically safe and sustainable enough to follow for the long term.