15 Crazy Examples of Bogus Medical Advice from the Past

They say that hindsight is 20/20, but in today’s health-conscious society, it’s hard to imagine a time in which these medical studies and thinly veiled ads were taken as fact.

1924: Tobacco smoke isn’t bad for you.

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1970s: Sugar helps you lose weight.

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1932: “Mental germs” cause suicide.

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1940s-50s: Cigarettes are good for your teeth, may help lengthen your life and are a healthy alternative to overeating.

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1933: Loud noises help restore hearing.

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1932: Dancing and daylight savings time lead to tuberculosis.

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Early 1900s: Tape worms are a safe way to lose weight.

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1932: Drinking alcohol improves the health of your heart and kidneys.

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1953: Exposure to nuclear energy may create a race of evil supermen.

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1902: Heroin is a safe, nonaddictive alternative to codeine and morphine.

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1935: Smoking helps steady your nerves.

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1934: Chewing gum “exercises” your teeth.

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BONUS NOT-QUITE-MEDICAL ADVICE: Watching TV makes kids get better grades (according to a TV manufacturer).

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