21 Terrifying Medical Facts That Will Haunt You For Days

Our bodies are pretty amazing, right? They can heal, grow, and perform some truly fascinating functions without us even realizing it. But let's be honest—there are also some facts about the human body that are, well, downright creepy. 

Sure, we know the basics: our heart pumps blood, our lungs help us breathe, and our brain does all the thinking (or at least tries). It’s all fun and games when we’re talking about how cool our opposable thumbs are, but what about the parts of our bodies that make you think, “Wait, what?!”

Recently, a Reddit user with the screen name u/Beneficial_Cry2061 opened up a Pandora’s box of medical horrors by asking, "What is a disturbing medical fact that not many people know?" Well, let’s just say the internet delivered.

From unsettling truths about our skeletons to bizarre conditions you probably wish you had never heard of, the responses might just make your skin crawl (literally). Sometimes, the more we learn, the more we wish we didn’t know.

So, if you’ve got the stomach for it (pun intended), dive into some of the weirdest, most bone-chilling truths about the human body. Fair warning: you might want to grab a blanket for those goosebumps!

1. Meet HeLa—the immortal cells that have been saving lives since 1951, but the story behind them might just break your heart.

The truth about HeLa cells: These cells grow and divide constantly and are used in all sorts of medical research to discover cures for cancer and other diseases. They were originally harvested from a woman named Henrietta Lacks, who had cervical cancer that was fatal. She died in 1951. Her family didn’t know that her cells were even being used until recently. These cells were essentially taken from Henrietta by a doctor, who made millions from them, while Henrietta’s family remained unaware. Once they found out, they finally settled with a biotech company for an undisclosed amount. This woman has essentially saved so many of us, and we all owe her so much.KweenBee1986, Fayette Reynolds M.S./Pexels

2. The first doctor to recommend handwashing before surgery was mocked—who’s laughing now?

thedoc617, Ketut Subiyanto

3. Chiropractic ‘adjustments’ aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes, they land you in the ER.

A scary number of people wind up with vertebral artery dissections and strokes from chiropractic cervical manipulations. How do I know? I've seen several perfectly healthy women in the prime of their lives as organ harvests in my OR.AlternativeSolid8310, Pixabay/Pexels

Understanding the Creepy Side of Our Bodies

Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist, highlights that our bodies often react in surprising ways. For instance, he explains that the human brain continues to develop new neurons throughout life, a process called neurogenesis. This remarkable ability can be undermined by stress and poor lifestyle choices.

Furthermore, Dr. Perlmutter emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-rich diet, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, to support brain health. Engaging in regular mental and physical exercises can also foster neurogenesis, enhancing cognitive function and emotional resilience.

Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor, discusses the emotional aspects of health and wellness. She notes that vulnerability and connection are crucial for emotional resilience, which can, in turn, affect physical health.

Brown suggests that fostering close relationships and practicing self-compassion can lead to better health outcomes. When individuals feel connected and supported, their bodies respond positively, highlighting the interplay between mental and physical well-being.

4. Did you know that modern medicine came about through grave robbing, accidents, and all sorts of crime? Who knew being a doctor wasn’t always legal?

AvocadoPizzaCat, Artem Maltsev/Unsplash

5. Not all pregnancies lead to new life. Sometimes, the body has a different plan.

Paladin2019

6. Ignoring your teeth can break your heart—literally.

The health of your teeth, or lack thereof, can cause heart disease. The bacteria that infect the gums and cause gingivitis and periodontitis also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body, where they cause inflammation and damage.If you are diabetic and don’t know it—or do, but have problems controlling your sugars—it can severely harm your teeth. On the flip side, having bad teeth can severely affect your blood glucose as a diabetic. It can become a vicious cycle.And yes, as mentioned earlier, if you get an infected tooth, that infection can travel to the brain or bloodstream very quickly.And yet, teeth are still considered "luxury bones," with maintenance, cleaning, and dental care hardly ever being covered by insurance.Pinkatron2000, Anna Shvets/Pexels

Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, suggests that our fears often stem from misinformation and misunderstanding about bodily functions. For example, he notes that the human body's ability to feel pain serves a crucial protective function.

Understanding the science behind these sensations can alleviate anxiety. When we learn that pain can signal healing processes, we may approach our health with more curiosity than fear.

7. Medical errors rank as the 3rd leading cause of death in the US.

A study by Johns Hopkins in 2016 cited that medical errors are probably the 3rd leading cause of death in the USA, following heart disease and cancer.Errors include: wrong diagnosis, incorrect dosage or wrong medications, surgical errors, and, most significantly, poor communication between staff.It is also believed that this study is accurate in the UK and EU.

8. CPR is more violent than you think. Those chest compressions are heavy enough to crack a rib or sternum.

Chest compressions are violent. Just let your 91-year-old grandma go.LegalAdviceHope, Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

9. Doctors don't know it all. They're human, just like you.

hunnilust

The Impact of Microbes on Our Health

Dr. Michael Greger, a leading nutrition expert, emphasizes that our bodies are host to trillions of microbes, collectively known as the microbiome. These microorganisms play critical roles in our health, influencing everything from digestion to immunity.

He recommends incorporating a diverse range of plant-based foods to foster a healthy microbiome. Research shows that the more varied our diets, the more diverse our gut bacteria become, which can enhance overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

10. Every single day, your body fights against as many as 10,000 events that could cause cancer.

ScaredVacation33, National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

11. Chainsaws were actually invented to assist in childbirth, while vibrators were originally invented to cure hysteria in women.

Chainsaws were originally invented for childbirth.Vibrators were invented because doctors were manually massaging women to hysterical paroxysm (orgasm) to cure their “hysteria,” and they got too lazy to do it by hand.NoDanaOnlyZuuI, Pixabay/Pexels

12. There are several wild and horrific-looking organisms living in the microbiome of human skin.

There are so many wild things living in the microbiome of human skin. Demodex are a great example; little mites that live near human hair follicles. They look horrific and feed off of sebum, sweat, dead skin, etc.Many organisms are localized too; the things living in your eyelash follicles are not the same as those living on your elbows. We're a whole universe, and even our skin is colonized by bizarre little creatures.Edit: a lovely little quote I found online about Demodex:"When you sleep, the mites come out of your skin’s pores, mate, then go back into your skin to lay eggs."Sexy.no0neiv, Jenna Hamra/Pexels

Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, points out that many people are unaware of how stress affects bodily functions. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and a host of health issues, from cardiovascular problems to digestive disorders.

To combat this, Dr. Hyman recommends mindfulness practices and regular physical activity. These methods not only improve mental health but also support bodily functions, making it essential for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.

13. The scientist who developed the pap smear worked alongside his wife, who underwent tests almost every day for 21 years to support his research.

>Volunteering as an experimental subject: For 21 years, Mary allowed her husband to sample her cervical cells and vaginal fluids almost daily, which he would then smear on glass slides and examine under a microscope.PerAsperaAdInfiri, National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

14. There's a disease called "Cat scratch fever," which is a bacterial infection you can get from a cat scratch or bite. Worst of all, it's deadly!

Cat scratch fever is real and can be deadly. I know someone who spent 2 weeks in the hospital from it, and it was his cat.lespaulstrat2, Александр Бойко/Pexels

15. Rabies has no cure.

There is no cure for rabies unless you catch it immediately and receive injections. Once symptoms show, it is too late, and the person will die.ChrisShapedObject, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Unsplash

Creepy Facts About Human Evolution

Dr. Richard Leakey, a prominent paleoanthropologist, often discusses the fascinating yet unsettling aspects of human evolution. For example, he notes that the human body is still adapting to environmental changes, which can lead to unexpected health issues.

As we evolve, our bodies may struggle to keep pace with modern lifestyles. Leakey emphasizes the importance of understanding our evolutionary history to address current health challenges, urging a return to more natural ways of living and eating.

16. 80% of lower-limb amputations are a result of complications from diabetes.

ErikSmit / pixabay

17. Your immune system can turn against you and start attacking vital organs in your body when there are no foreign invaders to fight against.

anon,Diana /Pexels

18. When you die, the bacteria that once helped digest your food will begin to digest you.

EssKayAarr,CDC/Pexels

Dr. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate and behavioral economist, explores how our perception of medical facts can affect mental health. He notes that the human brain often exaggerates fears based on negative information, leading to anxiety about health issues.

To combat this, Kahneman advocates for critical thinking and seeking evidence-based information. By focusing on credible sources, individuals can make more informed decisions about health, reducing unnecessary fears and improving overall mental well-being.

19. It is very possible to have chronic pain without a diagnosis. In other words, the pain is not tied to an injury or physical illness.

impreprex

20. Cold sores have the ability to cause permanent brain damage.

Cold sores can cause inflammation of your brain. It’s called herpetic encephalitis and is likely to cause permanent brain damage even with treatment. It can also be caused by shingles, so getting the shingles vaccine is more important than you think.UnapologeticAberrant,Anna Shvets/Pexels

21. When surgeons need to scoop your organs out to access other areas during surgery, they don’t return them to their original spots.

When you have surgery and your organs have to be scooped out to access something else, they don’t put them back where they were. They just kind of put it all back in, and our organs shift back to where they were. I learned this fact when I went to stand up after having a C-section.hotmama1230,Europeana/Unsplash

The Role of Genetics in Health

Dr. Francis Collins, a geneticist and the director of the National Institutes of Health, emphasizes how genetic predispositions can influence health outcomes. He explains that while genetics can set the stage for certain conditions, lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining an individual's health.

Collins encourages regular health screenings and proactive management of diet and exercise to mitigate genetic risks. By being informed and taking action, individuals can significantly improve their health prospects, regardless of genetic background.

Just when you thought you knew your body, these medical facts prove it’s full of surprises (and a few nightmares). The body truly is a terrifying machine.

So, each day you wake up feeling strong, take a moment to appreciate the gift of good health.

Building Healthier Patterns

In conclusion, understanding the intricate facts about our bodies can empower us to make informed health decisions. Experts like Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. Jonathan Haidt emphasize the importance of nutrition, mental clarity, and emotional resilience in maintaining overall well-being.

By adopting healthier lifestyle practices, engaging in mindful eating, and fostering social connections, we can mitigate many health risks that may seem daunting. Remember, knowledge is power—so let's use it to transform our fears into proactive health strategies.