Barefoot running: As long as you don't step on any broken glass, barefoot running may be better for your shins, knees, hips and back than your pricey trainers. A study published last year in the journal Nature reported that running in trainers can send a shock up your legs that is virtually non-existent when running barefoot.

Tongue scraping: An ancient Indian medicine technique, tongue scraping requires a special cleaning device and several minutes of gag-inducing scraping. But it can help cure bad breath and may reduce your chances of developing gum diseases and even colds.

Parasite therapies: Curing allergies by ingesting parasites? Some researchers are claiming that the lack of parasites such as hookworm in industrialized countries may be contributing to the soaring rates of allergies. But before you swallow that tasy hookworm, perhaps it's better to let the scientists explore how these creatures play a part in the human immune system.

Fecal transplants: In the world of gross-out science, doctors are looking into fecal transplants -- "in which doctors inject several teaspoons of a sample of fresh feces into a person's gut via a tube in the nose (yes, teaspoons)," -- as a cure for diarrhea-causing bacterial diseases, and even as a possible treatment for Parkinson's disease and diabetes. The dosage can also be administered in pill form (pictured).

Vibrating exercise platforms: Perhaps you've spotted these at your gym or spa? The idea is to stand on a vibrating platform for a few minutes before stepping off and performing your exercise, which the vibration claims to help you perform better and faster. While research at this time is scant, LiveScience reports that the machines hold some promise to help muscles heal faster and build bone density in older people with osteoporosis. - With inputs from agencies, Chistropher Wanjek, author of books Bad Medicine and Food at Work

Ditch that antibacterial soap: If you thought that using antibacterial soap can help you stay cleaner, think again. As per the American Medical Association, there’s absolutely no reason to buy antibacterial soaps. In the study, the AMA said that there is no scientific evidence that an antibacterial soap is no better at preventing infections than regular soaps

Get rid of that moustache: If you are prone to allergies and have a moustache, getting rid of it or washing it twice a day can help. This is because a study found that patients who did this used fewer antihistamines and decongestants. 

Get the right initials: A recent study found that if you have initials that spell out a 'positive word' you are likely to live four-and-a-half years longer that people with initials that spell a 'neutral word'. The study suggested words like 'WOW' or 'JOY' helped people live longer, while initials like D.U.D or A.S.S. live nearly 3 years less

Drink wine for good oral health: A study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that sipping wine may be good for your oral health. Scientists found that certain compounds in the drink can fend of harmful bacteria in the teeth and gums. Traditionally, some health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to the fact that these compounds are antioxidants, meaning they likely protect the body from harm caused by free radicals

Having two drinks a day may be good for the brain: A couple of glasses of wine after a busy day may damp down inflammation and help the brain clear away toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggests new research. Besides helping you relax, a couple of glasses of wine after a busy day may tamp down inflammation and help the brain clear away toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggests new research