A recent report released by researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine, published in the Christmas issue of BMJ published online on December the 18^th, points out that six commonly believed myths are just myths, never confirmed. Amazing as it seems, even some health professionals believe that they are true, but researchers really haven't found anything to back up the myths. Let's take them one at a time.

 

Firstly, it is said that suicide rates are higher during the holidays. Even so, numerous studies have failed to find a peak of suicides during the holidays and it seems people tend to be surrounded by other people in December, which stops them from committing suicide. However, it's interesting to see what happens after the holidays. Secondly, it is often thought sugar makes children hyperactive. Of course, that's not the case. At least 12 double-blind, randomized, controlled trials have analyzed the effect of sugar on children, and none found evidence for the sugar-equals-hyperactivity myth. In one study, children weren't given any sugar, but their parents were told they had been. Parents who thought their children had eaten sugar rated their behavior as more hyperactive, therefore proving it's their own mind that plays with them.

 

Another common holiday myth says that hangover can be cured easily. As proven, the only hangover cure that really works is to not drink excessively in the first place. In addition, some traditional hangover cures, like aspirin or acetaminophen can actually create serious troubles, such as liver problems or stomach irritation, in people who have been drinking without measure.

 

Researchers also 'debunk' another myth, the one that says poinsettias are toxic if eaten. Poinsettias, even in large doses, appear to be safe, even if they're not recommended for eating. As for the myth that we lose most of our body heat through our head, it's really not like that. The head, like the rest of our body, releases heat, but it's no more important to shield your head than to protect other parts of your body against the cold. Last, but not least, eating at night won't make you fat as long as what you're eating doesn't put you over your normal daily calorie total.

 

In order to make this study work, the team trawled through the medical literature and internet for evidence on a range of commonly held beliefs. However, the authors mentioned that the study was performed mainly for entertainment reasons, although there seems to be a larger lesson to be learned. So there they are, six myth, all of which were 'debunked' by this research. Let's all enjoy the holidays with these ideas in our head.