Debunking 7 Popular Health Myths During the Christmas Holidays

The holiday season is filled with joy, indulgence, and traditions, but it’s also a time when health myths tend to spread as fast as holiday cheer. Let’s look at seven common health myths during Christmas and uncover the truth behind them to help you enjoy the festive season without unnecessary worries.

1. “Eating a lot of sugar gives you a ‘Christmas sugar rush.'”

This popular myth has been debunked by multiple studies. The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity, especially in children, is more rooted in perception than science. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no link between sugar intake and hyperactivity. Instead, the excitement of the holidays and the festive atmosphere often explain the bursts of energy we associate with sugar consumption.

However, consuming too much sugar can lead to energy crashes and other health issues, so it’s still wise to enjoy holiday sweets in moderation.

2. “You’ll catch a cold if you go outside without a coat.”

Despite what your grandmother might say, cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not the temperature. However, spending more time indoors during winter, where germs are easily spread, increases your risk of catching a cold.

That said, bundling up is still important for staying warm and avoiding hypothermia, but it won’t protect you from viruses.

3. “Drinking alcohol keeps you warm in the cold.”

Alcohol may give you a warm sensation, but it’s not actually keeping you warm. When you drink alcohol, your blood vessels dilate, causing more blood to flow to the skin’s surface. This process makes you feel warm temporarily, but it actually causes your body to lose heat more quickly, lowering your core temperature.

Enjoy your holiday drinks responsibly, but don’t skip the layers or rely on alcohol to combat the cold.

4. “Skipping meals before Christmas dinner helps save calories.”

Skipping meals to “save calories” for a big Christmas dinner is a common mistake. When you skip meals, you’re more likely to arrive at the dinner table overly hungry, which can lead to overeating. Instead, aim for balanced meals throughout the day, including protein and fiber, to keep you satisfied and prevent overindulgence.

5. “Healthy options like turkey and salad mean you can eat as much as you want.”

Turkey and salad are healthier choices, but portion control still matters. Many holiday salads come with calorie-dense dressings, nuts, or cheese, which can add up quickly. Similarly, turkey paired with rich gravies or served in large portions can turn a healthy option into an overindulgence.

Focus on balanced portions and enjoy your meal mindfully.

6. “You can detox all the holiday indulgence with a New Year’s juice cleanse.”

Juice cleanses may sound like the perfect post-holiday reset, but your body doesn’t need a “detox.” Your liver and kidneys are already equipped to eliminate toxins naturally. Extreme diets or juice cleanses can often deprive your body of essential nutrients and lead to muscle loss or fatigue.

Instead of relying on cleanses, focus on hydration, balanced meals, and regular exercise to recover from holiday indulgence.

7. “Weight gain during the holidays is inevitable.”

The fear of significant holiday weight gain is often exaggerated. Research shows that most people gain only 1-2 pounds during the holiday season, not the widely believed 5-10 pounds. While this may not sound like much, it’s often weight that’s not lost after the holidays.

The key is staying mindful of your choices. Enjoy festive treats, but balance them with physical activity like walking, holiday games, or dancing.

Conclusion

The Christmas season is a time for celebration, not stress. By debunking these common health myths, you can make informed choices and enjoy the festivities guilt-free. Remember, balance and moderation are the keys to a healthy and happy holiday season.

Merry Christmas and stay healthy!

Sources

1. Wolraich, M. L., et al. (1995). Effects of diets high in sucrose or aspartame on the behavior and cognitive performance of children. JAMA.
2. Eccles, R. (2002). An explanation for the seasonality of acute upper respiratory tract viral infections. Acta Oto-Laryngologica.
3. Johnson, J. M., & Proppe, D. W. (1996). Cardiovascular adjustments to heat stress. In Handbook of Physiology.
4. Farshchi, H. R., et al. (2004). The acute and chronic effects of meal frequency on metabolic profiles in healthy humans: a review. The Journal of Nutrition.
5. Rolls, B. J., et al. (2004). The role of energy density in the overconsumption of fat. The Journal of Nutrition.
6. Klein, A. V., & Kiat, H. (2015). Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
7. Yanovski, J. A., et al. (2000). A prospective study of holiday weight gain. The New England Journal of Medicine.