Researchers unveil seven great 'medical myths'

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ABC NEWS Posted Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:09am AEDT

 

Reading in dim light will not hurt your eyes, you do not need eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy and shaving your legs will not make the hair grow back faster.

 

These well-worn theories are among seven "medical myths" exposed in a paper published in the British Medical Journal, which traditionally carries light-hearted features in its Christmas edition.

 

Two US researchers took seven common beliefs and searched the archives for evidence to support them.

 

Despite frequent mentions in the popular press of the need to drink eight glasses of water, they found no scientific basis for the claim.

 

They say the complete lack of evidence has been recorded in a study published the American Journal of Psychology.

 

The other six "myths" are:

 

Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight

 

The majority of eye experts believed it was unlikely to do any permanent damage, but it might make you squint, blink more and have trouble focusing, the researchers say.

 

Shaving makes hair grow back faster or coarser

 

Studies say shaving has no effect on the thickness or rate of hair regrowth. But stubble lacks the finer taper of unshaven hair, giving the impression of coarseness.

 

Eating turkey makes you drowsy

 

It does contain an amino acid called tryptophan that is involved in sleep and mood control. But turkey has no more of the acid than chicken or minced beef. Eating lots of food and drink at Christmas are probably the real cause of sleepiness.

 

We use only 10 per cent of our brains

 

This myth arose as early as 1907 but imaging shows no area of the brain is silent or completely inactive.

 

Hair and fingernails continue to grow after death

 

This idea may stem from ghoulish novels. The researchers said the skin dries out and retracts after death, giving the appearance of longer hair or nails.

 

Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals

 

Despite widespread concerns, studies have found minimal interference with medical equipment.

 

- Reuters