In today's world, anyone can claim to be a "nutritionist" or "health coach." That doesn't necessarily mean the information they share is accurate or evidence-based. Here are a few tips for sourcing credible health information online.
Even before thinking about going to a doctor, most people will sit down at their computer or pick up their phone and ask google to diagnose them. Besides causing stress and uncertainty when WebMD suggests a devastating diagnosis based on a nagging headache, you're likely to find a flurry of "superfood" suggestions to align with your ails.
There is no such thing as a "superfood." While whole fruits and veggies do provide super sources of vitamins and minerals, no one food is going to cure all ills. If you start to look into "superfoods" like acai berries or coconut oil, you'll notice first few websites you find are selling....acai berries and coconut oil! If this seems suspect, it's because it is. Companies selling these product spend a lot of money on marketing, hoping to draw on emotions to get you to buy their products. How can we all be more savvy health information seekers? Here are a few of my favorite tips.
Look for Objectivity
What's the name of the website? Are they trying to get you to buy something? If so, be skeptical of their marketing articles and health claims. Sites that instill fear are likely using that strong motivator to get you to make a purchase. Some articles list their sponsors or affiliations down at the bottom.
Looks Too Good to be True? Probably Is!
There is not one single miracle food! If a site makes vast, but vague promises, be wary of the information they share. Remember, just because something seemingly worked for one person doesn't mean it will work for everyone.
Credentials Matter
Anyone can say they are a "nutritionist" or "health coach." But have they had the training? By sourcing articles written by a medical doctor or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), you can be more confident in the experience and background. Six months of holistic health training is not the same as the 5-10 years and MD or RDN spends deeply learning about the complexities of the human body.
Sources Matter
The first thing I look for when reading new nutrition information is the source. If information is evidence-based, it should be backed by at least one peer-reviewed study, and not just other non-scientific websites. If the article links to external sources, check them out too. Marketing articles (such as from health magazines) sometimes take the most flashy piece of information completely out of context. Dig deeper for the real information.
So who can you trust? Here are a few websites with reliable health and nutrition information:
eatright.org (the official Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website)
choosemyplate.gov
Educational sites ending in .edu
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/
https://www.nih.gov/
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