If you type health and diet questions into an internet search bar, you'll find a plethora of articles and advice -- sometimes recommending very different, even opposing, approaches. How in the world can you discern which ones are right? When I'm faced with these kinds of choices, I ask myself these questions:
Is the "expert" trying to sell me something I can only get from them?
How complicated are the recommendations?
What do the studies show?
How does the "wisdom of the ages" weigh in?
I find that weighing out information in the context of these questions can be helpful. Here are some examples:
1. Is the "expert" trying to sell me something?
More importantly, is it something I can supposedly only get from them? If someone is promoting special supplements, diet programs, or other "secrets" as a result of their advice, I proceed with caution. It isn't an indicator all by itself that the advice is flawed, but can point to inaccuracies at best, and deception at worst.
Ask yourself as well if the seller claims to be the only one with an answer. A careful observation of how scientific discoveries and research has always worked shows that there's typically collaboration and parallel discoveries that lend credibility and accuracy to the information.
2. How complicated are the recommendations?
I believe God made our bodies and the good things of the earth to fuel and care for them. His children inhabit all corners of the world and live in all manner of circumstances. It doesn't seem likely that He makes some of His bounty available to some but not to others. Where there is disparity, it is usually man-made. To believe that one isolated plant on some remote island is the answer to the good life, but only available to a privileged few who can afford it, is an idea that does not make sense to me.
Observation tells me that good health practices are NOT supposed to be expensive, hard to understand, or difficult to keep track of. Common sense dictates that the best life is a simple one. That includes daily habits that contribute to long life and good health.
3. What do the studies show?
When it comes to matters of health, it's worth some digging to see what studies have shown. Always take into consideration whether a third party organization conducted the study or someone who had a vested (often financial) interest in the results. Just because the funding organization may stand to profit from, or have affiliation with the study's authors doesn't automatically negate the results. They can still be legitimate, but look for blind studies and other corroborating results.
Be suspicious of results that are wildly "significant". Usually scientific results are more subtle and most helpful as part of a bigger picture identifying trends and correlations in whole batches of similar experimentation. If the results of a study are similar to previous studies, you can have more confidence in them. Otherwise, approach with a healthy bit of skepticism.
It is especially important to not just accept anecdotal claims. Although such claims can be helpful and motivating, evidence must also be presented. No matter how trustworthy or professional an "authority" may appear, without evidence there can be exaggeration, falsification, and even life-threatening complications. An article from one of my favorite websites, nutritionfacts.org, illustrates that fact: Supplement Labeling Fraud Is Widespread.
Honestly, as a protection, I tend to re-center at all times on products and practices that are as close to whole and all-natural as you can get. As stated in the afore-mentioned article, "'the safer source for dietary phenolics,' or phytonutrients, 'as a consumer, is from food intake.'" If it comes from the earth and is close to it's natural form, you can trust it! Which leads me to the last point:
4. How does it measure up against the "wisdom of the ages"?
Simply put, you just can't entirely disregard thousands of years of accumulated practice and evidence. We tend to assume that our health and medical knowledge today is superior to any time in the world's existence. I think that may largely be a result of the ignorant, horrific and deadly practices that physicians made during the dark ages and other trying times. Certainly things have improved since then.
However, looking at earth's recorded history as a whole, we are often surprised at how certain practices of health and healing are timeless. We've simply re-discovered them from time to time. In fact, I'm convinced there are some things that our ancestors did better. It feels wise to measure new discoveries against those practices just to see how they jive. It's one more tool in the toolbox to help us make a choice.
Conclusion:
Do you have one of those friends who claims to have all kinds of medical wisdom and knowledge, who readily offers advice and remedies, who also seems to perpetually be sick and have any number of non-visible (possibly imaginary) ailments? Me too. I've often wondered where the wisdom is in taking health advice from someone who has yet to see the fruits of their own counsel.
I do realize that health isn't something that is always in our control, and have genuine compassion for those who struggle. The point is, after all the searching and deciding and practicing -- what are the results for YOU? Did it work? Do you feel a difference? In the end, those are the questions that really matter.
If it makes a tangible difference in your life, do it. If not, there may be better answers.
Comments