It’s common for people to listen to nutrition advice from social media celebrities and give it a try.
Dietitians and nutritionists consider it a positive thing that sites like these share useful information about health. However, with fake information being widely shared on the internet, there are some simple ways we can identify the right information and the wrong information.
This can be detected by observing the following five things.
1. Is someone’s story just an example?
Dietitian Kathryn Rabes says that people are more drawn to stories about health than evidence. If stories like this are shared online about health without any scientific evidence, be careful. Because often such stories have no scientific basis. So, he says it doesn’t apply to others.
If everyone chooses the same lifestyle and follows certain advice relating to appearance and health, if the story is in the style that everyone can benefit the same, you need to be careful. “You can’t change your genetics through diet and exercise,” says nutritionist Pixie Turner.
While social media can create a positive space for learning and support, she cautions against comparing yourself to others.
If you are unwell or need nutritional advice, you should seek it from a medical professional.
image source, Getty Images
2. Is the consultant selling a product?
Sponsored posts are common on social media. When one buys money for something, one becomes dependent. Thus, if someone promotes a product on social media without thinking about whether it is safe or not, you should be careful, points out nutritionist Sophie Medlin.
Britain’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) says that if someone is promoting a product on social media, they must be using it. But a BBC investigation has revealed that some social media influencers have agreed to advertise certain diet products on their social media without using them.
A.S. With so many complaints filed, Medlin believes social media users are consuming sponsored content. She and dietitian Hala El-Shafi are campaigning for more restrictions on what can be advertised on social media and who can give health advice.
“They advertise dangerous food products like appetite suppressants, meal replacement pills, teas, and injectable weight loss drugs,” he says. Medlin urges that there should be regulations to prevent people promoting products that have an impact on health.
3. Are non-descript words used in science?
You may have heard English words like ‘detoxing’ and ‘cleansing’. But do you know what they are? Turner says that these words are ‘defined by the people who use them’. When used to market a product, there is no scientific definition for it.
image source, Instagram / @pixienutrition
If someone uses the word ‘detox,’ “that’s strong evidence that they don’t know anything about how the human body works,” says Turner. “You have a liver and kidneys to do these things in your body. The foods you eat are not toxic. Otherwise, you would be dead or seriously ill,” Medlin assures us.
The term ‘superfood’ is another common marketing buzzword with no scientific definition. According to Harvard University, it was a buzzword used to sell bananas in the early 20th century. ‘Superfoods’ often mean very hard to find. ‘Glamourous’ or very expensive by UK standards”, notes Turner.
4. Do you develop a fear of food without a medical reason?
Many people recommend cutting out certain types of foods. But if you do this you need to get the lost nutrients in other foods.
“Carbohydrates can sometimes be harmful to the body, but ignoring them completely can lead to chronic fatigue because they provide our bodies with glucose, something that helps every part of your body function,” Rabes warns.
image source, Getty Images
If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute calcium-rich foods, Medlin says.
Turner warns that labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ also has psychological risks. Because it “leads you to see yourself as a good person or a bad person,” he said. This thinking can lead to feelings of out-of-control around food, depression, and anxiety about body image. Of course, it’s good to limit your intake of certain foods, but it’s important to follow a balanced diet.
5. Building a cure-all?
The British Dietetic Association advises avoiding foods that promote a magic product that solves any ‘problem’ without changing our lifestyle.
image source, Getty Images
“If there was a cure-all, we’d all be using it. Nothing you can take in pill form is a substitute for fixing an overall unhealthy diet, stress and not getting enough exercise. Spend your money on fruits and vegetables rather than the pharmacy,” says Medlin.
5. Who should we see for nutritional advice?
Dietitians and registered nutritionists should be consulted. Unlike social media influencers who take responsibility for what they say. “Consulting someone with a degree in nutrition ensures that the information they give is evidence-based. They take responsibility for what they prescribe,” El-Shafie concludes.
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