Dr. Pasricha warns consumers to approach all health trends on social media with “some skepticism” because there’s “so much misinformation online.”
“I’ve seen plenty of people get caught up in fads that make doctors like me cringe,” she wrote. “But at the same time, I understand the allure. Health trends are often pushed by influencers with some kind of health care, biology or nutrition background.”
“They can make something dubious seem logical by walking you through data and concepts that appear rooted in science, sprinkling in buzzwords like ‘microbiome’ or ‘inflammation’ and referencing medical studies.”
Acknowledging that it can be difficult to determine if these “claims are legit” – noting “it takes most physicians years to learn how to assess whether the journal, the methods and the foundational physiology quoted in a study are rigorous” – she advises consumers to always ask these three questions when you come across a claim.
Three questions you should ask about every social media health trend
- Does the marketing data feel too good to be true?
- Are major health-care institutions offering or recommending it?
- Is there any information about it on websites run by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other trusted agencies or medical organizations?
The doctor continues to explain that if the claim doesn’t past the test, then you should consult a healthcare provider before trying it.
