How to tell if it's the truth?
"Have some green tea and you will burn fat". "Take meat six times a day to increase your muscle mass."
Every day, we hear a new way of eating that would allow us to be better in our body and in our health. The media, the social networks, our doctor, our entourage ... We are bombed with information, which can sometimes even contradict each other. It is not without reason that the term food cacophony has emerged for some time; it has become extremely easy to find information on nutrition and nutrition. Paradoxically, it has become difficult to find reliable and credible information.
The dangers of food cacophony
Unfortunately, a lot of the information on the Internet is unreliable for a number of reasons.
Those who call themselves "specialists"
First, many call themselves "food specialists" but unfortunately do not have the knowledge or the scientific judgment to establish what is truly effective and safe for a person. In addition, the media tend to comment quickly on the results of a new study to catch the eye of the readers. What you need to know, however, is that a study alone can not guarantee that the result it has achieved is THE way to go.
A study said ...
Reading a scientific study is a laborious exercise. All health professionals will tell you; you have to judge the methodology, the source of funding, the sample on which the study was conducted, etc. Above all, several studies must be done on the same subject before deciding on the credibility of the result. Even more importantly, the information found, does not necessarily take into account your social, economic, psychological or medical context.
However, it can be inefficient, expensive, demoralizing long-term or even dangerous for your health to change your eating habits based on an internet search whose source is unreliable and the therapeutic approach is most likely not individualized.
What to do then?
- Never jump on a diet or a new miracle product. Ask the advice of a dietitian / nutritionist, he or she can inform you about the benefits and / or risks of a product.
- Be critical of the results of a study you have read. Make sure you are able to find that same conclusion in another credible source of information. You can also seek the advice of a health professional who is part of a professional order.
Changing a life habit is often difficult. If you really want to change your eating habits to achieve a health goal in a healthy, realistic and sustainable way, dietitians / nutritionists are the health professionals who can help you reach them. Do not hesitate to contact us!
