A lot more people are looking for health information online. A lot of people share health tips, special meals, and new treatments on social media. There may be people here who aren’t doctors and people who are doctors. You may see the name Dr. Mercola a lot because he is a well-known online health guide. But how do you know which claims are true?
Check out what they can do
If someone gives you health tips, make sure they have real medical training before you trust them. Are they a qualified doctor or professional in health? You can look up their name on medical or government health websites to see if they are on the list. It’s better not to accept someone’s advice if they don’t have any real credentials.
Check where the information came from
Any health claims you make should be backed up by studies or the views of experts. If someone says a vitamin can heal a sickness, they need to show proof from a real science or medical magazine. If they only say vague things like “research shows” without referring to the real research, you should be wary.
Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true
It’s likely true if something sounds too good to be true. Watch out for claims like “cure all diseases” or “works right away.” It may take time for real health solutions to work for everyone. Also, don’t follow advice that says you should stop taking your normal medicine without first talking to your doctor.
See what experts have to say
Check out health websites that you can trust, like the World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, or WebMD. It’s more likely to be true if a lot of pros say it. People like Mercola may have given advice that is different from what your doctor tells you, so you can also look into whether doctors or scientists have argued with them.
Look for information that is fair
A real doctor will talk about both the pros and cons of a treatment. It’s a bad sign when someone only talks about the good things and not the risks. People you can trust will tell you the truth so you can make smart decisions.
Most of the time, Dr. Mercola and other health supporters share good ideas that help a lot of people. But before you try something new, you should make sure you know the facts. Your health is too important to depend on information that hasn’t been proven.
Always check who is giving you help, what proof they have, and what experts you trust say to stay safe. Before you do anything you read online, talk to your doctor. You can protect your health and make the best decisions if you are careful.
