•
•
•
Evidence-based information comes from a body of clinical expertise and peerreviewed scientific literature with consistent findings. In other words, the experts generally agree. Practitioners of evidence-based medicine use evidence and expertise while considering a patient’s values and preferences. Goal: Achieve the best possible outcome via a scientifically supported solution that you feel good about as a patient.
•
•
•
Science is essentially a process of seeing what “rises to the top.” When a significant number of reliable studies consistently reach a certain conclusion, scientists feel confident that it has merit. When you choose evidence-based medicine, you’re getting the best of the best; the information has already been put to the test repeatedly by numerous experts. Better information equals better chance of success.
•
•
•
The nutrition we take in directly affects how our bodily systems function. Proper nutrition can help improve their functioning and ultimately reduce the risk of various diseases. Diseases linked to vitamin deficiencies, for example, may be prevented with a nutrition plan that ensures proper vitamin intake. Example: Sufficient vitamin D and calcium intake helps reduce the risk of bone fractures in older individuals.¹ An evidence-based nutrition plan would be designed to provide plenty of vitamin D and calcium.
•
•
•
Some nutrition and health information is well-intended but unsupported by science. In some cases, the advice may even be harmful. Example: Some “health gurus” have recommended extremely restrictive diets with little variation. Medicine does not support their claims, and experts warn they may lead to deficiencies or eating disorders.² By choosing reputable sources and fact checking the claims you find, you’ll avoid being harmed or scammed.
•
•
•
If you prefer not to take pharmaceuticals, making science-based changes gives you the best chance of eliminating the need for medication. Evidence-based nutrition is a good foundation for any complementary or alternative therapies and may eliminate the need for them, as well. Fewer medications and other treatments means a reduction in your medical costs!
•
•
•
If the claims sound too good to be true, they probably are. In science, results from nutrition and lifestyle changes don’t tend to be immediately dramatic. Because you won’t be expecting miraculous changes, you won’t be disappointed when they don’t happen. Science is predictive and testable. If you aren’t hitting predicted health milestones, you and your doctor will know that something needs adjustment.
•
•
•
Choose expert sources and do a fact check. If you’re unsure about a claim, talk to a certified nutrition specialist. Beware of those selling a product. It’s likely their information is biased to encourage sales. Think critically and apply skepticism, even if you really want to believe. Watch for red flag claims like “kills cancer cells,” “more effective than mainstream medicine,” or “big pharma has tried to suppress this.”
Crystal Run Healthcare is a New York healthcare provider dedicated to high-quality, personable patient care. Our providers combine the latest medical evidence with clinical expertise to find solutions that suit your individual needs and values. You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
1. 2.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542454819300311 https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/dangers-dieting-clean-eating
Summary There’s a lot of health and nutrition information out there, some of which is questionable. Here are 5 reasons an evidence-based approach is best, plus how you can tell the facts from the fiction.