More than half of U.S. adults turn to the web for their regular dose of health information and news.1Wang X., Cohen RA. Health information technology use among adults: United States, July–December 2022. NCHS data brief, no. 482. National Center for Health Statistics; 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:133700 But not all digital health advice is created equal. So, how can you separate the trustworthy sources from the sketchy ones?
The key lies in finding reliable natural medicine and whole-health websites that offer accurate, dependable, and up-to-date information on medical conditions, treatments, and alternative therapies.
To ensure you’re getting the best online health tips, look for well-reviewed, scientifically backed content written by experts. Your health deserves nothing less!
Who Runs the Site?
Understanding the organization or company behind a website is essential for gauging its credibility. Start with the website’s extension—the final few letters of the URL:
- .gov: These sites are run by government agencies and are usually highly reliable.
- .edu: Managed by educational institutions like schools, colleges, or universities, these sites are packed with research-driven information.
- .org: Often belonging to nonprofit organizations, medical or research societies, associations, or advocacy groups, these sites typically aim to inform and support rather than profit.
- .com: These are commercial organizations, such as businesses or nutraceutical companies, which might be driven by profit motives.
By understanding these extensions, you can better judge the reliability and intent behind the information you’re reading.
What Is the Site’s Purpose?
Most nonprofit organizations openly share their goals and objectives, clearly outlining their mission on at least one page of their website. While many aim to provide reliable health information to support informed choices, it’s important to be aware of any underlying motives.
Understanding who runs the website can give you insight into its purpose and reliability. Government and educational websites, for instance, are generally deemed the most reliable since they aren’t driven by financial gain.
To dig deeper into an organization’s intent behind sharing natural health information, check out the “About Us” page. Look for details about the organization’s vision, mission, values, history, core and supervisory staff (board members, advisors), and collaborations. This will give you a clearer picture of their credibility.
Regardless of the organization, knowing who funds or supports the site is crucial. Transparency about donors and sponsors is a good sign. This information is usually found in a dedicated section, often linked from the “About Us” or “Policies” page. By understanding these aspects, you can better navigate digital health information and make more informed choices.
Reliable Advice or Advertising?
In addition to donors and sponsors, pay attention to which commercial companies advertise on the site and the nature of those ads. Be wary of sites that endorse specific products, only feature positive testimonials, and contain numerous links to sellers. Claims of “silver bullet” or “miracle cure” products may indicate that health information is aimed at moving merchandise rather than solely informing the public.
Reputable natural health sites provide practical, relevant advice supported by solid evidence. For instance, an article on microbiome health might discuss the pros and limitations of probiotics without mentioning specific brands.
Good medical evidence comes from sources like peer-reviewed medical journals or research conducted by healthcare professionals. Academic articles and studies should present factual information and clearly distinguish opinions from solid data.
Who Writes and Reviews Natural Health Content?
When it comes to accurate and reliable natural health content, there are typically two categories of contributors: authors and reviewers.
First, who writes the articles? Authors should be professional writers or researchers with a background in natural health or experience translating technical medical information into accessible language. While some authors may also be healthcare practitioners, it’s not necessary to create useful, understandable content.
Second, who ensures the content’s accuracy? Once an article is drafted, a thorough review process begins. The more rigorously facts, figures, claims, and suggestions are checked, the more reliable the final product. All content should be reviewed by licensed healthcare practitioners or medical experts well versed in the topic. Their names and credentials should also appear at the top or bottom of every article.
When Was the Article Published and Updated?
Even when digital content is written by expert authors and reviewed by qualified healthcare practitioners, the timing of that information matters. Health knowledge is constantly evolving, and outdated research can be misleading at best, and dangerous at worst.
To ensure you’re getting the most current and accurate information, pay attention to two dates on natural health articles: the publication or medical review date, and the last update. Articles that haven’t been updated in over a decade might still hold some relevance but may be less accurate. Articles updated within the past five years are more likely to reflect the latest research and findings.
The subject matter also plays a role in determining relevance. For extensively researched topics like integrative cancer care, seek out articles published or updated within the past five years. If recent studies are scarce, for example with more niche subjects or less frequently researched topics, older articles might be acceptable.
Additionally, always check the references section for the publication dates of cited studies. Research from more than 10 years ago might be outdated and less reliable.
Privacy Protection
Websites may request permission to track, gather, or sell user data. Privacy concerns are especially critical with sensitive health data or personal demographic information. Here’s how to assess the safety of your information:
Check the URL: Ensure the site uses “https” instead of “http” to keep your data safer through encryption.
Understand cookies: Before accepting cookies or tracking requests, know what information will be collected and how it will be used. Look for terms like “personally identifiable” to understand if your gender, birth date, or postal code might be shared or sold.
Be cautious with personal information: Never enter your social security number or other personal data unless you know why it’s needed, how it will be used, and the consequences of not sharing it. Contact your doctor’s office if unsure.
Review privacy policies: Reputable sites will publish their privacy and data usage policies, including contact information for further questions or concerns.
Apps and Social Media Platforms
About one third of U.S. adults get their health information from social media.2Finding and evaluating online resources. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Updated January 2018. Accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/finding-and-evaluating-online-resources Most organizations use social platforms to drive interest and traffic to their websites, so what you see is often a sample of the content available on their official site. By taking the time to verify information and sources, you can ensure the advice you receive is reliable and trustworthy.
Ensure you’re on the organization’s verified social media account by looking for verification badges or checkmarks and accessing accounts directly from their website links.
Apps and wearable devices can track health metrics like menstrual cycles, migraine symptoms, and heart rates, and some even provide therapeutic support (e.g., guided meditation). However, users should be cautious of apps claiming to offer accurate health information, as these programs are often not reviewed by medical experts and may contain inaccurate, unsafe, or outdated information. Additionally, apps may have unclear privacy policies regarding data access and use. Always research an app before downloading; if you can’t find basic information about the app’s creators or their website, it’s best to avoid it.
Consulting the Ultimate Experts
The best source of health information is your healthcare practitioner. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) educate patients on a whole-person health approach as part of their regular practice. They go beyond merely prescribing treatments, exploring the complex connections between diet, exercise, and mental health. By offering a clear picture of how these factors collectively affect overall well-being, NDs help people navigate their health with confidence and knowledge.
This proactive strategy not only helps prevent illnesses but also fosters a collaborative relationship and a long-term commitment to wellness. With their continuous support and guidance, NDs turn the journey to optimal health into an enlightening and empowering experience.
Footnotes
- 1Wang X., Cohen RA. Health information technology use among adults: United States, July–December 2022. NCHS data brief, no. 482. National Center for Health Statistics; 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:133700
- 2Finding and evaluating online resources. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Updated January 2018. Accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/finding-and-evaluating-online-resources
