Are You Getting Bad Advice?

How often have people commented on what you "should" do to manage things like your weight, health conditions, etc.? 

Many times, it's a well-meaning (but potentially misinformed) friend, family member, or co-worker. "Old wives tales" & health myths often get passed around like the flu (a subtle reminder to get your flu shot, by the way)! While research shows that a few have a basis in truth, many just aren't true & can even be harmful (e.g., some detox diets). Check out Eating Well's The 13 Biggest Nutrition and Food Myths Busted for other examples.

Sometimes, it could be someone motivated by money-- pushing a service or product (e.g., a less ethical personal trainer or salesperson). How about a talk show or magazine looking for a sensational segment, product endorsement, or advertising sales? Or, perhaps, it could even be a trusted professional who doesn't have a thorough education or hasn't stayed current on the specific topic.

Unfortunately, even research can be misleading (either purposefully or accidentally through poor study design, researcher or reporter bias, demands of the funding source, oversimplification, overgeneralization, etc.).

Worried that you're getting misinformation? Check out WebMD's Seven Telltale Signs You're Getting Bad Nutrition Advice to know what red flags to look out for.