health and wellness
Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience
Last Updated on February 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Aimee Pugh Bernard, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated a vast landscape of misinformation about many topics, science and health chief among them.
Since then, information overload continues unabated, and many people are rightfully confused by an onslaught of conflicting health information. Even expert advice is often contradictory.
On top of that, people sometimes deliberately distort research findings to promote a certain agenda. For example, trisodium phosphate is a common food additive in cakes and cookies that is used to improve texture and prevent spoilage, but wellness influencers exploit the fact that a similarly named substance is used in paint and cleaning products to suggest it’s dangerous to your health.
Such claims can proliferate quickly, creating widespread misconceptions and undermining trust in legitimate scientific research and medical advice. Social media’s rise as a news and information source further fuels the spread of pseudoscientific views.
Misinformation is rampant in the realm of health and nutrition. Findings from nutrition research is rarely clear-cut because diet is just one of many behaviors and lifestyle factors affecting health, but the simplicity of using food and supplements as a cure-all is especially seductive.
I am an assistant professor specializing in medical education and science communication. I also train scientists and future health care professionals how to communicate their science to the general public.
In my view, countering the voices of social media influencers and health activists promoting pseudoscientific health claims requires leaning into the science of disease prevention. Extensive research has produced a body of evidence-based practices and public health measures that have consistently been shown to improve the health of millions of people around the world. Evaluating popular health claims against the yardstick of this work can help distinguish which ones are based on sound science.
Navigating the terrain of tangled information
Conflicting information can be found on just about everything we eat and drink.
That’s because a food or beverage is rarely just good or bad. Instead, its health effects can depend on everything from the quantity a person consumes to their genetic makeup. Hundreds of scientific studies describe coffee’s health benefits and, on the flip side, its health risks. A bird’s-eye view can point in one direction or another, but news articles and social media posts often make claims based on a single study.
Things can get even more confusing with dietary supplements because people who promote them often make big claims about their health benefits. Take apple cider vinegar, for example – or ACV, if you’re in the know.
Apple cider vinegar has been touted as an all-natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, urinary health and weight management. Indeed, some studies have shown that it might help lower cholesterol, in addition to having other health benefits, but overall those studies have small sample sizes and are inconclusive.
Advocates of this substance often claim that one particular component of it – the cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle termed “the mother” – is especially beneficial because of the bacteria and yeast it contains. But there is no research that backs the claim that it offers any health benefits.
One good rule of thumb is that health hacks that promise quick fixes are almost always too good to be true. And even when supplements do offer some health benefits under specific circumstances, it’s important to remember that they are largely exempt from Food and Drug Administration regulations. That means the ingredients on their labels might contain more or less of the ingredients promised or other ingredients not listed, which can potentially cause harms such as liver toxicity.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the global dietary supplements industry is worth more than US$150 billion per year, so companies – and wellness influencers – selling supplements have a financial stake in convincing the public of their value. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VM1zCZLCClM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Misinformation about nutrition is nothing new, but that doesn’t make it any less confusing.
How nutrition science gets twisted
There’s no doubt that good nutrition is fundamental for your health. Studies consistently show that a balanced diet containing a variety of essential nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
For instance, minerals such as calcium and iron support bone health and oxygen circulation in the blood, respectively. Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, are vital for brain health.
However, pseudoscientific claims often twist such basic facts to promote the idea that specific diets or supplements can prevent or treat illness. For example, vitamin C is known to play a role in supporting the immune system and can help reduce the duration and severity of colds.
But despite assertions to the contrary, consuming large quantities of vitamin C does not prevent colds. In fact, the body needs only a certain amount of vitamin C to function properly, and any excess is simply excreted.
Companies sometimes claim their supplement is “scientifically proven” to cure illness or boost brain function, with no credible research to back it up.
Some companies overstate the benefits while underplaying the hazards.
For example, wellness influencers have promoted raw milk over pasteurized milk as a more natural and nutritious choice, but consuming it is risky. Unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria that leads to gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, much more serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as avian influenza, or bird flu.
Such dietary myths aren’t harmless. Reliance on nutrition alone can lead to neglecting other critical aspects of health, such as regular medical checkups and lifesaving vaccinations.
The lure of dietary myths has led people with cancer to replace proven science-backed treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, with unproven and misleading nutrition programs.
How to spot less-than-solid science
Pseudoscience exploits your insecurities and emotions, taking advantage of your desire to live the healthiest life possible.
While the world around you may be uncertain and out of your control, you want to believe that at the very least, you have control over your own health. This is where the wellness industry steps in.
What makes pseudoscientific claims so confusing is that they use just enough scientific jargon to sound believable. Supplements or powders that claim to “boost immunity” often list ingredients such as adaptogens and superfoods. While these words sound real and convincing, they actually don’t mean anything in science. They are terms created by the wellness industry to sell products.
I’ve researched and written about reliable ways to distinguish science facts from false health claims. To stay alert and find credible information, I’d suggest you follow a few key steps.
First, check your emotions – strong emotional reactions, such as fear and anger, can be a red flag.
Next, check that the author has experience or expertise in the field of the topic. If they’re not an expert, they might not know what they are talking about. It’s always a good idea to make sure the source is reputable – ask yourself, would this source be trusted by scientists?
Finally, search for references that back up the information. If very little or nothing else exists in the science world to back up the claims, you may want to put your trust in a different source.
Following these steps will separate the facts from fake news and empower you to make evidence-based decisions.
Aimee Pugh Bernard, Assistant Professor of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Hardwood floors come in a variety of types. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize the type of floor – and its finish – in your home.
Whether solid wood or engineered wood (multiple layers of wood veneer), each flooring type has specific cleaning needs. The same is true for the type of finish used, including durable and water-resistant surface finishes like polyurethane and polycrylic or penetrating finishes such as oil or wax, which require more meticulous care to ensure longevity and maintain shine.
Transform your hardwood floors from dull to dazzling with these cleaning tips.
- Prepare the Area: Remove furniture and rugs from the room to ensure you can clean every inch of the floor. Check for any debris or dirt that can be swept away with a soft-bristle broom or vacuumed using a hardwood floor vacuum attachment.
- Dust and Sweep: Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove dust and dirt. Use a microfiber mop to capture finer particles the broom might miss.
- Spot Clean: Identify any stubborn stains or spots. Use a damp cloth and small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals (including vinegar and ammonia), abrasive scrubbers and soaked cloths to prevent damage to the wood or finish.
- Mop the Floor: Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dip the microfiber mop into the solution, wring out excess water and mop the floor following the grain of the wood. Work in small sections to prevent water from sitting on the floor too long. Note: Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause swelling, warping or mold growth.
- Dry the Floor: Immediately after mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor to remove any remaining moisture and streaks before walking on it.
- Prevent Long-Term Danage: Place doormats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, which can impact wood stability.
- Maintain the Shine: Apply a hardwood floor polish every few months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test the polish in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your floor’s finish.
For more home maintenance guidance, visit eLivingtoday.com.
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Health
5 Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
The article highlights five rare kidney diseases, including IgA Nephropathy, APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Cystinosis, and Complement 3 Glomerulopathy. These conditions, often misunderstood or undiagnosed, emphasize the importance of awareness and education to improve early detection and management, particularly for those affected.
5 Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
(Family Features) While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure – including a collection of rare and genetic conditions. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28 worldwide, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.
IgA Nephropathy
An autoimmune disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure.
According to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms – the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test. She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes – the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.
“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central African descent.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.
Cystinosis
A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy
With complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease.
Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25.
“I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease,” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.”
Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund.org.
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health and wellness
Seeing the Possibilities: Living with Low Vision
Millions of Americans face challenges due to low vision, a condition that is not an inevitable part of aging. February’s Low Vision Awareness Month highlights the importance of eye exams and awareness. Effective management strategies include environmental modifications, assistive devices, and vision rehabilitation services to improve daily living and maintain independence.
(Family Features) Millions of Americans are living with low vision, a visual impairment that can turn everyday moments – recognizing a friend’s face across the street, reading a recipe or checking a text message – into unexpected challenges.
Low vision isn’t a natural part of getting older, though the conditions that cause it do become more common with age.
Whether low vision is affecting you or a loved one, Low Vision Awareness Month is a perfect time to have your eyes examined for signs of eye diseases and to take steps to make daily life easier if you are experiencing low vision.
Consider this information from the National Eye Institute to make the most of your vision and improve your quality of life.
Understanding low vision
You may have low vision if you can’t see well enough to read, drive, recognize faces, distinguish colors or see screens clearly.
Many different eye conditions can cause low vision, but the most common causes are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes.
The most common types of low vision are:
- Central vision loss (not being able to see things in the center of your vision)
- Peripheral vision loss (not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes)
- Night blindness (not being able to see in low light)
- Blurry or hazy vision
Diagnosing low vision
Your doctor can check for low vision as part of a simple, painless comprehensive dilated eye exam. He or she will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away and will check whether you can see things in the center and at the edges of your vision.
Then eye drops are used to widen your pupils and check for other eye problems – including conditions that could cause low vision.
Low vision is usually permanent, but glasses, medicine or surgery may help with daily activities or slow progression.
Living with low vision
If you have low vision, you aren’t alone. There are steps you can take to make life easier.
For minor vision loss, simple adjustments like using brighter lights, wearing anti-glare sunglasses and using magnifiers can help. Changing the settings on your phone and computer to increase contrast, make text larger or have the device read out loud may also help.
If your vision loss is getting in the way of everyday activities, ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. These services can give you skills and resources to help manage your daily life and keep your independence. Examples include:
- Employment and job training
- Environmental modifications, like improving lighting and contrast
- Assistive devices and technologies, like magnifiers, filters and screen readers
- Adaptive strategies for daily living and independent living skills training
- Emotional support, like counseling or support groups
- Transportation and household services
Finding the right vision rehabilitation services and support may take time, but working closely with your eye doctor or care team is an important first step. Discuss your needs and goals for living with your visual impairment so they can help identify the best services for you.
For additional resources and information on vision rehabilitation, visit nei.nih.gov/VisionRehab.
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