health and wellness
Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience
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.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Health
Daylight saving time and early school start times cost billions in lost productivity and health care expenses
Daylight saving time disrupts sleep, leading to increased heart attacks, accidents, and mental health issues. Advocating for permanent standard time and later school start times could significantly enhance public health and reduce economic costs.
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, University of Pittsburgh
Investigations into the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster revealed that key decision-makers worked on little sleep, raising concerns that fatigue impaired their judgment. Similarly, in 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill resulted in a massive environmental catastrophe. The official investigation revealed the third mate, in charge of steering the ship, was running on too little sleep, among other problems.
While these specific disasters were not caused by daylight saving time, they are conclusively linked to fatigue, based on postaccident investigations and reports. They underscore the well-documented dangers of sleep deprivation and fatigue-related errors. Yet a vast body of research shows that every year, the shift to daylight saving time needlessly exacerbates these risks, disrupting millions of Americans’ sleep and increasing the likelihood of accidents, health issues and fatal errors.
Imagine a world where one simple decision – keeping our clocks aligned with the natural cycle of the Sun – could save lives, prevent accidents and improve mental well-being. It’s not just about an hour of lost sleep; it’s about how small disruptions ripple through our health, our workplaces and even our children’s futures.
I’m a neurologist who specializes in sleep health. I’ve seen firsthand the negative impacts of poor sleep; it has enormous personal and economic consequences.
Yet despite overwhelming research supporting better sleep policies – such as delaying school start times to align with adolescent biology and the adoption of permanent standard time – these issues remain largely overlooked in public policy discussions.
Sleep deprivation comes with real costs
Chronic sleep deprivation does more than leave people tired. It costs an estimated US$411 billion annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Poor sleep leads to workplace mistakes, car accidents and long-term health issues that strain businesses, families and the economy as a whole.
Fortunately, there’s a fix. Smarter sleep policies – such as permanent standard time and later school start times – can boost efficiency, improve health and save lives.
Up before dawn
Teenagers are the most sleep-deprived age group in the U.S. Multiple studies and surveys show that anywhere from 71% to 84% of high school students report getting insufficient sleep.
This is largely due to early school start times, which force teens to wake up before their biological clocks are ready. If you have a teenager, you probably see it every day: The teen struggling to wake up before sunrise, rushing out the door without breakfast, then waiting in the dark for the school bus.
More than 80% of public middle and high schools in the U.S. start before 8:30 a.m., with 42% starting before 8 a.m. and 10% before 7:30 a.m. As a result, some districts have bus pickups as early as 5 a.m.
Teenagers are going through a natural shift in their circadian rhythms by about two hours. This shift, driven by hormones and biology, makes it hard for them to fall asleep before around 11 p.m. The bodies of teens aren’t wired for these schedules, yet schools and society have designed a system that forces them to function at their worst.
Declining scores, drowsy driving and depression
Sleep-deprived teens have lower grades and test scores, more car crashes caused by drowsy driving, more alcohol and drug use and higher rates of depression, anxiety suicide and aggressive behavior, including carrying weapons.
Along with the health benefits, studies have found that moving school start times to 8:30 am or later could add $8.6 billion to the economy within two years, partly by increased graduation rates.
While concerns about increased transportation costs exist, such as the need for additional buses or drivers due to staggered school start times, some districts have found that optimizing bus routes can offset expenses, making the change cost-neutral or even cost-saving. For instance, a study in Boston found that reorganizing bus schedules using advanced algorithms reduced the number of buses needed and improved efficiency, which allowed high school students to start later and better align with their natural sleep cycles. This change not only supported adolescent sleep health but also saved the district $5 million annually. https://www.youtube.com/embed/OR6il9otpqM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Studies show that daylight saving time does not reduce energy use.
More heart attacks, car wrecks and suicide
Every March, most Americans shift their clocks forward for daylight saving time. Studies show this change disrupts sleep and leads to measurable adverse outcomes, including a significant increase in heart attacks. These effects linger for days after the shift, as sleep-deprived workers struggle to adjust.
The mental health impact is also severe. Suicide rates increase in the weeks following the switch, particularly for those already vulnerable to depression.
Unlike daylight saving time, standard time follows the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is primarily regulated by exposure to sunlight. Our internal clocks are most stable when morning light exposure occurs early in the day, signaling the body to wake up and regulate key biological functions such as hormone production, alertness and metabolism. In contrast, daylight saving time artificially extends evening light, delaying the body’s release of melatonin and making it harder to fall asleep at a biologically appropriate time.
Studies have found that adopting permanent standard time could prevent up to 5,000 suicides annually by reducing seasonal depression, decrease errors, injuries and absenteeism in the workplace and make roads safer, potentially preventing 1,300 traffic deaths each year.
Times are changing
The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time in 1974. It was so unpopular that Congress repealed it within nine months.
Russia tried it too, in 2011, but switched back three years later. The United Kingdom dropped permanent daylight saving time in 1971 after three years, and Portugal in 1996 after four. All of these countries found that the switch caused widespread public dissatisfaction, health concerns, more morning car accidents and disrupted work schedules. No country is currently on year-round daylight saving time.
These examples provide real-world evidence that permanent DST is undesirable due to public dissatisfaction, safety concerns and negative health effects – all three countries attempted it and ultimately reversed course. Since 2022, there has been renewed debate, largely driven by former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make DST permanent.
However, the name is misleading because it doesn’t “protect” sunshine but rather eliminates critical morning light, which is essential for regulating circadian rhythms. Major health organizations, along with the National Safety Council, strongly oppose permanent DST due to its well-documented risks.
There are signs that suggest the U.S. is finally waking up to these problems. Out of 13,000 school districts, 1,000 have independently adopted later school start times. California and Florida have enacted laws requiring high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. California’s mandate went into effect in 2022, and Florida’s is set to begin in 2026.
Permanent standard time and later school start times are not radical ideas. They’re practical, evidence-based solutions based on human biology. Implementing these changes nationally would require congressional action. However, current federal law already allows states to adopt permanent standard time, as Arizona and Hawaii have done, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
expo
Exciting Collaboration: Ketone Labs & Blue Pacific Flavors Unite to Transform Functional Beverages at Expo West 2025!
PRNewswire
March 4-7, 2025, marks a momentous occasion in the world of innovation at Expo West, and we’re thrilled to share the exciting news about the strategic partnership between two pioneers: Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the functional beverage landscape with the introduction of goBHB®-powered drinks, combining science-backed formulation with mouthwatering flavors.
What’s Buzzing at Expo West?
Set in the vibrant city of Anaheim, California, Expo West 2025 is the place to be for industry professionals and health enthusiasts alike. Visitors can look forward to an exclusive sneak peek at groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverages that harness the power of goBHB®. These innovative drinks stand out by delivering clean, sustained energy without the jitters associated with caffeine or taurine.
The Power of goBHB®: Fueling a Healthier Future
At the core of this partnership is goBHB®, a game-changing innovation that promises to uplift our daily wellness routines. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these beverages stand out:
- Brain Health: The cognitive benefits of goBHB® are remarkable! It enhances mental clarity and focus, making it perfect for those long workdays or study sessions.
- Gut Health: With specially designed formulations that support the microbiome, these beverages are as much about feeling good on the inside as they are about revitalizing your energy levels.
- Metabolic Energy: goBHB® serves as a rapid source of fuel, enabling endurance and performance, whether you’re hitting the gym or navigating a busy day.
Meet Our Innovators
Industry veterans Donald F. Wilkes, CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, and Rob C. Rogers, Founder of Ketone Labs, are enthusiastic about this partnership and the future it holds. With Donald’s extensive experience in flavor science and beverage formulation and Rob’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of metabolic health, this collaboration is set to redefine expectations.
“In my 40+ years in the industry, I have never seen a technology as transformative as goBHB®,” Wilkes stated. “It’s a game-changer in metabolic health, offering a science-backed, clean-energy solution that fits today’s functional beverage landscape.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rob C. Rogers shared, “goBHB® is revolutionizing the industry, and our partnership with Blue Pacific Flavors is pivotal in unlocking its full potential.”
Tantalizing Taste Meets Cutting-Edge Science
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the introduction of several unique and innovative flavored products, all developed by Blue Pacific Flavors. The day is coming when functional health drinks aren’t just good for you—they’ll taste fantastic too!
Will you be attending Expo West 2025? Be sure to visit Booth #4373 for a chance to sample these extraordinary beverages and see firsthand how goBHB® can integrate into your lifestyle. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the experts behind these innovations and learn more about the intersection of delicious flavor and health-conscious formulation.
Join Us on This Journey!
As we embark on this exciting journey in functional nutrition, we invite you to stay connected and follow along. Together, Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors are committed to delivering the next generation of delicious, effective, and innovative products tailored to modern consumer needs.
Let’s Change the Way We Think About Nutrition
Join us at Expo West 2025, and be part of the exciting new wave of functional beverages that promote brain health, gut health, and metabolic energy without compromising on flavor. The future of wellness awaits—let’s explore it together! 🥤✨
For more updates, follow us on our social media channels and explore the fascinating world of goBHB® and its incredible potential! See you in Anaheim!
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
health and wellness
Urban Remedy Disrupts the $5.1B Shakes Market with First-of-Its-Kind Organic Protein Collagen Shake
Made with 30g protein, 10g grass fed collagen and 0g added sugar.
POINT RICHMOND, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Urban Remedy, a leader in certified organic freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices, announces its launch of organic high protein collagen meal replacement shakes. Fueled by surging consumer demand for clean protein and collagen, Urban Remedy‘s decision to launch this trendsetting innovation is made possible with a first to market source of organic bovine collagen peptides from sustainably raised grass-fed cowhides.
Now available in Whole Foods Market, the Organic Protein Collagen Shakes come in two delicious flavors that deliver unmatched nutritional benefits, Chocolate with 30g of protein, and Vanilla with 28g of protein. They both include 10g of organic collagen to support hair, skin, nail and joint health. The type 1 and type 3 collagen peptides are hydrolyzed for optimal absorption and provide 18 amino acids. There is 0g added sugar per bottle. Instead, the drinks are naturally sweetened with date, plant-based stevia extract and monk fruit extract offering an uncompromisingly delicious taste.
“The demand for high protein and clean eating continues to grow, fueled by busy lifestyles and an increasing understanding that food is medicine.” said Steven Naccarato, CEO, Urban Remedy. “As a fast-growing leader in functional food and beverage, we’re committed to transforming the way people fuel their bodies.”
“Consumers want foods that taste amazing with less sugar and real, nutrient dense ingredients,” said Neka Pasquale, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Urban Remedy. “Our products are 100% clean, and we specially choose certified organic ingredients for their healing properties, such as organic grass-fed collagen. As a brand we never include inflammatory ingredients like dairy, gluten, refined sugar or any artificial ingredients.”
The Organic Protein Collagen Shakes are now available in Urban Remedy’s grab & go kiosks in Whole Foods Market, online on Whole Foods Market on Amazon and retail for $9.99 for a 16oz bottle.
For more information about Urban Remedy, visit www.urbanremedy.com. Find a store near you at ww.urbanremedy.com/locations/
About Urban Remedy
Urban Remedy creates delicious, clean and convenient organic foods that embody the belief that food is healing. All of Urban Remedy‘s freshly prepared meals, refrigerated snacks and cold-pressed juices are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free to support an anti-inflammatory diet and are thoughtfully crafted with every ingredient chosen for its healing properties. Urban Remedy believes that business can be a force for good and is a certified B corporation meeting rigorous standards of environmental and social performance, accountability and transparency. Urban Remedy is sold in over 370 Whole Foods Market locations and in other retailers including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry’s, King Soopers, Andronico’s, Raley’s and more. www.urbanremedy.com.
Source: SPINS MULO + Natural Channel, Protein & Meal Replacement Liquid Subcategory, L52W ending 1/26/25
SOURCE Urban Remedy
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Urbanism1 year agoSignal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
News2 years agoDiana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoThe Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
STM Blog2 years agoWorld Naked Gardening Day: Celebrating Body Acceptance and Nature
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Travel2 years agoUnique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive2 years ago2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN