Debunking Common Nutrition Myths and Misinformation

People get their information about health and diet from many different sources. Some of those sources may intentionally or unintentionally provide misleading information. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), “Various factors contribute to the dissemination of health misinformation.” In addition, the NLM states that “cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, often lead individuals to believe information that aligns with their existing beliefs, even if it lacks scientific evidence.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides meal delivery services and education to combat diet and nutrition myths.

Why Are Nutrition Myths Dangerous?

Myths about diet and nutrition may cause people to change what they eat. In some cases, misinformation and myths may cause people to adopt unhealthy lifestyle changes or diets that negatively impact their well-being. Fad diets are one example of how myths and misinformation cause people to completely change their diets in a way that does not promote healthier eating.

According to an article published In Frontiers in Nutrition, “Such diets are often marketed with specific claims that defy the basic principles of biochemistry and nutritional adequacy.” In addition, the authors state that “certain studies suggest the negative health consequences of long-term adherence to such dietary patterns.” Myths about diet and nutrition are dangerous because they may do the following:

• Mislead people
• Cause malnutrition and other health issues
• Promote disordered or unhealthy eating habits and behaviors
• Cause people to doubt reliable sources and scientific evidence
• Worsen chronic health conditions
• Create unrealistic goals and expectations
• Spread misinformation

Nutritional education is the best way to combat diet myths.

How to Recognize Misinformation or Disinformation

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “If you’re visiting an online health site for the first time or downloading a new app, ask these five questions:

1. Who runs or created the site or app? Can you trust them?
2. What is the site or app promising or offering? Do its claims seem too good to be true?
3. When was its information written or reviewed? Is it up-to-date?
4. Where does the information come from? Is it based on scientific research?
5. Why does the site or app exist? Is it selling something?”

Nutrition.gov offers additional information about how to recognize legitimate sources for health advice.

4 Common Nutrition Myths

Myths and misinformation spread quickly, and many people do not know how to recognize them. Below are four common nutritional myths and how they may affect people’s lives.

#1. All Carbs Are Bad Carbs

Some people hear all carbs are bad carbs and try to cut all carbohydrates from their diet. Often, people follow low-carb diets to promote weight loss. Unfortunately, this can lead to significant health issues. According to the Annals of Saudi Medicine, “[N]umerous studies have shown that low carbohydrate diets are unlikely to produce significant long-term weight loss and may lead to serious health problems.”

Limiting all or most carbs for a prolonged period can negatively affect overall health. Carbohydrates are essential to a balanced diet and provide the body with energy. Most individuals benefit from reducing simple carbohydrates and eating complex carbohydrates, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

#2. Nutrition Myths Related to Restrictive Diets

Many myths about restrictive diets perpetuate false information about the benefits of eating only specific foods. Some examples of unhealthy restrictive diets include:

• Juice diets
• Raw Paleo diets
• Single-food diets
• Strict veganism
• Low-carb diets
• Other fad diets

According to Cureus, researchers “found that the motivations behind restrictive eating and diagnosed eating disorders were the same” for many individuals. Unfortunately, people often experience adverse effects when they restrict their diet without consulting with a nutritional specialist or dietitian. These side effects vary considerably depending on multiple factors. Because of these effects, a balanced diet is the best way to improve health. Moreover, any food restrictions should be monitored or approved by a medical professional.

#3. Frequently Skipping Meals Is the Best Way to Lose Weight

Many people believe skipping meals will help them lose weight. However, not eating the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals each day can lead to malnutrition, other severe health issues, or even death. Regularly skipping meals is especially dangerous for younger individuals who are still growing and older adults who require additional nutrients to counteract age-related health changes. A balanced diet is the best way to manage weight and improve overall health.

#4. All Fats Are Unhealthy

People often believe all fats are unhealthy. However, people require some fats to ensure the body functions properly. For example, fatty acids ensure brain cells remain healthy and communicate properly. Fats also provide the body with energy. Healthy fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

According to MedlinePlus, “Polyunsaturated fat is found in plant and animal foods, such as salmon, vegetable oils, and some nuts and seeds.” Not all fats are bad. However, it’s true that people often benefit from avoiding the saturated fats in processed foods.

How Does LifeSpring Home Nutrition Help Combat Nutrition Myths?

LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides people in the community with information about online and community-based resources where they can learn more about how to follow a balanced diet. Nutritional education is essential for supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Some helpful resources with additional facts about combatting diet and health myths include the following:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Often, people make healthier dietary choices when they fully understand how a variety of factors impact their overall health.

Debunking common myths, disinformation, and misinformation about diets helps people develop healthier relationships with food. Myths cause stigmas and make it harder for people to understand how their diets impact overall health. Nutritional education is an essential part of community support for individuals with a high risk of developing chronic medical issues. A healthy diet and lifestyle reduce the risk of preventable disease. However, many people believe in diet myths and are unaware of how their dietary choices may contribute to their health problems. LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides home-delivered meals and nutritional education to individuals in the community. To learn more about our services and how to receive home-delivered meals, call us today at (800) 798-5767.