The Integra Blog

The Importance of Context

Information is good, but there is such a thing as too much of it. It’s impossible to open a newspaper, magazine, or internet news site without finding some article related to health or fitness. But although we are constantly being given ‘guidance’ on how to eat, exercise and stay happy most of us wind up feeling confused rather than reassured, not least because the information presented by different sources is often contradictory. So how do you decide who to listen to?

Check the source

One of the first things to check is whether the article in question cites a source: this could be a study published in a recognised and peer-reviewed scientific journal, or an interview given by a qualified professional affiliated with a recognised institution. Where qualifications are cited (PhD, MA etc) check what field the qualification relates to, as a PhD in anthropology doesn’t necessarily mean you know anything about muscle physiology.

How relative was the study?

If you find the source, check how recent the study is and who it was done on. Many highly restrictive diets, for example, were designed in a clinical context for severely overweight and sedentary people, so if you just have a couple of pounds to lose applying the diet to the letter may not be necessary (or even beneficial). .

If the study is expounding the benefits of some supplement/substance or other, try to find out how much of the supplement/substance was used in the original study, and whether it was done in vitro (in a test tube) or in vivo (on animals/people). Sometimes results obtained in vitro can be extrapolated, but not always.

If the study was done on people, check whether the trials were (at least) “blinded”. This means the test subjects didn’t know whether they were getting the substance being tested or a placebo, so their expectations couldn’t influence the result (the mind is a powerful thing!).

If possible, try to find recent review articles or meta-analyses (usually more objective). And if this fails, ask a qualified professional what they think, or even email the authors of the study. Most academics love people taking an interest in their work and will be happy to help you.

What to do if you can’t find the source

If all else fails, try to introduce any new habits gradually and carefully monitor how your body feels. Keep a diary recording things like sleep quality, food intake, mood, alertness etc, and look out for any changes, especially gradual ones as these tend to creep up on you. If the changes are for the better, continue. But if not consult a professional immediately. The quest to be fitter and healthier is extremely noble, but remember everyone is different, and it may take a bit of experimentation to find what works for you despite what media coverage may promise.

This post was written by Martina Avellino and posted on the Integra Facebook Fan Page, click LIKE below to subscribe to future content on our FB page.