There is a reason why this blog is named Healthily Informed.
I am a huge believer in information and the right to know, and I believe that a lot of our modern health problems, especially here in western countries, are the product of misinformation. I know that’s quite a bold statement to make, but that’s just how strongly I feel about it. And here’s why…
Whether we’re talking about a self-proclaimed health nerd or the stereotypical American that eats fast food every day, as long as they’re not doing their research, they’re both basically on the same level. Because on one hand, the stereotypical american is eating McDonald’s every day, beef that is loaded with hormones and comes from cattle that’s been fed genetically engineered corn. And then, on the other hand, the health nerd is eating lean turkey breast sandwiches without even realizing that the sodium nitrites in the curated turkey breast have been linked to cancer and inhibited oxygen transportation in several different studies.
Both these people have been affected by misinformation. Although in different ways.
Another similar example would be, the stereotypical american is eating fast-food fries, which are fried in artery-clogging partially hydrogenated oil. And then the health nerd is eating a ‘health’ bar which, depending on the brand, could contain partially hydrogenated oil, as well!
These are only a few hypothetical examples, and in no way am I trying to generalize a population. But what I’m trying to say is that, both the “stereotypical american” and the “health nerd” are very badly misinformed. And if only they knew what was in their food and where their food came from, perhaps their choices would be different.
Some people may argue that Americans really are informed enough. They might argue that there’s enough information going around for them to make informed choices. But that’s another thing. Where is the information coming from? The sources can really influence the information you end up getting. So what sources of information are Americans being exposed to?
Is it the mainstream media? Because if that’s the case, we have a huge problem. The mainstream media tends to show only one side of the story. Whether it be with politics, or with education or with health. They usually favor only one point of view. And most times, this “point of view” is one that benefits the big, influential corporations. So if mainstream media is the main source of information for Americans, then we’re pretty much on the road to ruin.
And let’s say for a moment that it isn’t mainstream media. Then, what is it? Is it a single YouTube channel? A single book? A single documentary? A single celebrity doctor’s advice? A single health blog? Whatever it is… as long as it is a “single”, or a “few”, you’re probably being exposed to only one side of the story, as well. And you can’t allow yourself to do that. If you depend on any one source to get your information — whatever that source might be — you’re giving them the power to manipulate you. And, as a society, we can’t allow ourselves to be manipulated in that manner. Especially when it comes to a subject as important as health.
So, what should we be doing instead?
Doing your own research, of course! Whether it be in this blog, or in other blogs, or in books, or in documentaries, make sure you’re being exposed to ALL sides of the story. Make sure you research every ingredient, every product, every habit. And then you can make informed decisions. :)
Side note: Since I’m so passionate about this whole information/doing your research thing, I am going to publish another article about how to do your research. I’m going to include some tips, and few rules of thumb so you can make sure that you understand all sides of the story. So keep your eyes open for that upcoming post!