I’m often told how overwhelming it can be to navigate the flood of health information out there—so many sources, so many opinions, a constant stream of headlines on the news, and ongoing commentary on social media. People ask me all the time: How do I know what’s credible? Is there a quick way to tell if something is actually evidence-based and worthy of my attention? These are valid questions, especially in an era where people share bold claims with little context, anecdotes are often mistaken for evidence, and affiliate marketing can quietly shape the message. The sheer volume of information is overwhelming, and often blurs the line between sound science and persuasive opinion.

In an effort to help you evaluate credibility and avoid clickbait, I’ve put together a brief framework you can use to distinguish whether or not a health claim is worth paying attention to:   

Too good to be true?  Does the claim make sense? 

Bold, sweeping statements—like “This one food melts belly fat”, or “Boost your metabolism instantly with this hack”—should raise eyebrows. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Real health takes time, commitment, consistency, and a thoughtful, individualized approach. There is no magic pill or one-size-fits-all solution.

Where is the evidence coming from?

Look for information that comes from credible, high-quality, evidence-based journals—not just opinions or personal stories. You may not always have access to the full study, but you can check whether the source is a respected medical or scientific journal. These are often called peer-reviewed, high-impact, Tier 1, or indexed journals. A quick online search of the journal’s name can give you a sense of how trustworthy it is. When in doubt, skip the anecdotes and look for well-cited, reliable sources.

Here are some examples of reputable journals:

• The Lancet
• ‍JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)
• ‍The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
• ‍BMJ (British Medical Journal)
• ‍Nature Medicine
• ‍Cell Metabolism
• ‍Nature Aging‍
• ‍Aging Cell
• ‍The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN)
• ‍Metabolism
• ‍The Journal of Nutrition
  

Who’s saying it—and why?

Are they a qualified health or performance professional, or just skilled at promotion?  Take a moment to check their credentials and affiliations. In fields like nutrition, movement, medicine, or pharmacology, formal training and licensure can offer some reassurance that the information is grounded in evidence. That said, credentials do not eliminate bias. Many professionals—qualified or not—earn income through affiliate marketing or brand partnerships, which can influence how information is presented.  The same can apply to studies funded by companies with something to gain.   It’s not inherently wrong, but it’s worth being aware of. Checking both their qualifications and potential conflicts of interest helps you put their advice in proper context.

Watch the language

Buzz words like “guaranteed,” “cure,” “always/never,” “breakthrough” are red flags. Fear and certainty are powerful marketing tools—but good medicine relies on nuance, evidence, and context.

In a landscape crowded with bold claims and conflicting advice, learning how to assess the quality of health information is more important than ever. While there’s no single shortcut, using a few simple filters can help you cut through the noise. Staying informed starts with a more thoughtful, critical approach to the information you consume.