Looking for reliable nutrition information?
With so much nutrition information on the internet it is difficult to find reliable information.
Here are some things to consider when looking for information:
1. Look for ‘red flags’ to help you decide what is true and what is not. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a promise of a quick fix like fast weight loss or a miracle cure? Is there a sensational headline for the next big thing? If a diet or product sounds too good to be true, then it likely is. Making changes in your habits means a long-term commitment to healthy eating and physical activity.
- Is information based on personal stories or testimonials? It may be nice to hear a success story from a celebrity or friend, but it’s not proof that something works or is true. Nutrition advice should be based on the best available research.
- Is the advice based on a single study? The best answers to food and nutrition questions are found by combining the results of many studies. The more research that shows the same results the more trustworthy the advice is. Also, the more people in the study and the longer its duration, the stronger the results will be.
- What are the writers’ qualifications? You wouldn’t ask a celebrity how to design a bridge, you’d ask an engineer. The same thinking should apply to nutrition advice. Check the website section “about us” to find out more about the people or company responsible for the website.
- Does the advice include buying special products or replacing foods with supplements? Food is the best source of nutrients. Special products and supplements are usually not needed to improve your health.
- Does the advice emphasize a single food or nutrient? Current food and nutrition evidence shows greater health benefits from eating a variety of nutritious whole foods rather than focusing on single foods or nutrients.
- Is the information on the website current? Reliable websites will include the date of when a webpage was written and be regularly updated to reflect the most current nutrition information and advice available.
2. Choose trustworthy websites
Look for websites from trusted sources such as educational institutions, government agencies and professional organizations. These websites will often end in .edu, .gov, or .org. Use the list of reliable websites below to get started. Don’t rely only on the information you find on the internet when making a decision about your diet or health. Share the information you’ve found with your dietitian or health care provider. Talk about the changes you’d like to make and together you can come up with a plan that is best for you.
Source: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthy-eating/reliable-information
3. Speak with a Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are your trusted nutrition professionals. RDs are regulated health professionals who have a specific Food and Nutrition University degree followed by a Master’s or internship program. Speak to a Registered Dietitian for individualized food and nutrition help. Niagara North Family Health Team have dietitians with many years of experience and passion for helping!
General Healthy Eating & Cooking
Food Sources of Nutrients
- Iron Rich Food Sources
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Calcium and Vitamin D
- Vitamin D
- Omega 3 fats
- Food Sources of Zinc
- Food Sources of Fibre
- Food Sources of Folate
Nutrition Topics from A-Z
Allergies
Anemia
Arthritis
Body Image/Eating Disorders
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre
- ASDAH
- htFEAST: Support and resources for families affected by eating disorders
- Poodle Science video
- BodyBrave website
Breastfeeding
Cancer
- Canadian Cancer Society
- The Essential Cancer Treatment Nutrition Guide and Cookbook
- Grilling Guide and Cancer
- Oncology Increasing Calories and Protein
Celiac Disease
Children and Infants
- Introduction to solids
- Iron rich foods
- Iron Fortified Infant Cereal Recipes – Finger foods for babies & toddlers
- Increasing calories and protein
- Constipation
- Family Style Meal Basics
Chron’s and Colitis
Constipation
Diabetes
- Alcohol and Diabetes
- Basic Carbohydrate Counting
- Diabetes Food Guide
- Eating Away from Home
- Handy Portion Guide
- Hypoglycemia Low Blood Ssugar in Adults
- Just the Basics
- Physical Activity and Diabetes
- Stay safe when you have diabetes and sick or at risk dehydration
- Introductory Resistance Program
Diverticular Disease
Fibre
Food Labels
Food Security/Access
Gallbladder Disease
Gluten Free
Gout
Heart Burn
Heart Health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Kidney Stones
Malnutrition
Medi Diet
- Steps for Following the Mediterranean Diet
- Mediterranean Diet: A Guide to Healthy Eating
- 7 Day Spring Medi Menu
- Medi Diet Benefits (Infographic)