As your own health advocate, it's important to keep up-to-date with health news.
But, how can you weed through sensational headlines and instances of bad science?
For example, consider a study that came out linking omega-3s to prostate cancer. News stations and websites across the country told you to "Pour out your fish oils!" shortly after the study was released.
Many Americans did just that... in fact, an estimated 12 million stopped taking their omega-3s.
The problem is, the study had major flaws and did not take into account any of the other factors that truly are linked to prostate cancer, such as bad diet, smoking, lack of physical activity, etc.
What's more, there are thousands of studies that point to the amazing benefits of fish oils and omega-3s, including protecting against prostate cancer.
Omega-3s are extremely important for so many aspects of your health... your heart, brain, skin, joints. They are beneficial for every single cell in your body. In fact, a long-term Harvard University study showed that up to 96,000 people die per year from a low omega-3 intake.
Positive data from these studies show these benefits in every age range, from the very young to the elderly.
In all honesty, these sensational headlines are not going to cease. The media is always going to use the sexiest, most attention-grabbing approach they can come up with.
So, what can you do to ensure you're getting the most accurate information?
Wait for the dust to settle a little before you make any drastic changes, especially when it comes to a natural therapy such as fish oil. Do your own research, too, using trusted science-based sources. Learn the difference between good science and bad science.
Fitness and nutritional expert, Dr. Chris Mohr, joins Lisa to discuss why it's important to get the right information when it comes to your health, and why this particular study has been so misunderstood by the general public.
Wednesday, 01 October 2014 11:22
Omega-3s & Prostate Cancer: Dangers of Bad Science
With all the sexy headlines and sensational news, how can you weed through it all and recognize instances of bad science?
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 3
- Audio File: naturally_savvy/1440ns3c.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Chris Mohr, PhD, RD
- Organization: Nordic Naturals
- Guest Website: Mohr Results
- Guest Twitter Account: @nordicnaturals
- Guest Bio: Dr. Chris Mohr is a fitness/nutritional expert and educator with an innovative, integrated approach to wellness, weight loss, nutrition, and exercise supported by years of experience in academics, research, and practical fieldwork. As the owner of Mohr Results, Inc., he has been a consultant to a number of media outlets and corporations, including the Discovery Channel and Cincinnati Bengals, among others. Dr. Mohr has appeared on the Montel Williams Show as a nutrition expert, is a regular “nutrition” guest on radio and TV outlets in Louisville, KY, and has appeared on CBS, NBC, and ABC affiliates throughout the country. He was the nutrition consultant for the NY Times Bestselling book, LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout (Rodale Press, Dec 2006), the nutrition consultant for fitness celebrity Denise Austin’s latest book, and co-author, Fitness Nutrition for Special Dietary Needs (Human Kinetics, May 2007). Dr. Mohr is the sports nutrition advisor to Men’s Fitness Magazine, and has written over 500 articles for consumer publications, newspapers, and websites, such as Men’s Health, Weight Watchers Magazine, and Fitness Magazine, to name a few. Dr. Mohr has a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Nutrition, from Penn State University and the University of Massachusetts, respectively. He received his PhD in exercise physiology, with a focus on the treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity, from the University of Pittsburgh, and is a registered dietitian (RD).
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Transcription:
- Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Internal Notes: repeat guest
- Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
Published in
Naturally Savvy