Consulting Dr. Google
Every year, Google compiles the most frequently asked health questions put to its search engine. While the internet can be a good place to start an inquiry, it’s extremely important to consider the source of the answers before you click for more information.
“When searching a topic, go to well-known and well-respected sources that have nationally-recognized reputations,” advises geriatric psychologist Linda Ercoli, PhD, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. “I recommend searching medical center websites, such as UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and the Mayo Clinic, as well as national professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Medical Studies and More
The National Institutes of Health (nih.gov) is a rich informational resource designed for the general public. NIH websites and many online journalistic articles cite medical studies (a.k.a. clinical trials) and often include links where you can read more about them. And there’s gold in those details, such as finding out how many people were in the study (the more the better), their ages, who did the study, what they were looking for (study objective), and whether or not researchers have any conflicting interests. For example, it’s important to know if researchers were affiliated with a pharmaceutical company doing a study about that company’s drug. That affiliation may or may not influence study design and outcome interpretations, but studies published in high-quality peer-reviewed journals (e.g., JAMA, Lancet, BMJ) require such disclosures for a reason.
Reading studies can be a challenge as they are filled with scientific and medical terms. A good approach is to read the upfront content, which summarizes the objective and outcomes. Then go to the end for the discussion and conclusion, which can be especially illuminating.
Search Bias
UCLA psychologist Alan Castel, PhD, says that while the internet can quickly provide a lot of information, it’s easy to fall prey to confirmation bias.
“The terms we use for a search can serve to support our beliefs, rather than disconfirm them,” he explains. “For example, enter the search terms ‘cancer and headache’ and the top results will include brain tumor, which is rare. You might just be dehydrated, which is a common cause of headaches.”
Most Common Health Questions
To follow are a few frequently searched for heath questions, followed by answers from reputable sources. Use these websites to find more information about these and other topics.
Q: How can I lower my blood pressure without medication?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, damages blood vessels, often without overt symptoms. While medications are often prescribed, there are many lifestyle changes that can lower blood pressure, sometimes negating the need for medications. The American Heart Association (AHA) and hundreds of studies support the low-salt DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Because most salt comes not from the saltshaker, but from processed and packaged foods, and often from restaurant meals, preparing meals at home allows you to control salt.
Limiting alcohol to one or two drinks a day is also advised by the AHA because studies have shown that drinking too much alcohol can raise the level of fats in the blood known as triglycerides. When high triglyceride levels are combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol and/or low HDL (good) cholesterol, the risk for heart attack and stroke increases. Though some studies tout the benefits of red wine, the advice of limiting alcohol intake remains the same regardless of whether it’s a spirit, beer, or wine.
Cardiovascular exercise is another scientifically-proven way to prevent and manage blood pressure. This type of exercise is that which raises your heart rate and makes you sweat. The NIH advises at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) per week of moderate-intensity activity. A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week meets that goal. Cardiovascular exercise also reduces stress, improves blood flow, and helps you maintain a healthy weight—all of which can help keep blood pressure in check.
Q: What is the keto diet, and is it good for weight loss?
A ketogenic, or “keto,” diet consists mostly of high-fat foods and those that have moderate protein. It is very low in carbohydrates, meaning no breads or grains, and many fruits and vegetables are off limits. It’s a highly advertised diet for weight loss. But its origins stretch back about 100 years as a treatment for epilepsy, a disorder characterized by seizures. Research supports its use for that condition when managed with a healthcare team. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics likens the keto diet to a fast, in which the body uses ketones as an alternative energy source in the absence of carbohydrates. The keto diet is very restrictive and can be difficult to follow. It also has other drawbacks. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it’s common for people on the diet to experience short-term problems such as flu-like symptoms, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Given the limited fiber on the keto diet, constipation can also occur. Long-term health risks include kidney stones, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The high amount of fat consumed is also controversial, as it can raise risk for heart disease.
While there are many cautionary statements about the keto diet, being overweight or obese also carries serious health risks. A keto diet can result in rapid weight loss and may kick start a lifestyle change. A 2017 study published in the journal Gastroenterology suggested that compared to a conventional low-fat diet plan, participants following the keto diet had better glycemic control and weight loss. If you want to try a keto diet, work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized keto plan. Make sure you understand the possible short-term side effects and what you can do about them. Be sure to develop a strategy for adding foods back into your eating plan once weight loss goals are achieved.
Q: What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate and phosphorus in the urine. These hard pebbles form in one or both kidneys and vary in shape and size. Small ones can pass easily through urine, but large ones can get stuck and cause excruciating pain. Symptoms include sharp pain in the back, lower abdominals or groin, blood in the urine, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Pain may be intermittent. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases recommends talking to your doctor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Men are more prone than women to developing kidney stones. Dehydration and certain foods can increase risk. Depending on the type of stone, you may be advised to avoid nuts, wheat bran, spinach, and limit animal protein including eggs, dairy products, beef, chicken and especially organ meats. Limiting salt is also advised.
Q: How can I get rid of hiccups?
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers StatPearls, a database of peer-reviewed content designed for those in the medical professions. Adding “NIH” to your search string can sometimes bring up these pearls of wisdom, including a lengthy write- up on hiccups, knowns as singultus in medical terms. Hiccups are usually fleeting for most people and are classified as being acute, lasting less than 48 hours, persistent, lasting over two days, and intractable, persisting for more than month. Like so many conditions, hiccups has many possible causes and treatments. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause acute hiccups, with reports that hiccups occur in about 10 percent of those with GERD. Overeating, carbonated beverages and spicy foods are often implicated as the catalyst of the problem. Incidences of persistent hiccups have been noted in those with central nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and advanced cancer, where the incidence may be as high as 9 percent. Sometimes simply being overly excited and suddenly gulping air, for example during intense laughing, can trigger hiccups. As far as treatments, the StatPearl report says breath holding and breathing into a paper bag can work for an acute bout of hiccups. There’s also mention that smelling salts, vinegar, and pulling on the tongue may yield results. The bottom-line is that if hiccups last more than two days, a visit to the doctor is warranted.
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