In a Nutshell

At Healthline, creating trustworthy content is at the core of our mission. We have an internal team that ensures the scientific accuracy and medical integrity of everything we publish, from product reviews to social media posts to these newsletters! Writers and editors are also thoughtful in how we frame health topics to avoid adding to health disparities and stigma.

But enough of us tooting our own horn. Why does this matter? Because misinformation is rampant nowadays, and no one is immune.

It can be challenging to figure out what’s accurate and expert-backed when you’re flooded with so much content every day. But knowing who and what you can trust is essential to protecting yourself from potential harm.

In honor of Health Literacy Month, we’re partnering with our sister site, Bezzy, to share some best practices and tips to keep in mind as you navigate the Wild West of the World Wide Web.

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Recipe to Enjoy: 10 Soups for Fall

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Tips to Live Well: Symptoms of Early Stage Memory Loss and How to Navigate It

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Condition Spotlight: Auvelity for Depression: Cost, Side Effects, and Interactions

Stay safe out there,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 23, 2026 • 3.5 min read

WHAT’S GOT US BUZZING

How to sort health information fact from fiction

Just because someone sounds convincing, it doesn’t always mean they’re qualified to give advice, or that they’re guided by anything other than their own best interests. So, how do you know if you should trust what you’re reading, watching, or listening to? Following these steps can help.

📚 Make sure claims are backed by research: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Always check whether a website or content creator shares their sources when making lofty health claims. If you can’t find reliable support or studies to back them up, they probably aren’t accurate.

Common red flags include miracle cures, false claims of conspiracy, and having secret information that “they don’t want you to know.” (Who are “they,” anyway?)

👀 Take note of bias or conflicts of interest: Ask yourself what they stand to gain from sharing this content. Are they making money by promoting a particular product, brand, or ideology, or do they have another type of motive or incentive behind it? And if so, are they being honest about it? Consider how this might affect what they say.

🤖 Be wary of AI-generated content: AI can help answer general questions when you don’t have immediate access to a professional. However, many health topics are too complex or nuanced for AI to explain or summarize without additional expert oversight. AI-generated videos featuring fake doctors giving health advice are now commonplace on social media. Stay skeptical, fact-check, and keep researching through other means.

🧑‍⚕️ Confirm credentials: Anecdotal evidence has its value, time, and place, but medical doctors, registered dietitians, and licensed therapists are more qualified to give health advice in their respective fields. You should be able to easily find someone’s degrees, qualifications, credentials, and reviews online with a quick search. Anyone who has been involved in scandals or had their license retracted will not be a good source for medical information.

Remember: Just because a person claims to have had success doesn’t mean a treatment or supplement will be safe or effective for you. As always, speak with a healthcare professional before trying a new health product or practice, including supplements, medications, and other diet or lifestyle changes.

Now, want examples of science-backed content you can trust? Here are a few of our most popular articles that debunk common health myths floating around the internet these days:

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These 6 things don’t actually cause cancer

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9 facts about bipolar disorder that you should know

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What I learned when the “natural cures” didn’t work

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Don’t fall for these 4 trends that claim to lower blood sugar

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Supplements: How to spot the best and avoid the rest

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The truth behind menopause misconceptions

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4 absurd migraine remedies to avoid trying at home

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Top 12 biggest myths surrounding weight loss

💌 Over to you: Were these tips helpful? How would you rate your misinformation detection skills on a scale from 1-10? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to let us know.

HEALTH STORIES YOU NEED

What we’re reading next

🤍 8 Top Foods to Help Lower Triglyceride Levels

💡 C. Diff and Diet: Know the Facts

☀️ 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)

💪 Squats for Glutes: Try These Variations to Target the Tush

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

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