Pseudoscience

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I CARE ABOUT SCIENCE. I do NOT care for manipulated, exaggerated, or biased science. This speaks to the importance of us all learning how to better consume scientific research. Especially when it comes to nutritional “research.”  Quotes intended. In his book, “The Gluten Lie” (which I highly recommend everyone read. Twice.), author Alan Levinovitz brings this issue to light. Let’s explore it further. 

Levinovitz explains that science serves to provide us with “evidence” so that we “understand” the human condition. Due to scientists being human, studies are often conducted with human motivations. Levinovitz reminds us, “Researchers and doctors fear death and disease just like everyone else. So, when citizens and policy makers clamor for solutions to public health crises, medical experts can be tempted to overstate the extent of their knowledge and exaggerate the potential effects of dietary changes on health” (Levinovitz, 2015). He goes on to state, “the result is sloppy science: identify a suspicious substance, run a few studies that confirm what you set out to find, and presto, a new rule is born, sanctioned by reputable members of the scientific community.” In all CAPS for emphasis, “THE PROBLEM: RUNNING A FEW STUDIES DOESNT PROVE OR CONCLUSIVELY SHOW ANYTHING.” Credible nutritional science requires a long, slow accumulation of data involving numerous studies. This means longitudinal research, which is NOT WHAT IS INFORMING MODERN DAY NUTRITIONAL FADS. Contradictory findings regarding fat, sugar, cholesterol, etc continue to emerge because the so called initial findings were unsubstantiated and unreliable. The lack of controlled, replicated, and longitudinal findings result in uncertainty. Uncertainty doesn’t sit well with us humans nor does it sell. This leads many “experts” to over exaggerate scientific findings. Levinovitz aptly states, “The problem is not with the scientific study of nutrition. The problem is people who misrepresent the strength of its findings.”

For these reasons, BE CRITICAL CONSUMERS OF SCIENCE. DON’T TRUST “DIET GURUS” AND CELEBRITY DOCTORS (many of whom lack valid credentials or licensure). Understand that the researcher is often invested in a certain outcome which leads to biased findings.

Remember: Exaggerating evidence in science MEANS LYING.