Industry experts warn of Dr Google danger. Self diagnosed food intolerances, fad diets and superfood trends could actually be putting Australians at risk of malnutrition according to the Australasian College of Natural Therapies Head of Academic Studies in Natural Therapies, Teresa Mitchell Paterson.
Established in 1982, ACNT is Australia's most established sports and health education provider
ACNT and its network of nutrition graduates have identified a growing trend in self-diagnosed food intolerances and an increase in crash diets and fad food trends.
“The phrase ‘online doctor’ yields more than 528 million search results on Google, suggesting there is a high demand for online medical advice,” says Mitchell-Paterson.
“With an estimated four out of five Australians with coeliac diseases currently undiagnosed, it’s clear visiting the online doctor to assist with problems such as bloating, fatigue, or even weight loss usually leads to inaccurate worst-case conclusions,” she says.
Shaun Connolly, ACNT Nutritional Science graduate says, “During my three years of study at ACNT, I developed a deep understanding of bio chemistry and how the human body works as well as undertaking practical experience to understand the effects of proper nutrition – it’s not something you can learn from the internet.”
ACNT suggests for Australians to have a healthy, balanced eating habit that supports the body’s natural health system and stability.
For more information on ACNT visit www.acnt.edu.au