“The snake oil salesman relies on ignorance and fear to sell their products.” - David Suzuki

Are you tired of sifting through the endless sea of "health gurus", only to find out they're just charlatans in disguise?

Here's a handy guide on how to spot a fake health guru:

1. They have a "miracle" cure for everything:

If they claim to have the one and only solution for ALL of your health problems, RUN in the opposite direction.

You see it all over social media about how Z will cure ABCDE health conditions, and sometimes it's super easy to spot because it's sold by some dodgy doctor with pictures of yucky dirty looking water in old plastic bottles. (Surely no one actually falls for their tactics 😦).

2. They use buzzwords and jargon:

If they can't explain the methods or concepts in simple terms, they probably don't understand it themselves.

A fake guru may have read as much as you and understands it no more than you.

Compared to a Dietitian that's studied at degree level for 3 or more years. Studying things like the body and how it works, nutrients, diseases, medicines, biochemistry, genetics, behavioural sciences, food, catering, and completed scientific research.

3. They promise quick results:

Real change takes time and effort. Anyone promising instant results is full of BS.

It's understandable that we all want quick results with everything we do, but chasing after quick fixes or even falling for them can take us off course and take twice as long.

4. They shy away from scientific evidence (or slag it off):

A real health expert will be able to back up their claims with scientific evidence.

And they value robust, reliable, and objective scientific evidence. Because it provides information that's been thoroughly tested and verified, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.

Scientific research helps identify effective interventions for health conditions, ensuring better outcomes.

It also considers safety factors, protecting people from harm.

By staying updated on the latest research, experts provide current and trustworthy advice. Backing claims with scientific evidence builds trust and shows a commitment to accuracy.

So genuine experts use quality scientific evidence to offer accurate, effective, and safe guidance. They don't just "wing it"!

5. They want to sell you supplements, products, or courses without assessing your needs first:

A true health expert will give you valuable advice, not just try to sell you something.

Have you ever jumped on a quick 15 minute call with some IBS guru or IBS coach and told them about your symptoms? And the next thing you know they're telling you that you need [fill in the blank] supplements, which you can buy from them, funny that!

And they also tell you what changes you need to make to your diet! ... when they haven't even got to know you properly and assessed you.

6. They lack relevant qualifications and credentials:

Genuine health experts have formal education, certifications, and relevant experience in their field.

On the other hand, fake health gurus often lack proper credentials and qualifications but attempt to persuade you by laying it on heavy and emphasising their personal journey – claiming to have overcome the same IBS struggles as you by stumbling across X. And now they’re trying to sell it to you.

So next time a "health guru" comes knocking, use these tips to sniff out the charlatans because they're not always easy to spot. And instead, you can find a true expert to guide you on your.

So you need to find the RIGHT person for the job...

✅ If it's to do with your diet, you need a Dietitian.

✅ If it's to do with nutrition for your sport and exercise, then you need a formally qualified and trained performance Dietitian (or registered sports nutritionist)... bearing in mind ANYONE can call themselves a nutritionist!

✅ If it's to do with a medical or health condition, see your physician.

✅ If it's to do with what to eat and drink because of your medical or health condition, then you need to see a Dietitian.

I know I've gone off on a bit of a tangent there 😜 but I appreciate that not everyone knows who they need to see.

And people can get annoyed and frustrated at their physician when they can't give them dietary advice to help manage their condition. Nutrition isn't a physician's area of expertise. It's a Dietitian's.

If you’re a guy and want to find out the best way to finally take control of your IBS so you can start becoming the man you know you can be without IBS holding you back, then your first step is to watch our complimentary training.