Issue #75 ·
How to Filter Health Advice in the Age of Algorithms
🤖 Cultivating Good Information, Finding Fake Olive Oil, Health is Like Debt, and Post Workout Milk Drinks
Hello friends,
There’s a lot of health content out there.
(And I know this adds to that)
So I hope my content isn’t just noise. My goal is to make it useful, practical, and trustworthy while offering a unique perspective.
And I hope you’re reading because you value these ideas, not just the general internet.
That’s what today’s article is about.
The essay I’m sharing is called “How to Cultivate Taste in the Age of Algorithms.”
Let’s dive in.
This week in building health 👇
How to Take a Slow Approach to Information
When I see health content online, it's all the same.
I think algorithms tend to focus more on easy-to-consume content that’s bite-sized and easy to understand.
It can help when you’re getting into a topic for the first time, and you’re starting to understand the basics. But eventually, you’ll get the same ideas over and over, and this can lead to superficial and limited understanding.
So as you grow, learn and mature, start cultivating a slower, more intentional approach to discovering and appreciating content.
This applies to culture in general, and health specifically.
When you see some interesting health info, you can listen, see what it can offer, and as you develop your taste, you can say:
“This applies to me, I’d like to give it a try.”
or
“No, I think this is not for me.”
And you can simply move on.
Don’t worry about having to apply everything about health online.
Learning to Personalize Your Health
A self-managed approach allows you to develop a bespoke health approach that you know works for you and can make it more meaningful.
It's about finding the right balance between learning from experts and trusting your own intuition.
And as you gain more experience, you'll develop a better sense of what works for your unique body and lifestyle.
This personalized approach can lead to more sustainable, long-term health habits.
Instead of chasing the latest fads or trying to follow a one-size-fits-all plan, you'll be able to create a tailored health journey that aligns with your values, preferences, and goals.
Won’t this Put me In My Own Bubble?
This is where the balance comes back in.
As you curate your own personalized approaches to healthy habits, don’t forget to stay in touch with other ideas and approaches out there.
One statement I like here is to have “Strong Convictions, Loosely Held”
This seems paradoxical. But it's a great framework for learning and growth.
Sometimes you encounter an idea that seems interesting but doesn’t agree with your own approach.
The trick is to not dismiss that right away.
Hold it in tension, and let your curiosity play in here.
What is interesting about this?
Why does it appeal to me?
What don’t I like about it?
It’s not about letting go of your beliefs right away.
The trick is to not dismiss that right away. Keep an open mind, and let your curiosity play a role here.
It may also involve stepping outside of our comfort zones and exploring topics, areas, and thinkers that we may have previously overlooked or dismissed.
In a world where algorithms often prioritize engagement over substance, taking a slower, more intentional approach to health learning can help us cut through the noise and cultivate a more sustainable, impactful relationship with our own well-being.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
Olive Oil Fraud Is Real. Here’s How to Spot a Fake Bottle.
13 minutes | Michelle Pellizzon
My wife used to live in Italy, so she's passionate about good olive oil.
But many products labeled as "extra virgin olive oil" may actually be mixed with cheaper oils or may not meet the strict quality standards for true extra virgin olive oil.
This means you might not be getting the full health benefits or the authentic taste you expect.
If you find it difficult or too expensive to obtain real extra virgin olive oil, consider exploring other healthy oil options that are more readily available and affordable in your area.
Some great alternatives include avocado oil, coconut oil, or even high-quality expeller-pressed canola oil.
// two
How I Think About Debt (and why it’s like Health)
7 minutes | Morgan Housel
Just as debt narrows the range of outcomes one can endure in life, neglecting health can have similar long-term consequences.
Our behavior around health often mirrors our behavior around debt.
The consequences of poor health habits are not immediately felt, much like the delayed impact of accruing debt.
However, over time, these choices accumulate and can lead to significant costs, both financially and in terms of well-being.
Debt narrows the survivable outcomes in life, poor health narrows our ability to endure and thrive amidst life's volatilities, such as illness, stress, and unexpected crises.
// three
Is Milk Your Next Post Workout Drink?
13 minutes | Lewis J James
When we’re constantly being marketed some new drink or supplement, here’s a reminder that simple, whole, fresh, low-processed ingredients are always going to be great for your body.
Milk, with its mix of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, water, and important nutrients, can aid muscle recovery, rehydration, and even help manage energy balance.
Plus, it's affordable and accessible, making it a fantastic option compared to expensive commercial recovery drinks.
This is a straightforward and effective way to support your fitness goals.
Until next time
Thanks as usual for being a reader.
Have a Healthy Weekend