Good health websites cite their sources and make testable predictions.
Sources are important so that you can do your own research and keep track of the (often conflicting) opinions of actual scientists. Testable predictions matter so that you can test whether you actually have a particular disease.
For example, let's say a website is promoting the idea that many Americans are vitamin B12 deficient. The symptoms are inflamed joints, weakness, fatigue, etc... you know the drill. Maybe your case of the "blehs" is actually vitamin B12 deficiency!
But hold on a minute. Before you start chugging B vitamins, go ahead and test the hypothesis. With a blood test.
Ordering blood tests is easy online, and actually cheaper and faster than trying to go through your doctor and the insurance maze.
We recommend heading straight to Private MD Labs .... great customer service, prompt turnaround, good selection and great prices!
Select the test(s) you're interested in, and you'll be ready to head over to a local phlebotomist in about an hour. (Some tests require fasting for 12 hours.) We recommend selecting one test or "panel" at a time, because many panels are composed of the same basic tests. If you select panels with overlapping tests the lab will only perform each test once; its much better to order repeat measurements separately to get a better "average" picture of your blood chemistry.
Once you get your lab results, feel free to post your questions to a website like Healthtap where doctors can help diagnose any health issues online. For example, you can peruse the doctors' responses to patients with low TIBC.
And be careful to note the limitations of comparing your test results with standard ranges, which vary from state to state.
Now you can take control of your own health!
Good luck!
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