I recently read an online article in which the author criticized nutrition-related “science” and “research.” His criticism focused on the notion that research quickly becomes outdated as more current research takes its place, so what is the point in paying attention to it at all? I understand this questioning, but must suggest that the answer is not as simple as the author would imply.
First of all, let’s explore the term “research”. The most common use of this term is to describe use of the scientific method to test a hypothesis in a controlled setting. In more relatable language, research is done to gather evidence that either supports or opposes a point of view, or adds to our knowledge of a subject. Let’s say that a researcher wants to assess the vitamin C content of oranges. In order to do this, the researcher would obtain a sample of oranges and use the appropriate technology to measure the vitamin C content, among other things. The amount of vitamin C found in this particular orange sample is new information, since it was just tested. Does this new information necessarily invalidate previous research done on the vitamin C content of oranges?
In my opinion, no.
I view this new information as additional knowledge to add to our growing understanding of the vitamin C content of oranges. I do not always see older information as being irrelevant, instead I recognize the importance of evaluating evidence on a case-by-case basis. For example, let’s say that a researcher wants to see if there is a change in the vitamin C content in oranges over a 50 year period. In this study, some of the data collected on the vitamin C content of oranges is decades old. Most people might think of this information as being outdated, but in the context of this comparison study, it is entirely relevant.
The bottom line is that we cannot lump all research into one category. In my opinion, if one believes that research is not worthy of consideration because it eventually becomes outdated, they are missing out on lots of great information as it becomes available. There is much that we know and much that we have yet to know. To discount research as incomplete is missing the very point of research, which is to discover new information.
Here is a real world example: should we not utilize the technology of today because it will be outdated tomorrow? Nothing will ever be 100% complete or perfect. If our knowledge on a topic is 80% complete, should we discount that 80% just because we don’t know everything yet? We recently watched the new Star Trek movie in 3D in a nearby theater, and enjoyed it very much – so much that we would like to see it again. Should we not purchase the blu-ray to watch it again at home because we don’t have 3D and our sound system is not as good and screen not as large as we experienced in the movie theater? Should I not use a computer because it will eventually become outdated?
I personally love to watch the evolution of information through all types of research, be it peer-reviewed studies, clinical outcomes, or personal experience. There is always more to explore in the health and nutrition field, and to discount any information is a missed opportunity to learn what may be the key to unlocking one’s health potential. I see research as an adventure of discovery and am happy to have the opportunity to watch the progression of knowledge in this exciting and ever-changing field!
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Why is the scientific literature incomplete?
This is one of the many popular questions that I am asked by people who are trying to find information on any variety of health and nutrition related topics. I personally experience this challenge very often. When researching, sometimes I find information that I seek, sometimes I have to wait awhile, and some information I may never know in this lifetime. Many times in the past, I have looked for information on various health-related topics and found little to no information, and then looked again a year or two later and have found brand new research on the topic. I love when this happens! Scientific research is a work in progress.
Now, back to our question – the answer is simple: there is a lot that we know and a lot more that we have yet to learn. Many health and nutrition related topics have not been extensively studied yet. I have spent the past 20+ years in the health sciences field, have learned a tremendous amount, and am consistently in awe of how much information is actually available. What is even more exciting is what will be studied in years to come. I look forward to learning this information as it becomes available, and I know that many of you share this same enthusiasm for learning.
So, why this blog post? I find it very important for people to understand that the scientific literature is incomplete, and always will be incomplete. I find this concept so important, that I mention this fact in the classes that I teach with my husband, Dr. Rick Dina, D.C. Those of you who have taken our Science of Raw Food Nutrition classes very likely remember me speaking of this. I know that some of you think I say this too much! LOL! I agree that I say this all too often, but I really find it important to mention again and again…… Do I sound like a broken record? 🙂 A recent conversation really prompted me to write about this on my blog in addition to talking about it in class, because I find it so important for people to understand.
Given that there are so many topics in the health and nutrition literature that are not well studied, I encourage people to keep an open mind about their approach to health. There are many steps and tangents in between a raw plant based diet and the standard western diet, and one needs to consider where they are on that continuum, what results are they experiencing, and how these relate to their personal health goals. One’s approach to diet does not necessarily have to involve extremes or what another considers to be ideal, and just like research, can be a work in progress.
One of the best ways to keep in touch with us is to join our email list. You’ll receive a free copy of Our Top 12 Strategies for Long Term Success on A Raw Plant-Based Diet eBook along with regular information about raw food and plant-based diets and periodic promotions for our classes, events, and other offerings!