India's ancient wellness traditions, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and herbal medicine have long influenced the way people engage with health. But now, these traditions are being reshaped and even misrepresented by a new wave of online health influencers. On social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, misinformation regarding 'superfoods,' 'detox diets,' and 'miracle cures' is spreading rapidly. And much of it is not just misleading; it is harmful.
In this environment, the role of doctors is no longer limited to diagnosing and treating illness. They also need to become myth-busters and guides in a noisy digital world filled with health half-truths and harmful trends. We spoke to Dr Rutuja Sawant, Dental Surgeon and Docfluencer, who highlighted how doctors today must inform, engage, and counter online myths.
These influencers are highly persuasive. They combine established traditions with new fads, creating content that is personal and motivational. “Some recommend they're a better, more affordable option than ordinary physicians. They offer visible skin, rapid weight loss, or even cures for chronic illnesses all using ‘natural’ products. Their popularity and large followings lend their word much influence, even more so than genuine physicians at times,” said Dr Sawant.
The wrong information they share is quite serious. Influencers often suggest extreme diets that can leave people unhealthy. Their ‘detox’ plans might harm the body. They push herbal remedies without saying how much to use or if they might react badly with other medicines. Most dangerously, some even tell people to stop taking their real medicine or vaccines for serious illnesses like cancer or diabetes, and try unproven methods instead. This is a huge risk to people's health.
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What Doctors Need To Say In The Age Of Health Influencers?
So, with all this online noise, what can Indian doctors do? How can they speak up and guide people back to safe, proven health advice?
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Be Seen and Heard Online
Patients are spending hours scrolling, so doctors need to meet them there. By making brief, concise videos or easy-to-read infographics on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, they can describe subjects such as vaccine safety, side effects, or the facts about popular health fads. The trick is to communicate in a language that younger audiences speak; less jargon, more real talk.
Understand People's Beliefs
In India, traditional medicine is not just health advice, it’s cultural identity. Doctors who dismiss these beliefs outright risk losing trust. "They can instead validate these systems, celebrate where they conform to science, and correct where there's no evidence. This empathetic listening and patient explanation can create trust much stronger than that which lecturing can do," said Dr Sawant.
Help People Think Smartly
Rather than just debunking every new viral claim, doctors can help people build 'health media literacy.' Encourage patients to ask:
- Is this advice backed by real research?
- Who is giving this advice, are they qualified?
- What are the risks if this doesn’t work?
Pointing them towards reliable websites, government health portals, or suggesting a quick call to a professional before trying something new can go a long way. According to a 2023 study, training patients to question online claims like checking qualifications and evidence, improves their ability to spot misinformation.
Also Read: Busting 10 Common Nutrition Myths: Truth About Healthy Eating
Work Together for a Bigger Voice
This can’t be a solo effort. Hospitals, medical associations, and even health-conscious creators must collaborate. Public education campaigns, fact-checking projects, and more regulation of online health information are all needed. When responsible voices are heard in unison; physicians, teachers, and moral influencers, the message is heard louder, clearer, and more believably.
Bottomline
Dr Sawant concluded, "Fighting health misinformation isn’t just about setting the record straight. It’s about protecting lives. By being active online, understanding cultural ideas, teaching people to think smartly, and working together, Indian doctors can truly make a difference and help everyone choose safe, proven health practices."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]