Not Medical Advice

We enjoy writing about health, but we want to be completely clear about the job our articles can do, and the job they cannot. Please take a minute to read this before acting on anything you find on GSTC Blog.

Who is writing

Our articles are written by a small team publishing under pen names. Nobody on the team is a doctor, dentist, dietitian, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist or therapist, and we do not present ourselves as experts. We research topics carefully and write about them in plain language, but research is not the same as training, and an article is not the same as an appointment.

General information only

Everything on this site is general information. It describes what is commonly recommended or widely understood, not what is right for you. Your age, medical history, medicines, allergies and many other details all affect what is safe and sensible. That is why we often end an article with a gentle nudge to talk to your doctor or dentist; it is not a formality.

Please speak to a professional if

• you have symptoms that are new, persistent, worsening or worrying you;
• you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a long-term condition or taking regular medication;
• you are thinking about a significant change to your diet, a supplement, a weight-loss product or a new exercise programme;
• you have pain, bleeding or swelling in your mouth, or a dental appliance that no longer fits;
• you are caring for someone and are unsure whether their needs are changing.

In an emergency

Do not use this website, or wait for a reply to an email, if something might be urgent. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are unsure how serious something is, a phone advice line run by your health service can help you decide what to do.

Food and nutrition

Our recipes and food guides are written for generally healthy adults. Ingredients that are harmless for most people can cause serious problems for some, for example with allergies, coeliac disease or certain medical conditions. Always check labels and follow food-safety guidance when storing and reheating food.

Products and links

Some posts mention products, services, clinics or other websites. Being mentioned here does not make something right for you, nor does it replace advice from someone who knows your situation. Check claims carefully, especially anything promising quick or dramatic results.

Not a relationship

Reading our guides or swapping emails with the team never makes us your advisers, and you are not our patient. We cannot answer personal medical questions, interpret test results or comment on treatment you have been offered.

Keeping it current

Advice on health shifts as understanding grows. We update articles when we can, but some may not reflect the latest thinking. If something looks out of date, please let us know through Spotted an Error?. You can learn more about how we research our guides on Where Facts Come From.