Critical Evaluation of a Website Assignment

Part 1A:
The website I chose for my critical evaluation was https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/thyroid-
pictures/foods-to-avoid/. The article claims that some nutrients may interfere with the ability to
absorb thyroid medications and influence the functioning of the thyroid gland. Thus, it provides a list
of 9 foods to limit or avoid for managing hypothyroidism.

Part 1B:
1. Does the claim make sense? (2-4 sentences)

The claim appears to make sense because, rather than offering quick fixes or miracle cures that
appeal to the reader's eye, it provides unbiased information with explanations focusing on why the
foods listed should be consumed in limited amounts by people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The
website references nutritional articles in peer-reviewed journals, uses language that is easy to
interpret and directs readers to check with their doctors to ask about dietary changes best for them.

2. Does the information come from a credible source? (2-4 sentences)

The author of the article has a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Virginia Tech and a
Master of Arts in mass communication from the University of Florida. This alone is insufficient to
make the source of nutrition information on this website credible. However, the articles published on
this website are medically reviewed by board-certified specialists to ensure all information is
accurate and reflects the latest research. This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Kacy Church,
who received her MD (Doctor of Medicine) from the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the
University of Hawaii and is board-certified in internal medicine – endocrinology. Furthermore, the
article cited research studies published in various peer-reviewed journals. As a result, I am confident
that the information is from a credible source because it has been reviewed by qualified individuals
(holding a degree in medicine) and cites several research studies published in peer-reviewed journals.

3. Is the website selling something? (2-4 sentences)

This website was not selling a product or subscription, so the claims were not a part of an
advertisement. The website aimed to provide readers with information on the effect of certain
nutrients on the body for people with hypothyroidism without exaggeration or bias, but solely to
educate and inform. Upon evaluating the information on this website, the motivation to promote the
nutritional health of the population is apparent.

Part 1 C:

Do I trust the website?

After thoroughly reviewing the information in this article, the qualifications of the author and
reviewer and the research studies referenced, I firmly trust the information on this website and this
specific article. The article provided an unbiased perspective to educate readers by referencing peer-
reviewed research studies. For example, a research study cited under the first food item in the list of
nine foods to avoid (foods with soy) found soy has no effect on thyroid hormones, thus providing
readers with unbiased information.

Thank you for reading.

What are your thoughts?

References

Thompson Jr, D. (2020, January 30). 9 Foods to Avoid if You’re Diagnosed With Hypothyroidism.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/thyroid-pictures/foods-to-avoid/

Part 2:
My response:

Hi,

I agree with you that the website you’ve chosen is immensely credible. The website provides readers
with 12 foods to boost brain function that are rich in antioxidants and good fats such as omega-3 fatty
acids, as well as educating them on how the foods they eat affect their brain and body.

I was very interested in reading your chosen website because I was eager to learn more about brain
superfoods. Prior to reading it, I was familiar with the term “brainberries”, which I have seen used
frequently to describe antioxidant-rich blueberries. The author, who is a registered dietician, not only
uses numerous peer-reviewed sources to back up the claims made in the article, but also does a great
job of using this information to help readers understand the benefits of the nutrients found in these
foods. To ensure that all information is scientifically accurate, the article is medically reviewed by a
team of healthcare professionals, some of whom are specialized in neuroscience.

A suggestion to improve the information in this article would be to include a source on what
oxidative stress is, as many readers may be unfamiliar with the term.

Interesting post!

My response:

Hi,

I agree with you that this article provides credible and unbiased information. Although the author
does not have a degree in nutrition or medicine and the article promotes the use of skincare, the
article has been medically reviewed by a registered dietician and the website does not sell any
specific skincare products but instead educates readers on specific ingredients to treat acne topically.
The author does not exaggerate by making eye-catching claims like “eliminate this food to cure
acne”, but rather uses evidence from research studies in peer-reviewed articles to inform readers.

My response:
The website you chose does an excellent job of educating readers on the effects of consuming energy
drinks on the body due to high doses of caffeine and other unusual ingredients as you summarized.
After critically analysing the website, I agree with you that this is a credible source. In addition to the
numerous peer-reviewed sources and a medical review of the article by a registered and licensed
dietician, the author cites non-profit organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association, both of which are widely regarded as
trustworthy sources of information based on latest research studies. The author does not exaggerate
or make claims without evidence from research. Towards the end of the article, the author provides
alternatives to energy drinks that do not entice the reader to purchase a product/service, such as
drinking water etc. that are supported by citations from peer-reviewed studies and other credible
sources.
Interesting post!