Editorial Policy
Last updated: July 2026
References
References
Why we have an editorial policy
Health information has never been more accessible—or more confusing. Every day, we're exposed to headlines, social media posts, podcasts, books, influencers, and experts who often make conflicting claims about what it means to live a healthy life.
The Health Shift exists to help navigate that complexity.
Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to help you understand the evidence, appreciate the nuances, and make informed decisions about your own health. This editorial policy explains how we create our content and the principles that guide everything we publish.
Our mission
The Health Shift is dedicated to promoting evidence-based lifestyle medicine, mind-body medicine, and sustainable health optimisation.
We believe that health is about far more than diet and exercise alone. Sleep, stress, breathing, emotions, relationships, environment, purpose, personal growth, and many other factors interact to shape our wellbeing. Rather than focusing on isolated interventions, we aim to explore health as a complex and interconnected system.
Our commitment to evidence
Science is the foundation of our work.
Whenever possible, our articles are informed by high-quality scientific evidence, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and well-designed clinical studies. We also recognise that not every important question has a definitive answer and that the strength of evidence varies considerably between topics.
Where evidence is limited, conflicting, or still emerging, we aim to say so openly rather than presenting uncertain conclusions as established facts.
Medicine continues to evolve. As new evidence becomes available, our understanding changes, and our content may be updated accordingly.
Clinical experience and professional judgement
Scientific evidence is only one part of evidence-based medicine. Clinical expertise and individual circumstances also matter.
Many articles draw not only on published research but also on insights gained through years of clinical practice as a physician. These observations are always intended to complement—not replace—the scientific evidence.
Independence
Editorial decisions are made independently.
Recommendations are based on the available evidence, professional judgement, and the potential value for readers—not on commercial relationships or financial incentives.
If we recommend a product, book, app, or other resource, it is because we believe it may genuinely benefit our readers.
Affiliate relationships
Some articles and resource pages contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, The Health Shift may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Affiliate partnerships never determine which products are recommended, how they are reviewed, or the opinions expressed on this website.
For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Use of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence may occasionally be used as a tool during the content creation process—for example, to assist with brainstorming, improving clarity, refining language, or organising information.
AI is used to support the editorial process, not replace it.
All published content is reviewed, edited, and approved by Dr. Saartje Jooris, who remains responsible for the accuracy, quality, and scientific integrity of everything published on The Health Shift.
Accuracy and corrections
Despite careful review, mistakes can occasionally occur.
If we discover factual inaccuracies, identify outdated information, or become aware of important new scientific evidence, we will correct or update our content as appropriate.
We welcome constructive feedback from readers and appreciate being informed if something appears inaccurate or unclear.
References
Whenever practical, we cite reputable scientific sources so readers can explore the evidence for themselves. Preference is given to peer-reviewed research, recognised medical organisations, and established clinical guidelines.
Respecting uncertainty
Health is rarely black and white.
Many lifestyle topics involve trade-offs, individual variation, and areas where the evidence is still developing. Rather than presenting oversimplified answers, we aim to communicate uncertainty honestly and acknowledge where reasonable experts may disagree.
Our responsibility—and yours
Our goal is to provide trustworthy educational information that supports informed decision-making.
The content published on The Health Shift should not be interpreted as personalised medical advice and does not replace consultation with your own healthcare professional. Individual medical decisions should always take your personal circumstances into account.
Please also read our Medical Disclaimer for additional information.
Contact
If you have questions about this editorial policy or would like to report an error, please contact:
The Health Shift
Email: