Do your homework

When researching treatments, do what doctors do. Look for high-quality studies. These large, controlled and randomized trials are published in peer-reviewed journals — journals that only publish articles reviewed by independent experts.

The results of these studies are more likely to be reliable. You can find many of these studies online or by asking a reference librarian at your local library.

Be cautious about studies in animals and studies that include only a small number of people. Their results may not hold up when tested in larger trials or on people. Finally, remember that sound health advice is generally based on a body of research, not a single study.

Although scientific studies are the best way to evaluate whether a treatment is safe and effective, it isn't always possible to find good studies about nonconventional therapies. A lack of evidence doesn't necessarily mean a treatment doesn't work — but it does make it harder to evaluate whether it's safe and effective. Don't hesitate to talk with your doctor if you have questions.