The #1 Mistake People Make When Googling Their Symptoms

Jennifer Higgins
Sep 17
2 min read

We’ve all been there. You type a few words into Google: “fatigue and brain fog,” “bloating after meals,” “hair loss and hormones” and within seconds, you’re falling down a rabbit hole of information, opinions, and worst-case scenarios.

Here’s the truth: Google can be an incredible tool for awareness, but it’s also an overwhelming ocean of conflicting advice. For every article that says something helps, you’ll find another that says it hurts. One site swears by cutting carbs; another insists you need more protein. Before long, you’re more confused (and anxious) than when you started.

The biggest mistake people make when Googling their symptoms isn’t the search itself, it’s believing everything they read applies to them.

Your body is unique. What helps one person might make things worse for another. And that’s where professional guidance matters.

Working with someone who understands how to interpret your symptoms, lifestyle, and lab results through a personalized lens can help you filter the noise and find what actually fits you.

When you bring your curiosity to a qualified practitioner - rather than trying to decode a dozen internet opinions - you gain clarity, direction, and peace of mind.

So the next time you find yourself deep in a Google search spiral, pause. Take note of what you’re feeling, but resist the urge to self-diagnose. The goal isn’t to stop learning but to learn wisely.

A Better Way to Use "Dr. Google"

If you’re someone who loves to research, you don’t have to stop; but you can do it more intentionally. Here are a few gentle guidelines I often share with clients:

Start with your symptoms, not your diagnosis.Instead of trying to name what’s “wrong,” focus on describing what you’re feeling: the patterns, timing, and triggers. This information is far more helpful for your practitioner than a self-diagnosis pulled from a search engine.
Look for trusted, evidence-based sources.Stick with university or hospital websites, or practitioners who cite credible studies. Be cautious of anyone who promotes “one-size-fits-all” solutions or promises a quick fix, especially when it comes to hormones, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions.
Notice how the information makes you feel.If your research leaves you anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed, that’s your cue to step back. Curiosity should lead to understanding, not panic.