AI-Driven Personal Health Decisions: Transforming the Way We Navigate Wellness
Using technology to guide your health and wellness decisions -- the good, the bad, and the safety.
Happy Thursday, health heroes!
Today, we’re discussing a new, still-mysterious tool that can help us on our health and healing journeys.
Maybe you’ve heard much about AI and have questions — or haven’t even considered using it for your health. Today, I’m going to highlight how AI can help us make better, faster health decisions and care for ourselves in a whole new way.
And if you’re concerned about using AI with your personal info, don’t worry — we’ll get into that, too.
Should I get that shot? Should I try this supplement? Should I have that procedure? Should I eat that food?
In a world where wellness products, supplements, and even medications are everywhere, and food and exercise trends and fads take over the internet like a virus, knowing what’s genuinely beneficial or just noise can be overwhelming.
Even following health influencers or your favorite experts, it’s easy to fall into the trap of purchasing supplements and products from them that may not be necessary for your specific needs. So how can you navigate this flood of information without wasting money—or worse, putting your health at risk?
Enter AI.
There are a few ways we can use this tool to our advantage regarding our health. Let’s start by looking at some of the benefits and realities (which will be in bold for easy skimming). I’ll include many clearly stated examples so you can better understand how it works. And I’ll give you some tips on how to do this yourself, with a Full-Blown Example at the end.
The Power of AI in Health Decisions
Artificial intelligence (AI, like Microsoft Bing Chat, Chat GPT, or Claude) is a tool that can help us make sense of the overwhelming health information we encounter daily. AI can spit out researched facts, sort through good and bad health advice, analyze wellness products, and even help us make smart, personalized health decisions.
Example: Imagine you’re considering a supplement, like melatonin for sleep or a new probiotic brand. You want to know if it’s right for you.
Using an AI-powered tool, input details about your current health, needs, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. AI can analyze your data, cross-reference it with studies, and even check if the product is third-party tested. You then get an instant summary with pros and cons, reviews, and suggestions for alternative products that may be just as effective but less expensive. All you have to do is ask it the right questions.
💊 AI Can Help Evaluate Medications
Medications are another area where AI can assist. AI can be prompted to weigh the pros and cons of a prescribed medication based on your unique health profile. AI can guide you in evaluating whether a medication is the best option based on your health philosophy and lifestyle choices. Information about food or herbal alternatives can be found, too.
Example: You’ve been prescribed a statin for cholesterol management, AI can help you consider whether lifestyle changes and supplements might be equally effective based on the latest research, your current health status, and your health philosophy, such as desiring to avoid a medications-first approach.
💊 AI Can Help Evaluate Medical Procedures
Example: You have been dealing with persistent, mild abdominal pain for a few weeks. You had an initial scan done, but your doctor suggested waiting another month for a follow-up test to see if the issue resolves on its own. However, you still feel anxious about whether waiting is the right choice or if it’s better to seek immediate intervention. AI can generate some information to help you make an informed decision about what to do next. Here’s how.
Input Your Health Situation: Type in details about the symptom/s—how long you’ve had the pain, its intensity, and any other related symptoms like changes in appetite or bowel habits. Also include the recommendation you received to wait for further testing.
Then, prompt with AI questions such as:
“Is it safe to wait for another month before testing again? What are the pros and cons of pushing for further evaluation now?”
“What are the risks of waiting versus seeking immediate intervention based on my symptoms?”
AI can analyze the specifics of your condition and compare it to similar cases or medical guidelines. It might present information on how abdominal pain can vary in seriousness—from mild gastrointestinal issues to something more concerning, like appendicitis or gallbladder problems. AI can offer general guidance, showing that mild, chronic pain is often less urgent but highlighting red flags (e.g., sudden sharp pain, fever, or blood in the stool) that would warrant quicker action.
You can also ask AI to summarize studies or medical guidelines related to their symptoms:
“What do studies say about the effectiveness of waiting for a follow-up versus early intervention in cases like this?”
AI will pull up relevant data showing success rates or outcomes in similar cases, helping you weigh the pros and cons of delaying the follow-up scan. It can present information regarding whether waiting is potentially safe and the chances you might recover. If studies show early intervention might prevent complications, AI could flag that, too.
Using CREECS preferences (which I’ve written about more in-depth here), you can also consider your personal health philosophy and risk tolerance. For instance, you may prioritize effectiveness and risk and feel more comfortable intervening early if there’s even a slight chance of a serious issue.
AI can help you compare waiting versus immediate action from the perspective of their personal values, including cost (additional tests or procedures) and effort (managing anxiety or symptoms in the meantime).
By the end of the process, AI can help you feel more confident in your decision, whether to wait for the follow-up test or push for immediate intervention.
The Fast Lane to Informed, Personalized Decisions
AI used for health decisions can speed up the process of making a health presentation. Instead of spending hours reading reviews, cross-referencing studies, and determining if a wellness product aligns with your health philosophy, AI can do much of the heavy lifting for you. By inputting your preferences—whether you prefer natural interventions, lifestyle and complementary approaches, or medical treatments—AI can quickly filter options and offer suggestions tailored to you. You can then dive into the suggestions that resonate with you, doing more serious research and talking to professionals about options that fit your health philosophy.
At the end of the day, your CREECS preferences—Cost, Risk, Effort, Effectiveness, Commitment, and Support—along with your health philosophy and intuition should guide your decisions. Put your CREECS preferences into the informational input, and AI will align the results with your preferences and sort through targeted solutions, saving time.
Be sure to double-check and validate the answers. Ask AI, “Is that always true?” and “What other perspectives are not mentioned here?” “What other options might be less effort, less expensive, or need less support?”
How to Use AI to Make a Health Decision: An Exercise
Knowing what prompts to use can be challenging, but they can make a difference in yielding the results you’re looking for.
I’ve got an example for you. Here’s the set-up. You are previewing a new product that will soon be on the market – natural bioactive peptides. Let’s say a friend tells you about them. Your curiosity is piqued.
What do you? Ask AI!
Full-Blown Example: Natural bioactive peptides—should I try them?
💫 Step 1: Input Your Health Details
Start by typing in the relevant details about your health or wellness goals. What is it you want to maintain or achieve with your health? Maybe you’re looking to recover faster from workouts or reduce inflammation. Input as much information as you feel comfortable sharing, such as your exercise habits, diet, or specific health concerns. AI is all about facts, so share the facts about you, your health, and how you manage your health that you think are relevant.
💫 Step 2: Describe the Product
Next, give AI the scoop on the product you’re considering. You’re eyeing natural bioactive peptide supplements that promise muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and overall wellness.
This brand claims it’s better than synthetic peptides available today. Include details like the product claims, the ingredients, and what attracted you to it in the first place.
💫 Step 3: Start Asking Questions (Just Like You Would a Friend)
Here’s where it gets fun—start asking AI your questions as if you’re chatting with a health-savvy friend who is in the business of natural bioactive peptides.
You can even prompt AI by telling it, “Act as my knowledgeable, health-savvy friend with a focus on natural bioactive peptides. I’m going to ask you some questions.”
“What’s the deal with bioactive peptides? Are they as good as they say?”
“Are bioactive peptide supplements safe?”
“What does research say about their effectiveness?”
“How do they compare to traditional muscle-building supplements like creatine or BCAAs?”
“What is it about them that makes them important for me to take?”
“How would I know I needed them in my diet?”
“What would happen if I don’t take them?”
Maybe you’re curious if you need these peptides or if you can get the same benefits from whole foods. AI can help by pulling together studies, reviews, and alternative options so you can weigh your decision with a clear head.
“Find me some examples of studies that compare bioactive peptides to whole ingredients and link me to them.”
AI can even break down studies showing how these peptides interact with muscle protein synthesis. It might compare them to creatine or BCAAs, which focus primarily on muscle-building.
“Is there a more natural way to get peptides in my diet?”
AI might suggest you can get peptides naturally through foods like eggs, milk, fish, and meat. If you’re eating a balanced diet, you might not even need the supplement unless your diet is lacking in these areas.
“If I don’t take these supplements, what’s the downside?”
AI could help you assess whether you’re missing out on anything significant. It might suggest that the peptides might not make a huge difference if your current routine gives you solid recovery and performance. But, if inflammation is a big concern for you, there could be value in exploring them and asking questions related to inflammation. You get the idea.
“Do I need to take them forever?”
AI can help you investigate whether these peptides are more of a short-term boost or something you need to continue long-term. Some supplements are more effective when cycled, while others are marketed as daily essentials. AI can dig into that.
💫 Step 4: Check Alternatives, Costs, and Reviews
Once you’ve got your general answers, take it further. Ask AI to check if the product is third-party tested for safety, what the customer reviews are like, and if there’s a cheaper alternative that does the same thing.
Add this to the knowledge you gain from asking people around you if they’ve tried this supplement, running it by a dietician (or looking up articles on the subject by Registered Dieticians).
This will give you a comprehensive view of your options.
💫 Step 5: Lean into Your Health Philosophy and CREECS
Finally, don’t forget to weigh the AI’s findings against your personal health philosophy and CREECS (Cost, Risk, Effort, Effectiveness, Commitment, and Support). Input your philosophy and your CREECS tolerances into the AI prompt. Let AI do an analysis for you. See what it says— and, importantly, if it aligns with your gut instinct.
Maybe the product is too expensive, or you’ve been through a similar product that didn’t do anything outwardly while you spent hundreds of dollars. You remember what it feels like when you spent so much money and time on a product that didn’t reveal anything amazing for your health (I relate to this one, can you tell?).
Or perhaps the fact that you would need to take them over the years to see long-term results doesn’t align with your commitment level. Or maybe you want to try them for a while and see if they make any difference in how you feel. You can do whatever you want because you did your research.
Remember, using AI helps gather the facts and helps you think things through, but your intuition and philosophy should always guide your final decision. Ask other professionals to get a whole perspective. After all, why would you start ingesting something regularly without knowing if it’s safe? (Note: People always do this when they eat processed foods, but that’s another topic altogether...)
So, next time you’re on the fence about a health product, don’t just buy into the hype or be persuaded at the moment. Use AI to ask the right questions and make a decision that feels as good as it is informed.
Now, let’s talk safety.
I know what your next question is: But Dr. Alice, is it safe to use AI when it comes to putting personal data into AI?
When it comes to using AI for health decisions, I totally get it—privacy concerns can be a huge deal. You don’t want your health questions floating around in cyberspace, only to have ads for supplements popping up on every website you visit.
So, how do you balance the convenience of AI with the need to keep your personal health business private?
🩺 Know What AI’s About (And What It’s Not)
First off, most AI tools, like ChatGPT, aren’t designed to store your secrets and send them to ad companies, unlike Google or Facebook, which track your every click and search to serve targeted ads. That said, AI tools do run on servers owned by companies, and while they might not save your data for ads, they’re still not a locked vault. So, while AI might not be 100% secure, but it’s not exactly selling your info to the highest bidder either.
🌻 Get Creative With Your Questions
One of the easiest ways to keep things on the down-low? Talk in general terms or “for a friend.” Let’s say you’re curious about whether peptides are good for recovery, but you don’t want AI to know your whole health history. Just phrase your question like:
• “A friend is looking into bioactive peptides—are they safe and do they really help with muscle recovery?” or “I heard on a podcast about peptides. The person they interviewed had these concerns...”
See? No need to spill all your personal health tea. You’ll still get helpful info without oversharing.
🔐 Skip the Super Personal Stuff
Avoid sharing the kind of details you wouldn’t tell a stranger. AI doesn’t need to know your full name, address, or that time in third grade when you broke your arm. Stick to the basics—symptoms, goals, product claims—to get the info you need without going too deep.
🟩 Use Incognito or Privacy Tools
Want an extra layer of security? Turn on incognito mode or use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo. They won’t track you the way Google does, so you can search more freely without worrying about creepy targeted ads showing up later. You can also use a VPN to keep your location and browsing private—basically, you become a health ninja! This removes you from being identified through your location. However, don’t forget - don’t put any personal data into AI. Once you do, the privacy tool becomes worthless.
🔍 Read the Fine Print (Just a Little)
If you’re curious (or just feeling cautious), check out the privacy policy of the AI tool you’re using. Most of them, like ChatGPT, are pretty transparent and won’t store conversations long-term, but it’s always good to know where you stand.
🖥️ Third-Party Apps? Proceed With Caution
If you're using AI within another platform—like a chatbot on a random website—be careful. These platforms might have their own tracking systems in place. It’s usually better to stick with AI on its home turf, like ChatGPT’s own website, rather than through an app that could have extra tracking going on.
🍪 It’s Not Just AI—Google Does It Too
Don’t forget, using AI isn’t much riskier than using Google to search for health info. Google is actually more likely to track and serve you ads based on your searches. So, if you’re okay Googling your questions, AI might not be so different, but you can always take extra precautions for peace of mind.
When using AI for health questions, you can keep things low-key by:
Asking in vague terms or “for a friend”
Skipping sensitive details
Using incognito mode or privacy tools
Checking the AI’s privacy policies
Staying cautious with third-party apps
AI can provide helpful information without you having to divulge all your personal details. Just be smart about how much you share.
Keeping it All in Perspective
AI is Not Your Doctor, Therapist, or Healthcare Professional
Let’s be clear—AI is impressive, but it’s not a substitute for a doctor, therapist, or any healthcare professional. It’s like a super-intelligent library that gathers research and info based on your questions. You can use AI to get some quick health advice or insight into a condition, but here’s the thing: it doesn’t know you. AI has no clue about your unique health history, lifestyle, or specific needs. It's only working with the data you feed it, so you should never treat it like the ultimate expert.
Sure, you can ask AI questions like, “What supplements help with inflammation?” or “How can I manage chronic pain?” But remember, AI can’t understand all the complex factors that go into your health. It gives you general answers based on patterns in the data. That means it's missing the most important part of the equation: you.
A Grain of Salt (Or Two)
The key here is to take AI with a grain of salt. It’s great for pulling together general info, but it’s not the end-all-be-all. AI can’t diagnose you and won’t know all the details that an actual healthcare provider would consider, like your medical history, genetics, current medications, or lifestyle factors. AI as a health decision tool is helpful, but it should not be the decider of your decision.
Think of AI as part of your health research team—not the captain. When searching for information, remember that how you phrase your questions matters. Your search terms shape the kind of information AI gives you, and it won’t argue back unless you specifically ask it to. It won’t give you a deep, counterbalanced argument like a real conversation with a healthcare provider might. You have to prompt it to challenge your ideas.
Keep AI in Perspective
In the same way you wouldn’t rely on a single article in a library to make a big health decision, don’t rely on AI to give you all of the answers. It’s a powerful assistant, but it’s not all-knowing. AI won’t question your assumptions unless you prompt it, and it can’t include every piece of research out there—it simply pulls from what’s available based on how you guide the search.
So, keep AI in perspective. It’s another handy tool in your health toolbelt, but it’s not a doctor or therapist. It can help you explore options and gather info, but you bring the human touch, intuition, and the ability to make personalized decisions based on the whole story.
What Would Your Doctor Think of Your AI Search?
Using AI to gather information and form a plan before seeing your doctor can be a brilliant strategy. Think of it like going into a meeting with your boss already prepared with solutions—you’re not just showing up with a problem; you’re offering a game plan.
This approach can save time, give you more confidence, and help your doctor tailor the best treatment for you. Here are some reasons why taking your health plan to your doctor might be a good idea.
You are Armed with Information and Options
Before you visit your doctor, use AI to gather details about your symptoms, potential treatments, and interventions. AI can help you research medications, supplements, or procedures you’re curious about and compile a few possible strategies. You’ll walk into the appointment armed with knowledge and ready to have a productive conversation rather than being overwhelmed by unfamiliar medical terms or options.
Example: You’ve been experiencing joint pain and researched options like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory diets, or supplements (such as turmeric or glucosamine). In that case, you can present these to your doctor. Not only does this show that you’re proactive, but it also gives your doctor a chance to weigh in on what fits best with your overall health plan.
You Can Work Together on Your Plan
Bringing a plan to your doctor allows them to review your ideas and check for any potential issues. They might say, “I like this approach, but let's modify this supplement because it could interact with your current medication,” or “This treatment works, but let’s try a different dosage based on your medical history.” Doctors appreciate when patients take an active role in their care, but they also have the expertise to refine your plan so it’s safe and effective for your specific needs.
You Will Avoid Contraindications or Interactions
One of the biggest benefits of presenting a plan to your doctor is making sure you're not doing something that could negatively affect your health. You might have found an exciting new supplement or a promising therapy, but your doctor will know whether it’s safe with your current medications or health conditions. By bringing your AI-researched plan to the table, you can work together to ensure that nothing you consider will cause unwanted side effects or complications.
Your Doctor Will Be Part of the Plan, Completing the Puzzle
AI is a fantastic tool for gathering information, but your doctor is the one who can personalize that information to fit you. They know your medical history, your current treatments, and any health risks you might face. Think of it this way: AI gives you a rough draft of your plan, but your doctor is the editor who fine-tunes it, ensuring it’s just right for your health. You can always go back to AI and ask what the doctor thinks, too, and verify what your doctor recommends regarding your health philosophy and CREECS preferences.
So, the result of using AI alongside your healthcare professional is that you get a refined plan that has incorporated all of the important parts of the equation.
Final Thoughts: Give AI a Chance to Weigh In
In a world saturated with health information and products, AI can be a tool to help you manage your health decisions. Whether considering supplements, medications, procedures, or any other health approach, AI can help you make faster, more informed, and personalized choices.
While AI is powerful, trusting your intuition and staying grounded in your health philosophy and CREECS preferences is essential.
Your health, your way, always. That’s the goal.
I’d love to know how you feel about AI in the comments! All opinions welcomed.
See you next week!
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
You can find more about The Health Navigator Group at our website: www.thehealthnavigator.org
On Instagram: @the.health.navigator
And learn more about Dr. Alice Burron at her website: draliceburron.com
Or via her personal Instagram: @dr_burron
You can even connect with her on LinkedIn, if you want to be professional about it. 👓
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