App can diagnose anemia by examining photos of your fingernails, but when naturopaths offer the same analysis, they’re attacked as quacks
01/30/2019 // Cassie B. // Views

A new smartphone app is making headlines for its utility in helping identify people who could have anemia. The condition, which is marked by low hemoglobin levels and a lack of healthy red blood cells, is believed to affect more than 2 billion people around the world, and it’s particularly prevalent in low-income areas. When left untreated, sufferers can experience heart problems, extreme fatigue, and pregnancy complications.

Researchers from Emory University developed the app, which is based on the conclusion of previous studies that the degree of paleness found in some tissues, such as fingernail beds, can indicate anemia. Because the skin under your fingernails doesn’t have any pigment, the hemoglobin is the main source of color there – so paler skin there could point to a problem.

Users only need to take a photo of their fingernails and then indicate to the app where in the photo their nails are situated. After factoring out any ambient lighting conditions, the app is able to determine if someone could be at risk.

This method isn’t as accurate as a blood test, but it could be helpful when it comes to screening those who warrant further testing, which requires samples of blood and specialized equipment.

The team is also working on an app that can assess jaundice, the yellowing of the eyes and skin caused by liver disease.

Smartphone health assessments considered acceptable while naturopaths accused of quackery

It’s interesting to note that many observers view this and similar apps as being cutting-edge examples of how much technology can do for people, yet many are quick to say humans who offer the same services are engaging in quackery. A “high-tech” app is better received in many circles than a person who is trained in traditional Chinese medicine, even when both are essentially offering the same service. How can it be that a computer program is more trusted than an actual human being with experience seeing a variety of people?

Brighteon.TV

A similar paradox is at play when it comes to nutrition. Countless people depend on apps to tell them how many calories they’ve consumed and if they’re getting the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Yet when a human wants to offer this type of service, they can run into all sorts of roadblocks, no matter how long they’ve studied or what licenses or certifications they’ve earned.

For example, you can find apps that help you follow the Paleo diet, but a North Carolina health blogger found himself being threatened with jail time after posting on his website about how the Paleo diet helped him conquer diabetes for “practicing nutrition without a license.” Does your smartphone have a license?

Health advice is being criminalized on the internet, with nutritionists being restricted or outright prohibited by groups like the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for trying to share alternative dietetic advice. Of course, the ADA is sponsored by junk food companies like Hershey’s and Coca-Cola, so it’s understandable that they wouldn’t want people to learn more about what food is truly healthy and what isn’t.

What does it say about our society that the advice of computer programs is valued more highly than that offered by experienced professionals? Why is the diagnosis of an app considered legitimate but a naturopath who says the same thing is labeled a quack?

Sources for this article include:

NewScientist.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.