Who writes this
All content is written or reviewed by Sean Hashmi, MD, a board-certified nephrologist and obesity-medicine specialist. Nothing is published under his name that he has not reviewed.
Where our information comes from
- We rely on peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews, and named clinical practice guidelines. We name the source.
- When we cite a study, we say what it was, where it was published, and when.
- We prefer randomized trials and large systematic reviews over single small studies.
- We read the actual study, not a press release about it.
How we describe evidence
- Randomized trials tell us what happened when something was tested. We say so.
- Observational studies show associations. An association is not proof of cause, and we do not describe it as one.
- Mechanism and animal studies explain how something might work. They are not evidence that it helps people.
- Surrogate results, such as a lab value that improves, are not the same as outcomes that matter, such as living longer or avoiding dialysis.
- Prevention is not treatment. Evidence in healthy people does not automatically apply to people who already have the disease.
- When evidence is early, small, or mixed, we say that plainly instead of rounding up.
What we will never do
- SELF Principle does not sell advertising on this website or newsletter. We do not publish sponsored editorial content, paid endorsements, or affiliate links. YouTube may place ads on videos viewed on its platform. SELF Principle does not select those ads, and they do not influence what we teach.
- Charitable support for the SELF Principle Sports Scholarship is separate from editorial funding. Scholarship sponsors receive no applicant information and have no role in health education or award decisions. Sponsor recognition, when applicable, appears only on the Scholarship page.
- We do not sell your email address or your data.
- We do not use fear or hype to get attention.
- We do not present a single patient story as proof. Any patient example is a composite or shared with permission, with identifying details removed.
Education, not medical advice.
This content is for general education only and is not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a conversation with your own physician. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet, medications, or treatment.
When we get it wrong
Medicine changes, and so do we. When we learn that something we published is wrong or out of date, we correct it and note what changed. If you find an error, use the Contact form or email hello@selfprinciple.org. Include the page or video address and the specific statement you believe needs review.
Questions about how we work? Email hello@selfprinciple.org.