Visiting the doctors can be a task in itself, so it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to the internet for a self diagnosis.
More people are turning to Google to help diagnose themselves
According to a new study, Britons are more than twice as likely to search the internet for a health advice, opposed to seeking professional help.
Half of adults go online for lifestyle and nutritional tips, and 23 per cent rely on newspapers and magazines.
The study, conducted by campaign group Wholegrain Goodness, found that now only one in five now turn to their GP to discuss their medical matters.
Dr Tom Brett, Medical Director at Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor comments: “There is a wealth of useful information available on the internet to help people research their symptoms. Websites such as NHS Choices and Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor offer practical advice on a wide range of health issues and are monitored and updated regularly by registered medical professionals.
“If you do choose to go online for health advice then it’s extremely important to make sure that you use a credible website to carry out your research. Even more vital is choosing a legitimate provider if you then go on to purchase medication online. Last year the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency closed 18,000 websites selling illegal medicines. There are still many non-regulated sites out there, which may be supplying advice and medicines not accredited by medical professionals and the pharmaceutical industry."
18% of respondents also admit that they would rather speak to their friends about any problems too.
Nutritionist Azmina Govindji, a member of the British Dietetic Association, told the Mail Online there are dangers in not getting the correct health advice.
She said: "The research shows people are relying less and less on their GP or dieticians when it comes to seeking medical and nutritional advice. Instead they are embracing modern technology and researching information on the internet.
"Others, meanwhile, are talking to family and friends, getting advice from them, and making changes to their exercise regimes or diets as a result. Anything that encourages people to make lifestyle changes for the better has to be a good thing.
"However, it is essential the information they are relying upon is safe, accurate, and ideally, evidence-based."
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