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Writer's pictureMargarita Devia

Natural Products: Health or Risk? Learn to Choose Wisely

Plants surrounded by an image representing the DNA of nature and science
The Science Behind Natural Products

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward the use of natural products, as many people believe that natural remedies are safer or superior to synthetic medications. While it is true that nature has provided us with life-saving drugs like aspirin and morphine, assuming that all natural products are inherently safe is a dangerous misconception.


The Long Tradition of Natural Remedies

For centuries, humans have used plants and other natural resources to treat illnesses. From willow bark, which gave us aspirin, to the opium poppy, the source of morphine, nature has been a generous provider. However, not everything that comes from nature is harmless. Many natural supplements, although popular, have not been proven effective in scientific studies.


For example, research has shown that echinacea offers little to no benefit in fighting the common cold, and ginkgo biloba is not effective in preventing cognitive decline or dementia in older patients (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2024).


Hidden Dangers in Natural Products

Some natural products can even be dangerous. Kava, a plant used for anxiety, has been linked to liver damage (NCCIH, 2024). Ephedra, an herb used as a stimulant and for weight loss, caused heart problems and even deaths, leading to its ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 (Morales Méndez, Ibarra Fontecha, Saldana Quesada, Capera Tafur, & Tafurth Morales, 2024). Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine, often perceived as safe, has been associated with arsenic poisoning, as demonstrated in a case where a young woman suffered prolonged exposure to this toxic metal through Ayurvedic treatments (Wallis Gómez, Mangione Cardarella, López López, & Alemán Rodríguez, 2022).


Why Choose Certified and Technologically Advanced Products

Given the aforementioned risks, it is crucial to be selective about the natural products you consume. This is why I recommend Vital Health products, as the company behind them prioritizes safety and efficacy through the use of cutting-edge technology and certified processes. These products harness the power of nature, ensuring the elimination of harmful compounds and offering the best of both worlds. Additionally, the supplements are enhanced with nanotechnology, which maximizes ingredient absorption and provides health benefits that are more targeted than those of traditional natural products (Balandrán Quintana & Mendoza Wilson, 2021).


Conclusion

While natural products can offer health benefits, it is essential to remember that "natural" does not always mean "safe." Some natural remedies carry serious risks, such as liver damage and heavy metal poisoning. For this reason, it is vital to choose natural products from trustworthy and scientifically backed sources. Products that combine the best of nature with the most advanced technology, ensuring both safety and effectiveness, are the best option for maintaining our health. That is why I use and recommend them.


If you would like more information or need guidance in choosing the right supplement for you, feel free to reach out. I will be happy to assist you on your journey to better health.


References

Balandrán Quintana, R. R., & Mendoza Wilson, A. M. (2021). Un acercamiento a los fundamentos y aplicaciones de la nanotecnología: An approach to the fundamentals and applications of nanotechnology. TECNOCIENCIA Chihuahua, 15(3), 861-861. https://doi.org/10.54167/tecnociencia.v15i3.861


Morales Méndez, M. D., Ibarra Fontecha, J. V., Saldana Quesada, N. C., Capera Tafur, Y. S., & Tafurth Morales, N. (2024). Evaluación de reacciones adversas por medicamentos homeopáticos y fitoterapéuticos en un establecimiento farmacéutico de Neiva, Huila: Un estudio de farmacovigilancia. Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia UNAD.


National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024, October 15). Natural no necesariamente significa seguro o mejor. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/espanol/conozca-la-ciencia/natural-no-necesariamente-significa-seguro-o-mejor


Wallis Gómez, V. G., Mangione Cardarella, L. M., López López, S. L., & Alemán Rodríguez, S. (2022). El riesgo de los medicamentos naturales: Un caso de exposición al arsénico. Revista Pediatría Atención Primaria, 24, e313-e317.

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