Humans have been eating natural foods for millennia. The early hunter-gatherers did not have a choice. They consumed whatever foods they could kill or forage. Later, with the advent of agriculture, people were able to build settlements and remain in place for long periods of time since they did not have to go looking for food. Over the millennia, civilizations rose and fell. All during that time, people ate naturally produced foods.
Skip ahead to the mid-20th century, when industrial mass food processing and chemical preservatives became common and necessary to feed the huge population, eating natural or fresh fell by the wayside for the most part.
So, now everyone wants to go "natural" again.
"Natural" and "Safe" are not Always the Same
All too often we use the words "natural" and "safe" interchangeably. This usage is not always correct. I don't know how it started, perhaps in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Everyone wanted to "get ourselves back to the garden" and set their souls free, as suggested by Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young in the hit song Woodstock.
Natural foods, clothes, dyes, and remedies, etc. are all the rage. But, are these products safe? In short, maybe. So, be careful.
Natural foods may usually be safe to eat. Many people have food allergies, so check the ingredients labels. Also, be wary of "natural" unpasteurized, raw milk, as it can contain many bacteria and pathogens that can make you sick.
Natural remedies are a completely different issue. These preparations are not always regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sometimes, there are no real laboratory standards in place to monitor the quality and safety of these products. Many natural remedies have disclaimers on the label to try to avoid legal responsibility if an adverse reaction occurs from the use of their product.
There are countless harmful and helpful chemicals that have been made by humans in the last few centuries. However, Mother Nature has billions of years of experience in creating natural compounds. Some of the natural compounds are beneficial for human health and survival. Some of the compounds are extremely toxic and lethal, more so than any scientist could dream up.
Herbal Remedies
Plant-based medications have been used for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on herbal remedies for numerous ailments, conditions, and diseases.
Plant-based "cures-in-a-pill" can be purchased at any pharmacy, supermarket, or big-box retailer. These products are consumed in massive quantities by people looking for a "natural" cure to all their ailments.
Are natural remedies safe to "self-prescribe"? In short, be very cautious! Never take a herbal or any other remedy indiscriminately. If you are unsure, check with a licensed medical professional or family practitioner.
If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, some "natural" remedies may trigger an adverse reaction and maybe a trip to the emergency room. If you are not sure about potential drug interactions, always check with your physician...really...your life may depend on it.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are big business and many types are on the market. Since dietary supplements are "for ingestion...intended to supplement the diet", manufacturers are not required to report evidence of product safety, regardless if the ingredients are natural or synthetic.
Manufacturers are required to adhere to current good manufacturing processes (cGMP) to ensure product quality and consistency.
False medical claims from the manufacturers can result in fines or imprisonment.
Botox Injections
Botox is botulisim toxin, which is among the most lethal natural substances in the world. Botox injections have become trendy among vain people who want to reverse the aging process. It seems that celebrities and news anchors are among the major users of this product and procedure.
People willingly receive injections of very small doses of botulism toxin to tighten their skin to reduce wrinkles and to prevent migraines and sweating. Botox has many known and serious side-effects. Botox injections are a relatively new cosmetic procedure and the long-term health effects are unknown. Since the long-term effects are unknown, it is possible that botox injections may eventually cause muscle or neurological damage from repeated exposure.
High-Caffeine, Plant Extract, and Energy Drinks
Highly caffeinated beverages with plant extracts have become a huge market sector. These drinks are geared to young adults, particularly men, who consume them in massive quantities for performance enhancement. Caffeine is used to stimulate alertness. In large quantities, caffeine intoxication occurs, resulting in nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, tremors and rapid heart rate.
Some of the beverages contain plant extracts from things like...
- guarana - a plant containing caffeine to stimulate alertness
- ma huang - contains ephedra, a stimulant
Technically, any chemical that can have an effect on body chemistry or physiology is a drug. These plant extract products may be safe for occasional use. However, it is recommended that they are not abused.
Be wary of consuming and using natural remedy products that claim to be safe. Check with your physician or other medical professional.
Some scientists and physicians submitted a petition to the FDA to regulate energy drinks.
Go Natural...Safely
If you want to go natural, just eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, especially when the produce is in season. You can not get more natural than that.
Conventional (produced with synthetic pesticides) vs Organic foods (produced without synthetic pesticides), which is better? Well, that's another issue altogether.
Sources:
- Brackett, Robert E., Ph.D. "The Regulation of Dietary Supplements: A Review of Consumer Safeguard". March 9, 2006. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Food and Drug Administration. fda.gov. Accessed 12 APR 2011.
- Brandolino, Mike. "Organic Agricultural Practices: Better For Us and the Earth?". Jan. 20, 2011. suite101.com
- Brandolino, Mike. "Pesticide Benefits: Increased Yields and Reduced Consumer Costs". Feb 10, 2011. suite101.com
- "Boxtox". Allergan, Inc. botox.com. Accessed 12 APR 2011.
- Weise, Elizabeth. "Petition Calls for FDA to Regulate Energy Drinks". USA Today. Oct. 22, 2008. usatoday.com. Accessed 12 APR 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Mike Brandolino - Mike is a Research Biologist and Environmental Professional. His writing topic interests are wide and varied.
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