Products used to restore or maintain good health that are made from natural ingredients, such as for example, plants, animals, marine life and microbes are called natural health products (NHPs). They are available commercially just like regular drugs in different forms such as capsules, creams and tablets.
Probiotics, Homeopathic, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines are types of NHPs. NHPs have several advantages over synthetic drugs, which are usually manufactured using artificial ingredients and methods. Listed below are six advantages of NHPs over synthetic drugs.
1: Unlike Synthetic Drugs, THEY ARE In Use For Centuries
The focus during research of synthetic drugs would be to identify and isolate the active substances in known natural remedies and to find ways of synthesising them artificially. Another option is to develop new molecules that work in an identical fashion. This helps it be easier and cheaper for drug companies to mass produce.
The problem is that these drugs are chemicals, which alter the functioning of our body in a certain way. Despite having all of the advances in medical science, our body still remains a complex machine which has never been fully understood.
Therefore, the long-term effects of using these chemicals is not known and it takes years before undesireable effects are discovered. That is why we read reports about drugs being banned by regulating agencies even though their use was prevalent for many years.
Natural health products, alternatively, have been in use for centuries and their safety is more or less established or the conditions in which they can cause undesireable effects are known.
2: They Treat THE CONDITION Or Underlying Condition AND NOT SIMPLY The Symptoms
Synthetic drugs often provide a lot of importance to the symptoms of a condition which is why they often appear to give immediate relief. Sometimes relieving the outward symptoms may not be the very best idea.
For example, cough suppressants are often prescribed or bought over-the-counter. Suppressing cough is required in a few conditions, but in some others it could prevent chest congestion from improving. The misuse of cough remedies has forced the regulatory agencies of some countries to restrict their sale. NHPs treat the underlying condition which results in long-lasting benefits.
3: They Don't Harm The Body Or Result In Any Major Side-effects
As NHPs are produced from safe substances occurring naturally, there is absolutely no risk of any harm at the recommended doses. T here are some known interactions and contraindications in certain situations, but these are popular.
Before using some products, it can be necessary to consult with a doctor. Side-effects of NHPs tend to be minor in nature and usually stop once the treatment is discontinued. They are also normally safe for all ages at the appropriate doses.
Take cough remedies as an example. Synthetic cough syrups usually contain ingredients, which cause drowsiness. Herbal cough syrups or natural treatments like honey also work well and don't cause you to drowsy.
4: They Don't Make You Dependent On Them
Chemicals in synthetic drugs interfere in the body's metabolism. In some cases, if they are taken over long durations, the body adjusts itself to nullify the result. This is referred to as developing tolerance.
Once a person has developed tolerance, the drug stops producing the required results at the same doses. When such drugs are discontinued, withdrawal symptoms or other undesired results may appear.
Sedatives are common types of drugs which cause dependence. Once an individual gets used to it, it becomes difficult to accomplish without them. NHPs usually don't cause such difficulties even with long-term usage.
5: Lower THREAT OF Allergic Reactions
Synthetic drugs often contain salt like parabens and artificial colours. These ingredients increase the risk of allergic reactions. Allergic attack to NHPs is also a chance, however the risks are lower.
6: THEY'RE Equally Effective
One concern folks have about NHPs is their effectiveness. NHPs not only produce the desired results, the outcomes are often permanent. With synthetic drugs, the problems very often come back once the drugs are stopped, especially in chronic conditions. However, treatment with NHPs could take more time to produce results unlike synthetic drugs, which give quick relief. The relief with synthetic drugs for chronic problems is normally symptomatic and is short-lived.
In some cases, NHPs are the only way for long-term control of chronic diseases. Asthma and arthritis are examples of conditions where natural health products are usually better than synthetic drugs.
Safe Use Of Natural Health Products
The only real disadvantage of NHPs is they are much less well-regulated as synthetic drugs. While this helps it be easier to put services in the market and increases the availability of NHPs, it also allows fly by night operators and spurious products into the market.
more info is the most important factor with regards to natural health products. It is better to cover slightly more for a reputed brand or a reputed store than investing in a cheaper product that you are not sure about. Good brands are serious about quality and ensure that it is maintained right from sourcing the ingredients to packaging.