Natural, Organic, Superior, Oh My!
Filed Under Naturopathy |
Within nature you’ll find a potpourri of healing agents that have been used for centuries to restore, revitalize, rebalance, and maintain wellness. These natural remedies stimulate, strengthen, and support the body’s innate ability to boost the immune system and trigger the body’s own healing processes. Many of these remedies are more gentle and effective then their chemically synthesized counterparts but what does “natural” really mean?
Natural ingredients are generally plant-based, minimally processed and have little or no chemical additives and fillers. However just because a product is labeled as natural it doesn’t mean it’s formulated from plant based extracts. Always read the product’s ingredients to determine exactly what’s in the product. The higher up the ingredient is on the list, the higher the percentage found in the product (by weight).
So how does natural differ from organic? Organic products are also plant-based and minimally processed. However the difference is that organic products must be grown and processed according to strict standards set out by the USDA that include, but are not limited to: no chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, ionizing radiation, and pesticides. In order to be considered organic the product must be certified by a third party agency that looks at how the ingredients are prepared and processed. Organic products aren’t tested for their nutritional or medicinal benefits. So, buying organic, like buying natural, may not necessarily be better.
Because a product is touted as being superior it doesn’t mean that it contains superior ingredients. You can protect yourself by doing a little research before buying: Read up on the company – What is their mission and goal for their products? Where do they get their products? What are their growing and harvesting practices? Are there more fillers than active ingredients? And of course read the ingredient label to see exactly what you are getting. Shop around and do your homework. With knowledge comes power! Take control of your health! You’ll be glad you did.
Dr. Linda Mundorff
