Natural Health Products/ Dietary Supplements
Natural Health Products / Dietary Supplements derived from natural foods are used by many. This isnt surprising really, as they help to re-balance nutritional deficiencies in the diet. This helps to support, heal and maintain better Health and Well-Being. This has all been well researched for many years. For example, Vitamin C, was discovered very early on to prevent scurvy and support immunity. As it’s water soluble (not stored in the body) it’s needed daily & it tends to compete with sugar for absorption. Vitamin D, is fat soluble (stored in the body) so reserves can be hopefully built over the summer months (supplements are often needed in Winter) It’s also critical in helping to control infections & reduce inflammation plus much more.
Deficiencies can happen due to a whole host of reasons ranging from environmental changes, denatured, convenience, processed foods (used to extend shelf life but devoid of nutrients) various malabsorption imbalances, infection, medications & many disorders. Major factors contributing are stress (digestion doesnt work well in this mode) Big impacts include the increasing amounts of artificial chemicals, synthetics, toxins & environmental disrupters like pesticides, herbicides etc.. These can easily upset the cell membranes in the body, which affects toxicity levels and balance. They can have cumulative effects & lead to inflammation & chronic disease over time, if not addressed.
Aim to maintain balance and support our natural biological diversity with the many different & various life forms of diverse plants, herbs, fungi, microorganisims from land, fresh water & sea by aligning with sustainable eco-systems, where ever possible. This is critical for health & well-being including microbiome diversity, resiliency & immunity which is all very helpful when onboard together. We are more microorganisms than human cells, so feed these microorgnisms with whole foods, fibre and natural Prebiotic foods or supplements high in polyphenols & flavanoids to help prevent disease.
A natural balanced eco-system plays a vital role that promotes health with a variety of bio-active compounds from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds healthy oils and whole grains. These are all being studied in the prevention of many diseases. New Zealand has its very own major, world renown longitudinal Dunedin study, University of Otago (one of the longest studies ever) stating that 50% of an individuals differences are genetic & 50% are environmental, so this influences traits & diseases.
Natural Health Products are essential and key to health and have proven low risk over time. They are derived from natural food sources and have been used for centuries naturally adapting to our biological systems throughout evolution. They should not be restricted as proposed by the Government in the latest Therapeutics Product Bill, looking to classify them under medical products, devices and medicines? These carry much higher risks & well known adverse reactions that subsequently incur huge expense to register & regulate. So, they can not be practically compared or included here under the same umbrella as Natural Health Products. They are fundamentally different & should continue to remain accessible and affordable to all.
Going by extensive research, it would make good sense to see low risk, Natural Health Products /Dietary Supplements, remain under the regulations of GMP Good Manufacturing Practice and The Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985.
Have you say with submissions to the Therapeutics Products Bill, needed by 5 March 2023,
or sign the Our Say Petition.
Refer, https://oursay.co.nz/index.php/2023/01/22/petition-hands-off-our-food-herbs-and-natural-products/