In a fast-paced world, it is often difficult to give our bodies everything they need through diet alone. This is why many people turn to natural health products. In the latest episode of the Le vrai du faux podcast, naturopath Dominique Paradis explains to Marie-Christine Proulx what you need to know to make informed choices.
1. The Garden Concept
Dominique Paradis uses the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the impact of our nutritional choices: where rich, balanced soil allows for vigorous growth, depleted soil weakens the terrain. He reminds us that our overall health is a reflection of the quality and quantity of the nutrients we choose to “sow” in our own internal garden. The goal? Moving from simply eating to true nutrition (nourishing your cells).
2. Traditional Medicine vs. Natural Health
An important distinction is made: while traditional (allopathic) medicine is what we turn to for direct interventions and emergencies, natural health focuses on long-term balance.
- Traditional Medicine is the reactive approach. As the expert humorously puts it: “If I get hit by a car, don’t call my osteopath…call an ambulance!”
- Natural Health is the preventive approach. It does not seek to replace a doctor but to optimize the “terrain.” Its goal is to provide the body with the necessary tools (vitamins, minerals, nutrients) so it can maintain its optimal functions.
3. The Science Behind the Label
We all have a unique microbiota. Studies are few regarding the specific foods that will nourish everyone’s microorganisms. Nevertheless, what is clear in the current literature is the impact of certain dietary trends on the ratios and families of bacteria, as well as on the consequences of these populations within our intestines.
The effectiveness of a natural product is not based on a promise, but on its formulation. Dominique Paradis points out that if natural products didn’t work, they wouldn’t be regulated.
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Did you know?
In Canada, every natural health product must obtain a Natural Product Number (NPN).
- The Role of the NPN: This number means the product is regulated. It ensures that ingredients and claims have been reviewed by Health Canada for safety and health benefits.
- What this guarantees:
- Scientific Rigor: To obtain this number, the manufacturer must provide evidence to Health Canada regarding the claim (e.g., “helps with sleep”).
- Dosage: This ensures that what is written on the label is actually present in the bottle.
- Traceability: The NPN allows for identifying who manufactured the product and where. In case of a problem or recall, the product is easily identifiable.
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4. Where to Start?
If you had to choose just one ally for your daily routine, Dominique Paradis suggests a high-quality multivitamin. It helps fill the gaps in the modern diet and ensures your cells receive everything they need to function at their full potential.
He emphasizes two key factors for achieving results:
- Consistency: It is better to take small doses regularly rather than large doses sporadically.
- Synergy: Some nutrients do not work alone. For example, Vitamin B12 is much more effective when combined with a B-vitamin complex.
5. “Natural” Does Not Mean Risk-Free
This is perhaps the most persistent myth: because it’s natural, it must be harmless. Dominique Paradis warns that natural health products are active:
- They can interact with allopathic medication.
- Inadequate dosage can cause adverse effects.
His biggest piece of advice: Don’t consume a product simply because it is “good,” but because it meets a specific need of your body!
Curious to learn more? Listen to the full episode of the Le vrai du faux podcast available in french and proudly sponsored by Wampole!
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References
- https://www.inesss.qc.ca/thematiques/medicaments/foire-aux-questions-sur-les-medicaments/produits-de-sante-naturels.html
- https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/video/il-faut-lire-etiquette-produits-de-sante-naturels.html
- https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/medicaments-produits-sante/naturels-sans-ordonnance/foire-questions/questions-consommateurs-reglementation.html
