The Whole Food Blog

For consumers who seek natural weight loss, the recent Slim Fast recall is an opportunity to begin healthier, new strategies.

On December 2nd, 2009, Slim Fast manufacturer Unilever notified the FDA of possible contamination, and a complete recall was issued.  These products run the risk of being contaminated with a micro-organism called Bacillus cereus that causes flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The good news is that natural weight loss products actually have numerous advantages over the sugary and highly processed diet drinks offered under labels like Slim Fast.  One of the most important factors is that they are often made with whole foods and are therefore more easily digested.  This means that more of the vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients are being put to their proper use.  Instead of just curbing hunger, naturally healthy diet drinks nourish the body at a much higher level.

The variety of natural weight loss products is also a bonus for many consumers.  Because there are so many ingredients to choose from in nature, the combinations are nearly limitless.  Some healthy diet drinks include natural, whole food ingredients for the antioxidants they posses.  There’s certainly something to be said for a diet drink that not only helps you lose weight but also has potential cancer fighting attributes.

Eating healthy natural foods should always be considered before consuming sugary meal replacement products.  For those who need quick, on-the-go foods, there are pre-packaged options that utilize the concept of whole foods, in addition to promoting natural weight loss.

Both herbal supplements and mineral supplements have been used in various forms throughout history.  In the United States, medicines and foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are tested for safety before being placed on the market.  Herbal supplements, however, fall under a subcategory of “dietary supplements” and are regulated under a different set of rules.  For this reason, it is important to do some research before choosing the appropriate herbal or mineral supplement for a particular diet.

When considering which supplements might be appropriate, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine can be an excellent resource.  In addition, the herbal supplements manufacturer or mineral supplements distributor should be able to answer questions regarding their products.

Another method consumers have in protecting their health is to be cautious.  When taking a particular mineral supplement, for example, the user should follow the recommended dosages and keep a record of what is being taken and the benefits and any side effects experienced.  In addition, supplements produced outside of the U.S. may not be held to any FDA regulations and can contain ingredients not considered safe by FDA standards.  The NCCAM keeps a list of supplements that are currently under review, so double checking this resource helps the consumer avoid questionable choices.

The addition of both herbal supplements and mineral supplements to one’s diet can have considerable benefits.  With a little common sense and a desire for safety, herbal supplements can offer a natural alternative to many pharmaceuticals on the market today.