Health Products

     Everyone wants to be healthy and there are many health products to help us achieve that goal. These products can include vitamins, drugs and natural health products.

     Natural health products are very popular. The problem with these is they may or may not be regulated. You don't want to take herbal supplements that can hurt you. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't have harmful side effects.

     The good news is that beginning in January 2004 natural health products will be officially regulated in Canada. Health Canada will be phasing the new Natural Health Products Regulations in over the next six years. Under these regulations, natural health products will be defined as "vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as Traditional Chinese Medicines, probiotics, and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids". These natural products don't require a prescription and must be considered safe to be sold in stores under these regulations.

     You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking a prescription or over the counter drug as a health product. They may cause side effects or interact badly with other things you are taking.

     Health products can help us to achieve our goal of good health. But the best way to ensure this is eating a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise.