It has been revealed the fact that there are hidden ingredients in the “natural products” that are sold in the US, according to the latest reports. Check out more details about this below.
Hidden ingredients in so-called natural products
An arthritis medicine, known as Himalayan Pain Relief Tea, which was claimed to be made up of medicinal herbs and plant extracts, has been found to contain hidden and potentially harmful ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted an investigation that revealed the presence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac and corticosteroid dexamethasone in the product.
This discovery is alarming due to the fact that the product was marketed as “all-natural” and the hidden ingredients can have serious side effects.
“It is clear from the results of our decade of testing that retailers and distributors, including online marketplaces, do not effectively prevent these types of potentially harmful products from being sold to consumers,” the FDA said in a press release.
Arthritis can often be treated with NSAIDs and corticosteroids, which are considered the standard of care. Some common NSAIDs used for arthritis are ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
NSAIDs are also available as creams or gels that can be applied to the affected joints.
Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, can help reduce inflammation and pain, and slow down joint damage.
These medications are usually prescribed as pills or as an injection into the painful joint. However, side effects may include weight gain, diabetes, and thinning of bones.
It is important to note that certain medications can have adverse effects on one’s health. NSAIDs, for instance, can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, like heart attack and stroke, and gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding, ulcers, and stomach/intestinal perforation, which can be fatal.
Similarly, corticosteroids can compromise the immune system, elevate blood sugar, and lead to psychiatric complications.
When taken at high doses or for extended periods, they can affect the adrenal gland, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, diarrhea, and irregular or absent menstrual periods in women.
Dexamethasone, which is used for treating inflammatory conditions, should not be used in conjunction with blood thinners, aspirin, warfarin, estrogen, some oral contraceptives, and certain anti-fungal medications.
