Writing by Susan Trumpdour

Artwork by Justin Negard

We’ve all met “natural” enthusiasts who proudly slather their faces with mysterious plant concoctions, strictly follow the latest clean-food fads or promote the benefits of consuming raw milk as a life elixir. Many believe anything labeled “natural” guarantees better health, happiness and a thriving gut microbiome. But the truth is, just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s the holy grail of well-being. Remember that rash after your beautiful hike in the woods? The one that covered your legs with red, scaly welts? Or how about when you jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon after you heard it was great for your skin and hair, only to react with a bad breakout?

Dr. David Bank, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, puts it best: “Poison ivy is 100 percent natural, but you don’t want it in your beauty products. The same goes for coconut oil; it’s all natural, but like many oils, it can block pores, causing acne.”

When we think “natural,” many of us also imagine Mother Nature, a friendly goddess sharing her bountiful gifts and offering us only beautiful days of sunshine and warm breezes. But if you’ve ever encountered nature’s chaos, like flooding from a hurricane or destruction from a wildfire, you know Mother Nature’s “tantrums” are far from calm. It’s called a natural disaster for a reason.

As a medical professional, Dr. Brittny Howell, a vascular surgeon and founder of Morph Med Spa in Ridgefield, CT, emphasizes the importance of respecting both natural and synthetic elements. She says that many products that aren’t labeled as natural are no less safe or effective.

“The term ‘natural’ is being used as a weapon, causing people, including some of my patients, to fear anything that isn’t “natural,” such as medications or vaccinations,” she says. “However, they are open to being educated about the marketing tactics behind the term and to using science and medicine to achieve results.”

Nature’s deceptive charm

“Nature is amazing, and nature is a miracle,” says Howell. “However, many natural substances are dangerous. Take arsenic, for example: it can kill you.” Hence the trouble with using the term natural to sell products. It is a vaguely defined term that doesn’t necessarily indicate the product is a better option than a scientifically formulated alternative.

“It’s frustrating,” says Howell, “because it makes the consumer believe that if they are not using a clean product, then their product is what, dirty? It’s a game of semantics.”

Furthermore, the excitement over “natural” goods is often exploited. Howell brings up Ozempic, a prominent medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone. “Initially, GLP-1 medications were FDA-approved for managing Type 2 diabetes,” she explains. “They were proven to be highly effective and safe for this purpose. It was later discovered that patients could lose weight while using it. Following rigorous testing, the FDA has indicated it could also be effective  for weight loss, leading to the development of subsequent medications for treating excess weight or obesity.”

This is where the marketing ploy comes into play. Howell elaborates that because these medications are so effective, other companies and individuals attempt to capitalize on this breakthrough, sometimes undermining the drug’s safety and efficacy in the process. Unfortunately, they do so by creating substitutes with lower quality, insufficient testing, and no FDA endorsement. Enter the shameless snake oil peddlers, like the Kardashian sisters, leveraging their status to promote products. These imitations, often tagged with the enticing “natural” label, deceive consumers into believing they are equivalent to the FDA-approved versions.

“These so-called medications are essentially supplements, which aren’t necessarily bad for you; however, people take a risk using them because they aren’t subjected to third-party testing,” Howell explains. “This means manufacturers can include anything they want without proving the contents or the results they claim to offer. They don’t need to back up their claims with data; they can set any price, slap a pretty label on it, associate it with a favorite influencer, and we are seduced into buying it. It’s that simple.”

Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, founder of Real Nutrition in Manhattan, agrees about marketing’s fallacies; she sees “natural labeling” in the food industry as well. “You should limit buying packaged food items, and you must read nutritional labels, especially if they have ‘natural’ on the front,” she cautions. “Cooking foods can still be natural when you use good-quality ingredients, like spices, clean oils and herbs.”

They’re faking it

When it comes to many natural supplements promoting amazing results, what you see on the label often falls short of their advertised promise. Nutrafol, a well-known natural hair loss supplement, is one example. It carries a big promise: hair growth. Howell says this brand is another example of how natural products can go wrong, and she encourages all her patients to stop taking this supplement. Yes, it’s immensely popular, boasts about its naturally powerful ingredients, claims it’s doctor-recommended, and has glowing reviews and powerful language. It definitely seems worthy of a five-star rating. Yet this collagen supplement, filled with added minerals and vitamins, is closely linked to liver toxicity, and it doesn’t work.

“Collagen can aid with hair growth,” says Howell, “but there is a specific type of collagen that is effective, and Nutrafol doesn’t disclose which type they are using. Additionally, companies often use the term ‘proprietary blend of vitamins,’ which is a nice way of avoiding transparency about their ingredients.” Brands like Nutrafol get away with this deception because they are not classified as medicine and therefore are not part of the scientific community. “Medications would never get away with this,” Howell points out, “because they undergo extensive scrutiny, whereas these ‘natural companies’ fly under the radar and often act irresponsibly. So be cautious.”

Art of carnivorous plant.

Even roses have thorns

Nature doesn’t come with a guidebook— or even a cookbook. “With many food items (including those listed on the next page), cooking is essential to minimize illness from bacteria or pathogens,” Shapiro cautions. Even then, some items should be avoided. While embracing nature has its benefits, it can be tricky. Let’s explore some examples.

Raw milk: A dangerous risk

This is milk that has bypassed the entire pasteurization process, which is responsible for eliminating all harmful bacteria. “Some claim raw milk has more nutrients and enzymes, but pasteurization does not significantly reduce its nutritional value,” Shapiro explains. “There is a small loss of enzymes, but that’s not proven to have a major health impact.” Without pasteurization, you’re increasing your risk of E. coli, salmonella and listeria, which can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea and fever to severe dehydration and even, in rare cases, death.

Wild mushrooms: Nature’s pranksters

Generally, mushrooms are incredibly healthy, but Shapiro says to avoid any that aren’t clearly identified as edible, as they can upset your GI system or even poison you. She also recommends cooking and cleaning all mushrooms well to remove dirt and pathogens. Unless you are a professional mycologist (mushroom expert), you’re playing a risky game by picking and consuming the wild fungi in your backyard.

Poisonous plants: The pretty killers

Plants are sneaky. There are many to watch out for, such as the seemingly harmless red baneberry bush, which is a ticket to cardiac arrest. Just because it’s colorful and alluring doesn’t mean it deserves a spot in your flower arrangement. If you’re not a poisonous plant expert, consider downloading a scientifically backed app, like PictureThis, to alert you if a plant is toxic.

Eggs and bird flu: Myth vs. fact

Shapiro hasn’t heard of any documented cases of people catching bird flu by eating contaminated eggs. But to play it safe, she stresses cooking the eggs until the whites and yolks are firm. Eating raw eggs, or not washing your hands after touching them, increases the risk of contamination.   

And let’s not forget about pet safety. “Bird flu can occasionally transmit to mammals, including pets,” says Dr. Andy Frishman, DVM, Progressive Animal Hospital in Somers, NY. “Cats and dogs exposed to infected birds or contaminated environments can contract the virus.” He advises keeping pets away from wild birds and poultry farms.

Vaccines: Trusted science

Vaccines help the body develop immunity against harmful diseases, significantly reducing the risk of illness. The beauty of vaccines is that they rarely cause illness, therefore preventing you from experiencing the numerous harmful side effects (including death). And they’re a necessity when it comes to preventing contagious spread, like with the recent measles outbreak in the U.S. (see page 57). Talk about proving a point. As of April 25, there have been 916 confirmed or probable cases this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 96 percent of these cases involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. These statistics tell the truth: that quick (and mostly painless) little jab helps boost your immune system and can save your life.

Wearable medical devices: Unnatural lifesavers

These advancements are unnatural innovations that play a critical role in managing personal health, often preventing fatalities. Heart monitors, glucose trackers, etc., provide real-time data, enabling early detection of potentially harmful or lethal problems, leading to timely and essential interventions.

Nature isn’t always a miracle

So, what have we learned? Sure, nature’s got some cool stuff and looks pretty, but downing that gallon of raw milk, frolicking in a patch of poison ivy and consuming unknown fungi may not be the best way to spend a carefree weekend. Stay smart, and enjoy nature without turning it into an episode of (a possibly harmful) Survivor. Oh, and trust the science.

Safeguarding Our Pets

10 household plants & foods that are harmful to pets

“Natural” can spell danger for our pets as well. To keep your favorite furry (or hairless, if that’s the way you roll) friends safe, Dr. Frishman advises you to keep them away from these harmful (and sometimes toxic) household items.

1. Lilies (highly toxic to cats)
2. Pothos (a.k.a devil’s ivy)
3. Sago Palm (contains cycasin, a toxin that can cause severe liver damage in pets)
4. Tulips
5. Onions and garlic
6. Grapes and raisins
7. Chocolate
8. Avocado
9. Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)
10. Poinsettia (yes, that beautiful Christmas plant)

This article was published in the May/June 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.