Doctors and the medical establishment often want to convince people that their chemical-laden prescriptions and medical procedures are the only safe and effective options, but what about natural solutions like breastfeeding? It seems medical professionals are attacking even the most basic and natural acts, like a mother nursing her child, in an attempt to discredit alternative or natural health options.
Despite the widespread agreement among health experts that breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both infants and mothers, some researchers are arguing that promoting breastfeeding as “natural” could lead people to believe that other natural approaches to health are superior to conventional medicine.
These researchers particularly criticize public health campaigns that use the term “natural” or emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding. For example, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ “It’s only natural” breastfeeding promotion, and a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene poster comparing breastfeeding as “Mom-made” to formula feeding, labeled with a red circle that reads “Factory-made.”
The dangers of the “natural is automatically better” fallacy
The argument that “natural is always better” is often misleading and can lead people to make uninformed and potentially harmful decisions about their health. According to these researchers, examples of this fallacy include the rejection of genetically modified foods, preferring organic over conventionally grown foods, and longstanding concerns over water fluoridation (despite evidence from Harvard showing the dangers of fluoride).
But what about the potential harm in choosing unnatural or conventionally grown foods? While the exact extent of damage from pesticide-laden foods may not be clear, it’s important to question why these researchers would want people to choose potential harm over natural options.
Recognizing that natural doesn’t always mean “better”
It’s true that not all natural solutions are necessarily better or safer than conventional medicine, and it’s essential for each individual to critically evaluate the specific benefits and risks associated with any health decisions they make.
However, it’s crucial not to be swayed by fear tactics or dismiss natural alternatives outright. Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of both natural and conventional options in determining what will provide the best health benefits for yourself and your family.
Supporting evidence for the benefits of natural solutions
It’s crucial to consider the growing body of research supporting the use of natural alternatives or complementary therapies alongside conventional medicine.
For example, a 2017 review of the effects of natural health products on chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, found that some natural products can “exert significantly positive impacts on the prevention of these chronic diseases.”
Additionally, a 2014 study published in JAMA Surgery found that surgical patients who underwent perioperative acupuncture reported “significantly lower pain scores and narcotic use than patients receiving usual care.”
Empowering individuals to make informed health decisions
The key to making informed decisions about health care is becoming educated and empowered, researching natural and conventional options, and consulting with health care professionals you trust. Just because an option is labeled “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, but it doesn’t mean it’s worse, either.
Rather than dismissing natural alternatives or allowing fear tactics to shape our health choices, it’s essential to remember that informed decisions are key to achieving and maintaining optimal health.
