A Naturopath's Opinion on Multi-Level Marketing Health Products

As a naturopath, I get approached by a LOT by acquaintances and even people I don't know to buy and sell Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) health products and suppplements. There have been many different brands during the rounds over the years, with Isagenix, Doterra and Juice Plus seeming to be the most popular at the moment.

Now I am all for people striving to be a healthier version of themselves by improving nutrition, and using beautiful plant-based herbals.

What I am not for are people without any formal health training or qualifications whatsover selling products that make certain health claims. More so, when the sellers are motivated by profit and sales, rather than understanding the specific health needs of who they are selling to. 

And frankly, some of these products are not what they are cracked up to be. A popular weight loss meal replacement is full of synthetic food-like substances such as isolates, concentrates, fractionates, non fat products with isolated vitamins and minerals and quite a lot of sugar added in the guise of maltdextrin, brown rice syrup, polydextrose and maltitol syrup, along with flavours and emulsifiers. You are far better of making your own smoothie with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to get a similar nutritional value - and much less expensive too.

Essential oil brands certainly offers a quality range of essential oils, however they often recommend that customers can ingest the oils. The Therapeutic Goods Authority expresses that even trained and qualified aromatherapists are not allowed to recommend it except for culinary use. It's so dangerous unless you are able to monitor kidney function. Also, some companies call their oils 'therapeutic' or 'pharmaceutical' grade. There is actually no such thing, it's merely a marketing term.

For the general healthy person, these products may be OK and even have a good short term effect if they are replacing more processed or harmful options such as convenience foods or more chemically-laden skin care. But for those who are sensitive or health-compromised in any way, they can be dangerous.

Naturopaths, nutritionists, herbalists and aromatherapists undertake significant training (I'm talking years here), and are aware of the safety concerns, contraindications and cautions of all the foods, herbs and essential oils they recommend. We follow an ethical code of conduct and are aware of our limitations. Generally we are not tied to one particular brand or product either. Products we do have access to are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Authority and strictly regulated.

Don't risk your health or waste your money by allowing a "friend" to sell you products which may not be right for you. Eat real food and consult with a qualified practitioner before buying any supplements. It will save you money (and possibly your health) in the long term.