Imagine this: you pop a pill for a headache, only to find it’s not curing your pain, but planting the seeds of something far worse. Recent trends have unveiled a disturbing reality: a staggering 8 out of 10 Nigerians have, at some point, unknowingly fallen victim to fake products. Medicines masquerading as cures, cosmetics laced with toxins, and food devoid of nutrients.
The repercussions of this sad reality extend beyond economic losses, as lives hang in the balance and vital organs, including the liver and kidneys, bear the brunt of this insidious assault.
Health on the Line: the Impact of Fake Goods on Nigerian Well-being
Kidney Damage:
Contaminated food and drinks, and even some herbal supplements act as poison for the kidneys. The kidney is responsible for filtering waste from the blood, but may buckle under the strain of these toxins, leading to kidney damage, dysfunction, and even failure.
Liver Vulnerability:
The liver, our body’s detoxification powerhouse, bears the brunt of fake products. The ingestion of fake medications places undue stress on the liver, this can lead to liver damage, scarring, and ultimately, life-threatening conditions.
Reproductive Health Challenges:
Adulterated cosmetics, personal care items, and certain foods often contain harmful chemicals capable of disrupting hormonal balance. These disrupt fertility, increase miscarriage risk, and pose long-term health threats to both sexes and future generations.
Respiratory Complications:
Fake products, especially substandard air purifiers and polluted counterfeit medications leave the lungs struggling to function properly. This can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, lung damage, and in severe cases, death.
How to Identify Fake Products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has advised consumers to be vigilant when purchasing products. The agency recommends the following checks before buying any type of products.
- Place: Only buy products that are registered with NAFDAC from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets. Avoid shady street vendors or unknown online sellers.
- Price: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious if the product is being sold below the regular price or doesn’t include the standard taxes. It could be a fake product.
- Packaging:
- Typos, crooked logos, or missing manufacturer information raise concerns. Examine the packaging for signs of poor quality, spelling mistakes, or unusually shaped bottles. Look for the contact information and address of the manufacturer. If this information is missing, the product might be counterfeit.
- Check the seal on the bottle – if it’s broken or damaged, the contents may not be safe to consume.
- Download a barcode app on your phone and double-check the product’s authenticity.
- Product: Pay attention to any unusual smells. If the product especially drinks smells like chemicals or harsh solvents, walk away.
Renhealth Laboratory
Early detection and management of kidney, liver and other health problems can significantly improve your chances of living a long and healthy life. That’s where Renhealth Laboratory comes in.
At Renhealth Laboratory, we go beyond kidneys and livers, offering a holistic approach to identifying and managing a wide range of health concerns before they take hold. Scan for chronic diseases, infectious threats, nutritional and hormonal imbalances, even heart & reproductive health, with our comprehensive screening programs.
Our team of experienced healthcare professionals will analyze your test results and provide you with a clear and concise understanding of your health. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today at 08072436242 to learn more and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Invest in your health with Renhealth – because your well-being is our priority!
