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warnings were delivered to all
makers of NSAIDS -- both
prescription and
over-the-counter.
Some of the
suggested alterations include:
•
Celebrex and other prescription
NSAIDs must include a black box
warning about the potential risk
of gastrointestinal bleeding and
increased heart disease, as well
as a description of a rare skin
condition, Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome, triggered by
painkiller use.
• "NSAID"
must be prominently displayed
and distinguishable in color or
type from the rest of the copy
of the label.
•
Labels on over-the-counter
NSAIDs containing ingredients
such as generic ibuprofen,
ketoprofen and naproxen must
include information regarding
allergic reactions, as well as
internal bleeding and heart
problems.
USA Today June 16, 2005
In
light of all of these
significant warning signs,
increasing numbers of readers
particularly those with
arthritis, are seeking pain
relief through alternative
methods -- and they're in luck.
Probably the most important way
is to reduce inflammation is to
eliminate sugar from your diet.
Just this one simple strategy
may provide amazing relief.
If eliminating sugar doesn't
provide you with the relief you
seen then the following herbal
solutions provide the benefits
of painkilling drugs without
raising your risk of serious
health problems like heart
attacks and stroke.
You
should work with your own
knowledgeable health care
professional, someone who
understands natural medicine, to
develop the best combination of
herbal alternatives for you.
Ginger:
This herb is anti-inflammatory
and offers pain relief and
stomach-settling properties.
Fresh ginger works well steeped
in boiling water as a tea.
Boswellia:
Also known as boswellin or
"Indian frankincense," this herb
contains specific active
anti-inflammatory ingredients,
referred to as boswellic acids
that animal studies have shown
significantly reduce
inflammation. In a study of 175
patients with rheumatic
disorders such as rheumatoid
arthritis, 122 participants had
reduced stiffness and
inflammation just two to four
weeks after starting on
boswellia.
Fish Oils:
The omega-3 fats EPA
and DHA found in fish oil have
been found, by many animal and
clinical studies, to have
anti-inflammatory properties
that reduce joint inflammation
and promote joint lubrication.
Animal based omega-3 fats are
absolutely essential for any
comprehensive anti-inflammatory
program. They form the
precursors to the molecules that
actually produce or inhibit
inflammation in your body
(prostaglandins). That is why it
is essential to make sure you
are getting enough.
Bromelain:
This enzyme, found in
pineapples, is a natural
anti-inflammatory. It can be
taken in supplement form, but
eating fresh pineapple may also
be helpful.
Cetyl
Myristoleate (CMO):
This oil, found in fish and
dairy butter, acts as a "joint
lubricant" and an
anti-inflammatory. In one study
of 106 people with various types
of arthritis who did not respond
to NSAIDs, 63.5 percent of those
who took CMO orally and applied
the cream topically (it's
available both in oral
supplement and cream forms)
improved, compared to only 14.5
percent of those taking a
placebo.
Evening
Primrose, Black Currant and
Borage Oils: These
contain the essential fatty acid
gamma linolenic acid (GLA),
which is useful for treating
arthritic pain. In one study of
37 rheumatoid arthritis
patients, those who received 1.4
grams of GLA per day reduced the
number of tender joints by 36
percent, the tenderness of the
joints by 45 percent, the number
of swollen joints by 28 percent,
and the degree of joint swelling
by 41 percent. The placebo group
showed no significant
improvements.
Many
find the use of GLA supplements
from evening primrose oil
contains a higher concentration
of GLA, which means you need
fewer capsules, and it tends to
be less expensive.
Cayenne
Cream: Also called
capsaicin cream, this spice
comes from dried hot peppers. It
alleviates pain by depleting the
body's supply of substance P, a
chemical component of nerve
cells that transmits pain
signals to the brain.
Editors note: We are working
with our labs testing many new
natural ingredients that assist
with inflammation and joint
related problems…watch for more
news in a few weeks. |
