DON’T BECOME ANOTHER OPIOID STATISTIC
People physically hurt from time to time, some hurt all the time. Different people have different thresholds for pain tolerance. For some pain can range from low and tolerable to severe or extreme.
Are you experiencing pain? Do you know that there are right and wrong ways to treat pain? Do you also know that both over the counter and prescription drugs can lead to serious health issues including death?
If you have been paying attention to the news then you are aware that NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen usage has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. You may also have recently become aware of the opioid crisis that has become an epidemic if not a pandemic in the United States. Finally, are you concerned about the possible long-term damaging affects pain medications on your organs such as your liver and kidneys? Many people are desperately searching for natural alternatives to the highly addictive pain killing drugs. People want the pain to stop but also want to get off the meds so as to live a longer healthier pain-free life.
COMMON CAUSES OF PAIN
Among the many causes of pain, some are self-inflicted from injuries while working out or playing sports particularly the “weekend warrior” type. Other injuries are from auto accidents, falls, or work-related injuries. Then there a variety of pain syndromes ranging from arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, cancer etc.
When you are injured essentially what happens is that cell membranes are disrupted and enzymes in the body convert the released fatty acids into inflammatory pain-producing end products called prostaglandins. Now, inflammation is a necessary and good function of the body, at least for a while. We all want the pain to stop as pain is usually viewed as something to be avoided or eliminated as quickly as possible. Before you reach too quickly for the pain killer, you should know that pain and inflammation play a significant role in the healing and recovery process. Pain also alerts the body that something is wrong and helps prevent further injury. Additionally, inflammation brings increased blood supply and nutrients to the injury area so healing can occur. However, chronic inflammation that does not subside and is persistent is a whole different story. Chronic inflammation is a driving force behind many chronic degenerative conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia. It may not be the root cause but it is the adding fuel to the fire. Pharmaceutical pain killers and anti-inflammatories may help with the pain but…may also contribute to very serious complications in the process.
ARE NSAIDS SAFE?
An article from the Am J Med. 1998 Jul 27; 105 (1B): 31S-38S.stated the following:
“Conservative calculations estimate that approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-related gastrointestinal (GI) complications and at least 16,500 NSAID-related deaths occur each year among arthritis patients alone. The figures for all NSAID users would be overwhelming, yet the scope of this problem is generally under-appreciated.”
Additionally, we know that the opioid crisis has in fact now reached epidemic proportions. Opioid over-dose admissions to hospital ICU’s have significantly increased over 30% and some studies show that overdose ICU deaths have doubled. The FDA has come out with black box warnings on NSAIDS and doctors are warning people over 40 that “Even with short term use, one’s heart attack and stroke risk increase significantly and this risk increases the longer one continues to use ibuprofen.”
People who take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every day for a year, increase their risk of kidney failure by 40%. The link between liver damage and Acetaminophen was reported 3 decades ago.
Children’s Tylenol now has a warning label due to the fact that 100 children die per year due to liver or kidney failure. Health Facts. April 1996 v 21, n 203. Associated Press. Jan 5, 1996.
Is There a Safer Way to Treat Pain, Inflammation and Arthritis?
The answer is YES. Rather than masking pain and swelling, a strategy to support the natural process of healing through therapy, nutritional support and appropriate exercise is safer and in the long run more beneficial.
The Right Way to Treat Pain and Arthritis
Nutritional supplements – which reduce inflammation, pain and help repair the damaged tissue or cartilage, VITAMINS, HERBS, HOMEOPATHICS, ENZYMES, OTHER NATURAL SUBSTANCES
Anti-inflammatory /EAT WELL, BE WELL LIFESTYLE – which is free of antigens, gluten and cross-reactive substances
Bio-DetoX/Cleanse – for eliminating the toxins which may hinder the healing and recovery process
Proper exercise – to improve joint mobility and function
Chiropractic medicine, Naturopathic medicine, acupuncture
Scientific research shows that certain foods increase pain and inflammation e.g. lectins, GLUTEN in wheat, rye, barley, (oats). A diet high in transfats will contribute to pain and inflammation. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar will increase pain and inflammation. Gluten and sugar are very inflammatory, while essential fatty acids (healthy fats) are anti-inflammatory.
Then What Should I Eat???
Principles of the EAT WELL, BE WELL LIFESTYLE
Provides the best of the current knowledge in nutrition by relying on a foundational plan of fresh nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables (non-starch), fish, lean meats, olive oil, coconut oil for its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory and monounsaturated fatty acid content. Inclusive of medical foods such as red wine (in moderation), garlic and dark chocolate. This is supplemented with the appropriate vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other specialty nutrients depending on biochemical individuality or particular needs as determined by our Optimal Health Program/Nutri-Spec Metabolic Balancing.