NSAID�s: Dangers and Alternatives

 

In 2004 two NSAID�s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) were removed from the market, Vioxx and Bextra. The drugs were removed by their respective manufacturers because they were linked to unacceptably high risks of heart attacks and strokes. Vioxx and other NSAID�s are also linked to kidney damage.

Vioxx and Bextra are two examples of the second generation of NSAID�s. This second generation was hailed as a breakthrough because they would not cause stomach damage and increased bleeding, two potentially fatal side effects frequently caused by the first generation. However, it is now known that the second generation of NSAID�s do cause some stomach damage and increased bleeding.� Also, most first generation NSAID�s have been shown to increase risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Common first generation NSAID�s include aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex and Naproxen. While recent data - published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association - indicates Naproxen is the least likely of the NSAID�s to increase cardiovascular risk, it is estimated that worldwide there are 100,000 deaths annually from NSAID�s. Moreover, NSAID�s have proven ineffective for long term pain relief in osteoarthritis. Their effectiveness for short term relief is only slightly better than placebo.

The good news is there are alternatives to NSAID�s. The not so good news is the alternatives are rarely as simple as taking a pill. Inflammation, be it osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, tendonitis, back or neck pain, coronary artery disease or osteoporosis, is a systemic problem. Inflammation of joints, tendons, bone or arteries is the result of loss of quality of the connective tissue, tissue that provides the structure and support for the entire body. Any site of inflammation is merely the tip of the iceberg. Even if a NSAID puts out the local fire temporarily it is almost certain to flare again.�

Botanicals, singularly and in combination, have proven at least as effective as NASID�s for relief of pain and swelling, increasing range of motion and reducing overall inflammation. They are also effective in the long term and can reduce the need for or replace NSAID�s. Botanicals, unlike NSAID�s, can prevent unwanted blood clots without increasing bleeding. Herbs are best selected for the individual to properly address the source of the pain, circulatory requirements, specific inflammatory mediators at play, etc. in each situation.

Symptom relief is the first step. The inflamed tissues need to be restored with adequate hydration and necessary nutrients. Hydration requires water, salt and in most cases, individual-specific electrolytes.

The required vitamins and minerals are best obtained from food, especially whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts and vegetables. No vitamin, mineral or any other micro-nutrient for that matter occurs in nature alone. They always occur in the ratio with other nutrients essential for their utilization. A nutrient isolate or combinations of nutrient isolates, especially in concentrations greater than found in food or healthy tissue, will not restore tissue health.

Nutrients also include macro-nutrients � protein, carbohydrates, fats � in the right amounts and ratios for each individual. The amounts and ratios are extremely important. Different amounts and ratios of the macro-nutrients have different effects on inflammation in different individuals. For example, one person might have a decrease in inflammation with a low carbohydrate diet while another will have an increase in inflammation.

The micro and macro-nutrients must not only be ingested, they must also be properly digested to restore tissue health. Unfortunately most people are in a �catch 22.�� Poor food quality from depleted soils, unnatural agricultural practices and extensive processing results in poor nutrition. Poor nutrition begets poor digestive functioning which in turn begets poor nutrition, etc. Often this vicious cycle must be broken with digestive aids to begin the restoration of health.

There is an extensive list of indications of loss of connective tissue health beside joint, bone, tendon and coronary artery inflammation. Some other indications include acid reflux, collapsing discs, wrinkling skin, dropping organs, bruising, hemorrhoids and recurrent injuries and misalignments.

The Health Equations Blood Test Evaluation reveals systemic imbalances behind inflammatory disease and successfully guides the restoration of connective tissue with recommendations specific to each individual.

Health Equations�creating health according to nature.

 

 

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