The Pain & Injury Doctor ONLINE Newsletter
Here is your latest pain relief tip. If it doesn’t apply to you, still take note because life is full of surprises. If you know someone who is dealing with this type of pain, please forward this email to that person– thanks!
The Best Natural Supplements for Pain Relief
Today’s topic answers the question, “Is there any supplement I can take besides medicine to help reduce my ___pain?”
That’s a good question to ask because many if not all prescription and over-the-counter pain medications carry significant health risks.
Tylenol, Advil and Ibuprofen, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain and fever reducer medications (NSAIDs) are harmful to the stomach lining and intestines, and put you at higher risk for ulcers and bleeding. Long term use of Ibuprofen is linked to renal failure, which can be fatal. Current research on NSAIDs suggest that they can also cause heart failure, especially in those who have pre-existing heart disease.
Opiates such as codeine, oxycodone and fentanyl are narcotics and can be addictive. They often cause constipation, nausea and drowsiness.
Ok, before discussing the supplements, let’s recap my mantra for treating pain:
For pain from acute injury (recent sprains/strains/bruising) ice, compression/bracing and resting the injured area is the standard approach. Take a natural anti-inflammatory supplement and consider NSAIDs only when the pain is intolerable, but be aware of the risks.
Chronic pain can be part inflammation/aggravation and part neurological (nerve dysfunction, brain/spinal cord involvement), so it is trickier to treat. TENS, infrared sauna, exercise, sunshine, meditation, rest and a whole foods diet including vegetable juicing and excluding wheat and processed sugar is what I recommend. However, natural supplements may prove helpful in easing chronic pain as well.
With that, here are the supplements I recommend for pain relief, in no particular order:
Featured Supplements Covered in Today’s Newsletter:
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Formula 303 Pain Reliever
Formula 303 is a natural pain relief supplement for muscle spasm & leg cramps; tension, stress, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, headaches and other forms of muscle pain. It contains 6 parts valerian root (quad-strength); 1x 3 parts passiflora (quad-strength); 1x 1 part magnesium carbonate.
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Dr. Williams Joint Advantage Gold 5x
This formulation by the world-renowned, natural cure researcher is designed for relieving joint pain by reducing inflammation and improving cartilage health. It contains an advanced form of boswellia serrata; natural egg membrane (NEM); and potent, pain-relieving herbs including wild rosella, devil’s claw, white willow, yucca, feverfew, celery seed, bromelain, and papaya.
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Curcumin
Curcumin is the bright orange spice that comes from the turmeric root. Turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. Some studies show that it can even interfere with cancer cell proliferation. Taking curcumin can be helpful if you have a chronic, inflammatory disease (diabetes, cardiovascular, arthritis, cancer). As a natural anti-inflammatory, it is good for easing the pain of acute injuries.
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Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic property. In fact, a University of Miami study concluded that ginger extract could one day be a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo.
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Boswellia Extract
The Boswellia Serrata plant is a branchy tree that grows in high, dry habitats in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It is the tree from which frankincense oil is derived. Recent research indicates that Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory actions may exceed those of the NSAIDs, with far greater safety, especially with long-term use warranted by chronic conditions.
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Tart Cherry
Thanks to anthocyanins—the same phytonutrients that give cherries their deep red color, cherries happen to be one of nature’s potent pain relievers. According to biochemist Muraleedharan Nair, PhD anthocyanins block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes, similar to the action of aspirin, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, without the harmful side effects. Cherries are said to have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food, making them great for remedying inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
BOTTOM LINE: There are many supplements on the market for pain relief. They are typically extracts or powdered form of plants that have anti-inflammatory properties or support connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) health. Should you take them if you’re in pain? It’s worth a try, especially if you are averse to taking prescription medications.
These are the main supplements I recommend when asked, “What can I take for pain besides NSAIDs?” However, don’t rely on supplements while ignoring the main pillars of optimal health: a wholesome, nutritious diet, adequate rest, regular exercise and emotional well-being. Optimizing these in your life can be equally effective for pain relief. ~Dr. Perez
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The information contained in this email and on www.PainandInjuryDoctor.com is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as a medical directive. It is provided as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dan Perez, D.C. Every person is unique, and individual cases of pain are therefore unique. Dr. Perez encourages readers of PainandInjuryDoctor.com to use available sources of information to help them make a more educated and informed decision regarding their health, in partnership with one or more qualified health care professionals.
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