When most of us have head or back pain, instead of bothering our doctor we simply reach for an Ibuprofen (otherwise known as Advil) bought over the counter. After all, these pills are advertised for just such minor emergencies, so what could be wrong with them? According to the latest FDA health warning backed up by this 2013 study in The Lancet, Ibuprofen is a risky drug that increases the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks. The danger is particularly pronounced in those over 40.
This article will update you on this important health warning, while providing you with some alternatives to over-the -counter-medicine that will not harm your health.
Image courtesy of Depositphotos.com
Image courtesy of Depositphotos.com
Sugar: Because sugar depletes your body of nutrients and suffocates cells, it causes inflammation more than any other single food. Artificial sweeteners are considered even more dangerous. Try to avoid both of these foods as much as you can.
Table Salt: Our bodies do need a certain amount of salt, but table salt, processed to remove all beneficial minerals, causes all kinds of medical problems. Switching to natural salts such as Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt will better provide your body with the beneficial salt it needs.
Meat & Dairy: Did you know that commercially-reared animals produce meat and dairy particularly prone to causing inflammation? These kinds of products are full of harmful hormones, diseases and antibiotics.
Artificial Additives: Our livers cannot adequately filter all the toxins that processed foods are full of. Much of this food contains artificial additives of various kinds, like flavorings, preservatives, emulsifiers, enhancers and colorings.
Gluten-Rich Grains: Some people are not aware that they are sensitive to the gluten found in many grains. To avoid this problem, try to consume more gluten-free alternatives such as sorghum, amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa.
High Fat Food: Foods that are full of bad fats can cause inflammation too. So try to cut out greasy fry-ups and the like.
Most Medicines: Medicines are designed not to reduce the cause of pain, but the sensation of pain. They are made with synthetic chemicals that are alien to the body and cannot be well-filtered by the liver. This can lead to subsequent side-effects.
Image courtesy of Depositphotos.comThere are a whole host of natural herbs and foods we can use that are both anti-inflammatory and pain relievers. Have a look at this handy list of 5 alternatives you can rustle up for yourself without any bother.
Turmeric: Whether it’s taken fresh or as a powdered extract, turmeric’s healing properties are well known.
Ginger: This tasty root is related to turmeric and shares its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Ginger is also known to ease digestion issues, as well as many other health problems.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: To get the best anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties, you will need a high dose of omega-3 (1200 - 2400 mg).
Beetroot: The health effects from drinking beetroot juice can be felt almost straight away. A small glass of this two or three times a day is just what the doctor ordered.
Herbs: You probably have some idea about the almost-magical healing properties of some herbs, click here to read more about the best of them.
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