There has been much literature published regarding the issue of in NSAIDs, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin, and many many others.
These medications are commonly taken for many conditions including headache, joint pain, arthritic symptoms, or other situations of discomfort.
NSAIDs work by blocking one of the body’s inflammation communication processes.
When this particular inflammatory process begins, there is increased activity of an enzyme called cyclooxyrgenase (COX). There are two forms of this in enzyme. COX-1 – helps maintain healthy function and keeps the inflammation process in balance, and COX-2 is turned on selectively when the inflammation response is activated.
Many NSAIDs block both actions. Bottom line, even if you are taking them on a temporary basis, NSAIDs still block the benefits of COX-1. Therefore, the problem lies in their over, and even improper, use.
More than 100,000 persons each year are brought to the emergency room with internal bleeding due to these drugs over usage. Additionally, more than 10,000 persons die each year from this cause. This, my friends, is one too many persons.
The body is created in general to control inflammation on its own at the symptom level by genetic regulatory processes. Therefore, these drugs interrupt a natural process. I will note, the usage may be necessary in temporary acute situations.
Natural Alternatives to NSAIDs
Historically we start with the use of a ginger, frankincense, and cur cumin.
Another often used family of compounds are isohumulones, derived from hops. Yes, these are indeed found in beer, but it doesn’t mean to quickly go get a six pack each time you hurt. You can find this in supplement form.
Other easily obtained substances that work well as anti-inflammatory mediators are found in phytonutrients. These are nutrients found in plants and actually evolved as a mechanism of protection.
Basically, a plant has to adjust and adapt to sun, pests, or any other conditions the environment may cast upon it. When we humans consume these type of plants, we reap the same protective benefits. These phytonutrients are found in such plant foods as licorice, green tea, blueberries, cranberries, grape skins, and pomegranates among others.
I do recommend obtaining all these sources from the organic variety. Simply put, processed foods have very few phytonutrients. The more processing, the less nutrition. That is why organic is always preferred.
NSAIDs indeed are both friend and foe.
Correct usage is appropriate in some circumstances, specifically in extreme pain. The usage should be temporary and rare.
Eating a nutritional plan that includes plenty of phytonutrients along with supplementation of nutrients such as those listed will certainly provide safe anti-inflammatory effects without serious side effects or death.
