Pain, pain go away

If you've had your ear to the ground over the last several months you might have heard rumblings of potential problems with over the counter pain relievers. The class of pain reliever in question is the NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and includes such popular offerings as Motrin, Advil and Aleve. Generic names include ibuprofen and ketoprofen. The concerns do not include aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

So what's the problem? These over the counter (or o-t-c) drugs are related to the prescription Cox 2 inhibitors like Vioxx (off the market) and Celebrex (still available). It has been well established that Cox 2 inhibitors increase the risk for a cardiovascular event. Now some experts are calling for more study into the NSAID's too.

Typically NSAID's and the stronger Cox 2 inhibitors are prescribed or used for chronic pain associated with inflammation of the soft tissue of the skeletal system and muscles including arthritis, acute sprains, strains and pulled muscles, chronic tendinitis and back pain.

Unfortunately, these drugs are often taken "by the handfuls" because people assume that a drug available without a prescription must be safe. Back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, head ache pain - any kind of pain - and we just toss back one or six! Not too good!

It has been known for many years that the use of NSAID drugs, both o-t-c and prescription, is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Individuals on "low dose" aspirin therapy, may increase their risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding by as much as 6 times when adding an NSAID to the mix. So exercise caution and if you feel you must take an anti-inflammatory of any kind, follow the dosing recommendations to the letter.

Drugs are risky - perhaps very risky, but when you've got pain, what can you do instead?

Another strategy for chronic inflammation and the pain that accompanies it, is to fight inflammation with food. An article featured on CNN discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of more Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. See the full article here: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/07/06/hm.omega.3/index.html

Another very effective way to fight inflammation is by increasing your fruit and vegetable consumption. This action occurs on several levels that researchers are currently looking at more closely. One mechanism may be that because fruits and vegetables are the best source of the full spectrum of antioxidants, inflammation may be reduced because antioxidants neutralize cell damaging free radicals. Less cell damage = less inflammation. Research is also being done on specific components or "phytonutrients" in fruits and vegetables including natural salicylates, that may also be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of produce.

Whatever the mechanics, fruits and vegetables work! Increase your fruit and vegetable consumption significantly above the minimum recommendations (aim for 10 servings a day!) and you may, over time, decrease inflammation and the pain that comes withit. Be advised: Fruits and vegetables are not BC Powder! You won't get immediate relief of symptoms, but over time with consistency you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you actually hurt less and without the side effects and risks of drugs. A higher fruit and vegetable intake does have some noticeable side benefits however. In addition to less pain you may: lose weight, have more energy, improve your cholesterol levels, and have smoother younger looking skin.

By the way, foods that increase inflammation: sugar, refined carbs of any kind, trans-fats, meat and alcohol.