Are OTC Painkillers Safe?
Pages in this Story:
- OTC Pain Med Misuse
- What Exercisers Should Know About OTC Painkillers
- How Pain Meds Work
- Natural Ways to Ease Pain
Natural Ways to Ease Pain
These supplements can relieve inflammation and soreness, according to Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, a FITNESS advisory board member and the director of Preventive and Alternative Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
Try This: GlucosamineA naturally occurring compound that helps prevent joint degeneration. Studies show that it eases inflammation and joint swelling and reduces pain as effectively as ibuprofen. The recommended dosage is 1,500 milligrams a day. Choose glucosamine sulfate over glucosamine hydrochloride; it's easier for your body to absorb.
Try This: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)A substance produced in the liver that maintains cartilage thickness and eases inflammation. A head-to-head test of SAM-e (1,200 milligrams a day) and the prescription NSAID Celebrex (200 milligrams a day) found that after two months, pain relief was the same with both. The suggested dosage is 200 milligrams three times a day; the butanedisulfonate salt form is preferred.
Try This: Omega-3 fatty acidsA one-two punch of omega-3s, found in fish oil, and glucosamine sulfate may be as effective as prescription meds. A 2009 study of patients with severe arthritis in the hip or knee revealed that combining glucosamine sulfate (1,500 milligrams) with omega-3 fatty acid supplements (200 milligrams) reduced pain and joint stiffness by more than 50 percent. The suggested daily intake is three to five grams.
Originally published in FITNESS magazine, May 2010.
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maryrodriguez, I suggest Melatonin to help you sleep. I've always had issues falling and staying asleep. I take melatonin an hour before bed and it helps a lot and it's all natural. Find it in the vitamin section anywhere.
5/20/2010 07:39:25 PM Report AbuseI have to agree with Kaylen Miller - what are recommended dosages and what are the alternatives. I have been taking ibuprofen/naproxen/acetaminophen - switching off every couple weeks between them, for years. The report on damage to the esophagus was particularly alarming as my brother died from esophageal cancer and although I have changed my diet to eliminate anything causing acid reflux, I have a little nagging pain when I swallow. Now I am worried.
5/20/2010 12:22:50 PM Report AbuseRegarding Tylenol PM.. 5 yrs ago I was my Alz. stricken Fathers caregiver. At 10 PM, before I started the night time wrestling match I would take 2 Tylenol PMs, I was so wound up I couldnt sleep afterwards, This went on for a year. I was having PAINS for days, went for a sono and instead of my gallbldder as the Docs suspected,, My liver was Swollen and pushing on the gallbladder. It subsided after 2 weeks and i was advised back then about tylenol/liver connection and Ive never taken 1 again.
5/20/2010 08:23:17 AM Report AbuseIt's true,I have an ulcer from taking too many ibuprofen and Goody powders for headaches. Now, I can't take anything that has aspirin/ibuprofen/naproxen in it or else I am back at the ER. Please take heed of their warning!! It can happen pretty quickly if you take too much!
5/19/2010 01:52:28 PM Report AbuseI don't usually take tablets, but pulled a muscle last week and have taken loads since then. My brother in law suggested I take four times the amount - now I'm going to change all that! Good timing for this article! thanks!
5/19/2010 01:09:39 PM Report Abuse