can sometimes create more problems than they solve.
But there are healthy alternatives for managing pain!
The most frequently purchased over-the-counter medications are those for pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for the short-term. Thank goodness for pain relievers!
However, for the long-term, it’s important to ask: is masking the symptom of the pain the same as solving the problem that is creating the pain in the first place?
Habitual long-term use of these medications can sometimes cause problems such as arthritic changes, internal bleeding and more.
Healthy Strategies for Controlling Pain
“…developing a healthy wellness lifestyle today
will yield tremendous benefits for
a pain and inflammation-free future!”
The American Journal of Medicine estimated in 1998 that approximately 107,000 people are hospitalized each year for NSAID related GI complications. There were at least 16,500 NSAID deaths each year among arthritic patients.
fish & vegetable pain control
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The Standard American Diet (SAD) feeds the fire of inflammation because it is lacking in antioxidants and minerals and filled with pro-inflammatory foods like refined sugars, starches and hydrogenated oils.
A revitalizing diet consists of complex carbohydrates, quality fats and protein. Fish and vegetable sources of protein are less inflammatory than other animal-based proteins.
Detoxification
My experience as a naturopath has revealed to me that many people suffering with chronic pain are carrying a large toxic load inside that is burdening their bodies. A quality whole-body detoxification is paramount in reducing the inflammation in their bodies and pain level.
Strategic Nutrients
I have recognized that a great deal of chronic pain is inflammation-based. I look at natural nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. For this, I use nutrients, and botanicals or herbs.
Vitamin D is right at the top of my list of nutrients to use. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and in addition a Vitamin-D deficiency can be the cause of inflammation.
Essential Fatty Acids and Omega-3 fats in particular are buzz words today. Yet most people still are not aware of all their positive benefits.
While a maintenance dose of EFAs is 1400 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, a daily dose of 3000 to 5000 mg reduces both pain and inflammation. After a few months with this high dose of Omega-3 fats, it is best to switch to a blend of Omega-3, 6 and 9.
There are also the botanicals. Large amounts of research supports the use of herbs for the control of pain and inflammation. Herbs such as…
- ▸ celery seed
- ▸ ginger
- ▸ turmeric
- ▸ boswellia
…are an integral part of my practice for the control of pain and inflammation.
reduce inflammation and pain with holistic strategies and lifestyle habits
Enzymic Therapy
The prudent use of enzymes is an important aspect of the pain and inflammation protocol in my practice. Research shows us that enzymes:
- ⊙ speed up the inflammatory process and bring it to a conclusion
- ⊙ help clean up the waste products in an area like little “Pac Men” eating up biological debris
- ⊙ decrease pain and swelling
- ⊙ improve the supply of nutrients to an area
Developing a healthy wellness lifestyle today will yield tremendous benefits for a pain and inflammation-free future!
by Jim Harris ~ Jim is a Nutritional Consultant and graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute who recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.
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@Liz ~ a good night’s sleep is outrageously important; sleeping in a very dark room with good air quality on an excellent mattress — this is all good; however, I tend to think that how you eat that day is what impacts how well you sleep that night!
How can one tell how sleep fits into that equation? I always figured that the reason I looked particularly bad on certain mornings was because I didn’t sleep well/deeply enough.