With chronic, long term NSAID use the incidence of liver and kidney conditions increases, gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers are well known adverse reactions, and research reveals that NSAIDs may actually decrease the body’s ability to produce the natural smooth cartilage inside our joints! So the very problem the drugs are made to treat, in this case joint pain and inflammation, might actually be part of the cause of the condition!
With this in mind, what are some other things we can try instead of reaching for the bottle of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories?
Eat a “non-inflammatory” diet. There are foods that contribute to inflammation, and others that suppress inflammation. When you are cooking or baking at home, try substituting all oils with olive oil. The other oils are omega 6 oils, which contribute to inflammation, whereas olive oil is an omega 9, which does not contribute to inflammation. Also, supplement your diet with fish oil (omega 3), which reduces inflammation. Krill oil is even better than regular fish oil.
Eliminate sugars, especially high fructose corn syrup from your diet. Research has shown that these products increase inflammation in the body, contributing to joint pain.
Research reveals that supplementing your diet with glucosamine sulfate can actually help repair cartilage tissues in the joints thereby reducing pain. Other supplements, like Protectin, (scutellaria baicelenesis extract and acacia catechu extract) have been found to reduce joint pain and inflammation. (I have these in my office… just in case you were wondering where you would find a good source.)
Warm up before you exercise! Stretch patiently every day! These activities allow your muscles and tendons to become more flexible, therefore causing less stress on your joints during activity.
Drink water! Don’t wait for thirst to remind you – drink all day!